Nearly 20% of people in the United States and around the world live with anxiety and panic disorders. Some people take prescription medications, including Valium, to reduce their symptoms and improve functioning.

Valium and other prescription anti-anxiety drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. Many people who develop Valium addiction require professional treatment to stop taking it and ongoing support to avoid relapse.

This article will explore Valium addiction treatment. You will learn:

If you or someone in your life struggles with Valium abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Valium?

Valium is the brand name for a drug called diazepam. Diazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat conditions including:

• Panic disorder
• Anxiety
• Restless leg syndrome
• Muscle spasms

Valium increases the amount of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This has a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS). This can help to reduce panic and anxiety symptoms.

Understanding Valium Abuse and Addiction

Valium is a benzodiazepine drug. Benzodiazepines like Valium have the potential for abuse and addiction. People may abuse their prescription Valium or take it recreationally (without a prescription).

People may like the way they feel when taking Valium and want to take more of it. Abusing Valium can have serious side effects and risks, including:

• Loss of coordination
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Aggression
• Violent behaviors
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Loss of motivation

People who abuse Valium may develop physical dependence or addiction. Prolonged Valium abuse can change how the brain and body work. These changes make it very hard to quit taking Valium, even when it causes significant harm.

People who become addicted to Valium may experience intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Many with Valium addiction need professional detox and treatment programs to stop using Valium and avoid relapse.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

What to Expect in a Valium Addiction Treatment Program

Valium addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment and ongoing support. Comprehensive treatment programs offer therapies to address the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction.

Here is an overview of Valium addiction treatment.

Levels of care

People have different needs during treatment for Valium addiction. There are several levels of care, including both inpatient programs and outpatient programs. Levels of addiction treatment include:

• Inpatient or residential treatment programs
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
• Dual diagnosis treatment programs (treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders)
• Outpatient rehab

Before starting treatment, a medical or addiction specialist assesses for physical and mental health conditions and symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD). This assessment will determine which level of care is right for a person’s needs.

Many addiction treatment centers in San Antonio offer multiple levels of care. This ensures that people get the tailored treatment plans they need at every stage of recovery.

Detox

Detoxing from benzodiazepines can be very challenging. Many people require the support of a medical detox program.

During detox, people receive treatment that can help them navigate detox safely. Valium detox  programs in San Antonio include:

• Medical supervision
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms like elevated blood pressure, nausea, depression, and more
• Emotional support
• Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition support

These therapies can keep people safe and on track as they work toward long-term recovery.

Treatment

After completing detox, people must participate in addiction treatment. Treatment programs in San Antonio include:

• Behavioral therapies
• Medication management
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies

Comprehensive treatment programs can help people address the complex roots of substance abuse and learn practical skills to prevent relapse.

Aftercare

After completing treatment, people must remain active in recovery. An aftercare plan can keep people on track. It may include:

• 12-step meetings
• Sober living
• Regular mental health and medical care
• Additional forms of treatment
• Therapy
• Support groups

Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about what to expect in Valium addiction treatment.

Do I Need Valium Addiction Treatment?

Recognizing Valium addiction is the first step toward getting life-saving treatment. Common signs of Valium addiction include:

• Running out of a prescription early
• Needing to take higher doses to get the desired effects
• Taking Valium without a prescription
• Having legal, financial, or social problems because of substance use
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it
• Continuing to take Valium even when it causes serious problems
• Doing illegal or dishonest things to get more Valium
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using Valium
• Wanting to stop taking Valium but feeling like it’s impossible to stop

Valium abuse can quickly turn into a dangerous addiction. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of Valium abuse or addiction.

Find Valium Addiction Treatment in San Antonio Now

If you or a loved one struggles with Valium abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs in San Antonio, Texas. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment now.

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Any Anxiety Disorder
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Diazepam (Valium)