Valium is a popularly used prescription benzodiazepine,
which is prescribed liberally for the treatment of anxiety and disorders
associated with anxiety such as insomnia. Benzodiazepines such as Valium
account for 20% of the total number of prescriptions written annually in the
U.S., to highlight the popularity of these drugs and their use in medicine. One
of the problems with Valium is that while it may produce a sense of calm and
euphoria users are looking for when taking the drug, it is extremely easy to
become dependent to these effects and hence dependent to Valium even after
short-term use. This isn’t just a problem when individuals abuse Valium
non-medically, but can also occur through legitimate use if someone has a
prescription for the drug.
Many individuals are under the assumption that Valium is
safe to use non-medically for recreational purposes because it is a legal
medical drug used by so many people every day. When used as prescribed there is
little danger, except for the fact that most users become dependent to Valium
and have trouble getting off of the drug without intervention. When abused
non-medically however, many users don’t use the drug as prescribed and in many
cases use Valium in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol. Doing so greatly
increases the risks associated with serious side effects and even overdose. The
risks associated with experiencing serious side effects and overdose are
particularly greater when consuming Valium in conjunction with alcohol, as both
are depressants and an individual experiencing an overdose because of this may
go to sleep and never wake up.
Because Valium causes dependence so quickly in both legitimate
and non-medical users, individuals who use Valium will experience withdrawal
syndrome if they suddenly stop taking the drug. While most drug withdrawal
isn’t typically life threatening, this isn’t the case with benzodiazepines.
Because seizures and other serious symptoms are common with benzodiazepine
withdrawal, individuals will need to receive professional detox services when
coming off of Valium abruptly once dependence has developed at a hospital,
detox facility or drug rehab program who can deliver such services. In such facilities,
individuals are typically weaned off Valium slowly to avoid symptoms which
could be life threatening.
In instances
where someone has become dependent to Valium, there are usually underlying
reasons why this occurred and underlying causes for their stress and anxiety
which prompted them to want to take Valium in the first place. This is why any
detox services should always be followed up with a comprehensive treatment plan
such as that offered at Narconon Fresh Start. At Narconon Fresh Start, we can
help clients identify the stressors in their life, which could be certain
situation from the past or present and even people in their lives which cause
anxiety. Once identified, treatment counselors at Narconon Fresh Start can them
help clients develop better coping skills to use in their lives so that they
can handle stress and anxiety better, and not turn to any type of drugs as an
escape or remedy.
