Millions of people become addicted to drugs every year, sometimes to illegal substances and sometimes accidentally due to prescription medications. It’s important once you or a loved one has become addicted to drugs to know what to do to get sober. Each and every drug is different and the symptoms of addiction that go along with it are different as well. Understanding the specifics of the drug that the person is addicted to will help with the process to get sober.
At Hillside Mission Recovery we believe in giving our clients all the information they need to maximize their chances for recovery. In this post we discuss the drug valium and why it is important if you become addicted to valium to go to valium detox today.
What Is Valium?
Valium is a commonly prescribed medication primarily used as an anti anxiety drug. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These drugs most often work by either enhancing or inhibiting the function of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Valium is also prescribed for a number of other medical issues including alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, stiffness, and in combination with other drugs to treat seizures.
The generic name for the drug is diazepam and it can come in a variety of forms and strengths depending on the intended use. This is what makes it difficult to determine whether a person is using valium or not. In many cases, a person is prescribed this drug to treat a persistent issue which then leads to long term use.
Drugs like valium that act on the neurotransmitters of the brain have a tendency to have side effects as well so there is some risk associated with taking the drug, particularly if the user has certain medical conditions.
Is Valium Addictive?
Like most drugs that interact with the body in some way, valium is indeed addictive. In fact, because it acts directly on the brain, there is a high likelihood that valium can become addictive, especially over prolonged use.
The trouble with valium is that addiction often occurs unexpectedly because a person is prescribed the drug to treat a legitimate issue. Over time the body develops a tolerance to the drug that requires the person to take more of it to see the same effects. As the dosage increases, so too does the dependency until ultimately the person becomes addicted. Once addicted, the person may begin to use the drug in manners in which it was not intended, exceeding their assigned dosage and changing their behavior as a result.
There are several physical warning signs that a person is abusing valium as well. Some of these symptoms include:
- Slurred speech
- Dilated pupils
- Change in appetite
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Alterations in general mood
While these symptoms are specific to valium, a person addicted may also exhibit more common signs of addiction.
Common signs of addiction include withdrawing from life responsibilities, social circles, and family or friends. Persons addicted to drugs may also engage in negative behavior in order to obtain the drugs and this may get them in trouble.
Why You Should Go to Valium Detox Today
The first step to getting clean and sober is realizing there is a problem and deciding to get treatment at a licensed treatment facility. This can be a difficult part of the process because persons addicted may feel ashamed or embarrassed that they have an addiction.
Once a person agrees to get treatment, the next step is to go to a facility for detox. Detox at a safe medically supervised facility is the best way to get clean of valium and minimize the risk for side effects and the potential for relapse.
At Hillside Mission Recovery we provide luxury inpatient recovery for our clients that begins with an evaluation, followed by detox, and then a personalized treatment plan. Without detox and individualized care, a person is much more likely to continue using. We know that recovery is hard, but with the right treatment, the odds of success are much greater that a person can not only get sober but stay sober for the long term.
