Valium Detox Center in Port St. Lucie, FL
Frequently prescribed to treat anxiety, seizures, and severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, Valium is a benzodiazepine drug (benzo) that’s highly addictive. In fact, even taking Valium according to your doctor’s instructions for just four to six weeks can lead to physical dependency. When people are physically dependent upon Valium, they cannot stop taking this drug or limit its use without experiencing a number of uncomfortable physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
At Agape Detox Center, we’re well-versed in treating Valium addiction. We know that many people abuse benzos in their efforts to self-treat underlying mental health disorders that have yet to be properly managed. Not only is Valium an incredibly fast-acting drug, but it’s also long-lasting. This drug can easily become a crutch for someone who struggles with:
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- General anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
and other like issues. That’s why we also offer dual diagnosis treatment as part of our medically-supervised Valium detox program for every patient who needs it. With our holistic approach to addiction treatment and our vast range of medical and therapeutic interventions, we’re able to offer every one of our clients individualized and multi-pronged treatment plans. As such, Valium detox at Agape Detox Center in Port St. Lucie, FL is safe, comfortable, and successful.
What Is Valium?
Valium is the brand name for diazepam. Diazepam is a powerful benzodiazepine that’s capable of quickly muting psychological distress. Valium has a rapid and lasting calming effect. Valium is also a potent sedative and muscle relaxer. When people use this drug, they’re often impervious to physical and psychological pain.
Unfortunately, not only is Valium highly addictive, but it also allows for a rapid increase in individual tolerance. If you’ve used Valium consistently over the course of several weeks, you may be unable to achieve the same feelings of relaxation and euphoria that this substance once produced without taking more than you were initially prescribed. Thus, many people who take Valium for prolonged periods of time often continue using this drug just to feel “normal”.
Valium Addiction and Abuse
Benzodiazepine drugs affect the brain and body in ways that are very similar to the effects of alcohol use. That’s because benzos like Valium trigger massive surges in the same “feel good” neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which means that it blocks unpleasant feelings such as fear, anxiety, and stress by inhibiting key brain signals and decreasing central nervous system (CNS) activity.
Like all other benzodiazepines, Valium can have lasting and even potentially permanent effects on a person’s overall brain health. Using Valium to artificially create feelings of calm and general wellness disrupts the brain’s chemistry. Over time, GABA and other essential neurotransmitters become reliant upon continued benzo use for their production and release. GABA and other neurotransmitters can also become worn out and may begin to misfire. When this happens, a person who’s addicted to Valium will have no natural, built-in tools for alleviating or regulating feelings of stress. When Valium use is suddenly stopped, the brain and body send out widespread distress signals. People who detox from Valium without targeted support often feel emotionally overwhelmed and as though they cannot live without this drug.
Negative Effects of Valium Abuse
In addition to being habit-forming and allowing for rapid development of tolerance, Valium can have a considerable on general cognitive functioning. People who abuse Valium may begin to experience side effects such as:
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
- Nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating
- Learning difficulties
- Memory challenges and increasing forgetfulness
- Impaired judgment
Physically, Valium abuse can also result in bloody stools, blurry vision, constipation, and general digestive problems.
Valium Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms
Much like an alcohol detox, benzo detox is rarely safe to perform alone. GABA and other neurotransmitters that are affected by Valium addiction play key roles in many essential functions throughout the body. Disrupting the production and distribution of these neurotransmitters by misusing Valium for an extended period of time can cause many vital systems to flounder whenever benzo use is suddenly stopped. The body may struggle to regulate its own temperature, blood pressure levels can arise, and symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Stomach cramps
- Tremors
- Muscle weakness
Moreover, if these initial physical symptoms are not properly mitigated with the right medical interventions, they can progress and include the addition of new and more severe symptoms. Without support, people may additionally develop:
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Extreme confusion
- Rapid and irregular heart rates
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
Without constant monitoring and the right medical support at each stage of a Valium detox, withdrawal can result in lasting physical harm and can even prove fatal.
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Valium?
Because diazepam is a long-acting drug, some people may not experience withdrawal symptoms for up to one week after stopping Valium or tapering their doses. When valium withdrawal symptoms do present, they can last for three to four weeks depending upon the method of detox. For people who have used Valium heavily and for extended periods of time, gradually weaning away from this drug is often the safest and easiest choice. Weaning or tapering off of Valium can sometimes extend the duration of withdrawal symptoms. However, these systems are often far milder and far less dangerous all-around.
It’s additionally important to note that physical withdrawal is only one part of Valium detox. People can also experience significant psychological withdrawal symptoms throughout the first full month of their recoveries and beyond. These can include:
- Heightened anxiety
- Sleep troubles
- Panic attacks
- Extreme cravings for Valium
People detoxing from benzodiazepine drugs also experience a variety of prolonged, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS can last for one month or up to one full year. They represent the brain’s gradual process of healing and balancing its overall chemistry. PAWS can include sleep troubles such as prolonged bouts of insomnia, depression, feelings of hopelessness, malaise, and lack of motivation.
When Do You Need Detox for Valium Addiction?
Given just how addictive Valium truly is, people can need Valium detox support even after just several weeks of prescription diazepam use. You don’t have to abuse Valium to experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms after a prescription is tapered or ends. You should consider medical detox for Valium at Agape Detox Center if you’ve:
- Gone doctor-shopping to extend a Valium prescription
- Have purchased or stolen pills from others
- Paired Valium with alcohol, other benzos, or other substances to heighten its effects
- Lied about how much Valium you’re using
- Experienced significant consequences in your personal or professional life as the result of Valium abuse
Valium Detox at Agape Detox Center
Valium detox at Agape Detox Center is streamlined for both comfort and success. We start our care by performing complete physical and psychological evaluations of our clients. We use these assessments to devise customized care plans that meet the needs, abilities, and circumstances of every patient. During treatment, you’ll receive proven medical interventions for:
- Stabilizing your vital signs
- Promoting deep and restful sleep
- Alleviating physical and psychological pain
In addition to dual diagnosis treatment, we offer nutritional support, self-care training, group and individual counseling, and access to a diverse range of on-campus recreational activities. Our patients have access to both dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Best of all, as soon as you’re willing and ready, you can transition into our inpatient program for continued treatment and support.
What to Expect During Detox
We understand that the symptoms of withdrawal from any benzodiazepine drug can be overwhelming. That’s why we start providing targeted interventions just as soon as our clients arrive. Immediately after you’ve entered our facility, you’ll undergo your initial medical examination and psychological evaluation. This will give us the opportunity to assess your current pain levels and ensure that we’re always providing the right type and level of support.
After you’ve taken a quick tour of our facility, you’ll have the opportunity to settle into your room. Our team members will regularly drop by to monitor your vital signs and to ensure your overall well-being. We offer sleep support, nutritional support, stress management services, and many other natural tools for alleviating the discomfort of Valium detox.
As your valium withdrawal symptoms gradually abate and your mind and body become ready, you can begin participating in individual and group therapy, and taking part in other on-campus activities. In gorgeous southern Florida, there are countless ways to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself, even as you move through the earliest and most challenging stages of addiction recovery.
Why Choose Agape for Valium Detox?
Agape Detox Center takes a whole-health approach to help our clients reach their wellness goals. Our detox program is designed to establish a stable foundation for long-term addiction recovery. It’s also customized to suit the needs and circumstances of each individual. This allows for a safer and more comfortable withdrawal process. In some instances, and with the right targeted support, detox can also be shorter.
Contact Agape and Get Started Today
If you’ve been struggling with Valium addiction, don’t let the fear of withdrawal-related pain keep you from reclaiming your life. When you visit our peaceful, Port St. Lucie facility for treatment, you’ll have the benefit of a gorgeous, tranquil setting and access to a talented team of seasoned medical professionals. Call Agape Detox Center today to speak with one of our admissions counselors.
