Treatment For Valium (Diazepam) Addiction

Valium is a long-acting Benzodiazepine, so it can take time for someone’s body to readjust after they decide to quit. Recovering from an addiction to Valium takes a combined approach of tapering down doses and attending therapy.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Valium Addiction

For many, withdrawal symptoms are the hardest part of a Valium addiction, but medically assisted treatment can ease these symptoms.

The symptoms are more intense for those who took larger, more frequent doses. The process of Valium detox might last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Abruptly quitting can be dangerous.

More and more people are getting treatment for their Valium addiction. In 2008, over 60,000 people entered treatment for an addiction to Benzodiazepines like Valium.

Slowly, under medical supervision, I became a “normal” person again. I still get weird panic over silly things, as well as the odd tension head and backaches. But I feel largely myself again.

- Former Valium addict “Felicity Jones,” Vice, 2014

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Top Rehabs For Valium Addiction

Those heavily addicted to Valium or who also suffer from an addiction to another substance often choose to begin recovery in rehab. There are many Valium treatment centers with a strong record of recovery, each with their own approach to addiction treatment. Some of the top rehabs for people addicted to Valium include:

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is crucial to the recovery process and is proven to increase the chance of a successful recovery without relapse for those with a history of heavy Valium abuse.

Inpatient rehab is also a good choice for those struggling with a polysubstance addiction. Those addicted to more than one substance require treatment for each existing addiction. The symptoms of Valium withdrawal can mimic symptoms of withdrawal from other substances. But an addiction specialist can specialize treatment for polysubstance addictions.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 95 percent of people admitted to rehab in 2011 for an addiction to Benzodiazepines like Valium also struggled with another substance of abuse.

Inpatient rehab programs usually vary from 28 to 90 days. Some last even longer, although they generally offer recovering addicts more autonomy the longer they are in treatment. The length of time spent in rehab depends on the severity of the Valium addiction and whether the person has any other needs, such as treating a co-occurring mental health disorder.

People addicted to Valium should look for rehabs that offer medically assisted detox. These rehabs have physicians on staff to monitor residents during detox and prevent issues such as seizures, which can be life-threatening.

Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment with people on staff 24 hours a day. Daily routines vary from rehab to rehab but often include group meetings, chores, one-on-one therapy, planned activities and career counseling.

Outpatient And Ongoing Treatment

People diagnosed with mild to moderate Valium addictions often choose an outpatient clinic to help them get sober. Outpatient programs may suit some people better than inpatient rehab, especially those who are only addicted to Valium. Outpatient rehab is also generally recommended for individuals who have completed inpatient rehab so that they can continue treatment after they leave, greatly increasing the chances of remaining sober.

These programs help addicts taper down their Valium doses without putting their professional and personal lives on hold. They usually make weekly visits to the clinic to renew their Valium prescriptions, which are gradually adjusted by an addiction specialist until the addict can safely stop taking the pills.

Detox alone doesn’t address underlying behavioral and psychological issues that led to, or were caused by, a Valium addiction.

Counseling and therapy is an important part of outpatient rehab. Seeing a counselor helps individuals in early recovery learn how to manage cravings and maintain abstinence from Valium.

Once a former Valium user is fully detoxed, ongoing treatment can help them avoid relapse. Ongoing treatment may involve continuing therapy or attending 12-step meetings. These are also good options for people readjusting to life after rehab.

Some tips to help former Valium users avoid relapse include:

  • Find a new hobby

    Engaging in a project that requires full attention is one of the best ways to distract oneself from Valium cravings. Some hobbies that recovering addicts have picked up include cooking, painting or drawing, and even playing video games. These are also healthy coping skills for boredom, which can be a huge trigger for recovering addicts.

  • Get a healthy amount of sleep

    Having healthy sleeping habits is proven to reduce stress, anxiety and improve concentration. This can lessen the temptation to use Valium.

  • Maintain diet and exercise

    Just like the benefits of healthy sleep, having a good diet and getting exercise helps the brain naturally reduce stress and improve cognition. Additionally, exercise is another hobby that can be a good distraction in the midst of a craving.

  • Continue counseling and meetings

    Too many people relapse because they assume that detox is the only step of recovery. Difficulties and the desire to take Valium are sure to arise after detox, and a counselor and support group can keep former users on the right track.

  • Avoid ALL mood altering substances

    Individuals who struggle with Valium addiction are at high risk of relapse if they drink alcohol or use any mood-altering substance, prescribed or not.

Find A Valium Rehab

The first step to beating a Valium addiction is deciding to quit and getting help. If you’ve considered the possibility that you may need help quitting Valium, you probably do — even if it’s just a matter of safely detoxing.

There are many ways to afford treatment. There are financing options, rehabs that accept insurance and programs for people who don’t have insurance. Paying for treatment shouldn’t keep you from treatment for a Valium addiction.

A treatment provider can help you determine options. Contact a treatment provider today for more information.