Withdrawal Timeline of Valium Detox

For individuals who have been overusing their prescribed Valium or taking the drug recreationally, quitting can be very challenging. Valium, or diazepam, has powerful effects on the brain and nerves. In a matter of weeks, the body and mind can develop a tolerance to this tranquilizing medication or the need for higher doses of Valium to achieve the same effects. With continued heavy use, dependence and addiction can develop. When the brain and body are deprived of the drug too quickly, serious withdrawal symptoms can occur.

Although the timeline of Valium withdrawal varies depending on how long the individual has used the drug and how much he has been taking, symptoms tend to follow general patterns that can be tracked with a timeline. Going through withdrawal at a medical detox facility presents much less risk to the user and provides both clinical and psychosocial support to the individual in recovery.

Admission and acute withdrawl

According toForbes Magazine, Valium remains one of the most popular psychiatric medications in the United States, although its use has waned since the 1970s. As a result, there continues to be a need for progressive, effective detoxification services for diazepam and other drugs in the family of benzodiazepines. A safe, comprehensive detox program begins with a full assessment of the patient’s physical, psychological, and psychosocial needs. This information can be used to develop a personalized treatment plan for detoxification. In the first days of withdrawal, as the drug leaves the body, patients in Valium detox may experience some the following symptoms:

• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Sleep disturbances
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

Seizures may occur in users who have been taking high doses of Valium or who have been using the drug for a long time. The primary goal of medical detox is to prevent withdrawal symptoms or reduce their intensity while keeping the patient as stable and comfortable as possible. With this goal in mind, advanced detox facilities offer medication-assisted detoxification, gradual Valium dose reduction, and continuous medical monitoring by nurses and other clinical personnel.

Detoxification and late withdrawal

Each individual has a unique history that influences the duration and severity of withdrawal. However, the process of Valium withdrawal has been studied since the 1970s, and researchers have found that symptoms typically last for up to a month or more, with the intensity of withdrawal varying over that time. A study of recovering Valium users published in theCanadian Medical Association Journalfound that most patients experienced a peak of symptoms by the first two to three weeks.

A physician-prescribed drug taper, or a slow reduction of the amount of Valium the patient is taking, helps to ease the impact of withdrawal on the central nervous system and prevent life-threatening seizures. Symptoms like anxiety, sleeplessness, dizziness, and nausea can be addressed with other medications or with holistic therapies.

From detox to rehab and beyond

Recovery from Valium abuse doesn’t end with detox. In a full-spectrum recovery program, psychosocial support is available to help the patient make a seamless transition from the detox phase to a residential or outpatient rehab program. In rehab, patients undergo intensive therapy and behavioral modification training to identify the causes of addiction and develop strong coping skills that will help them sustain their sobriety.

Medical detox services at The Recovery Village in centralFloridaprovide an atmosphere of safety, support, and comfort during the challenging phases of Valium withdrawal. After successfully completing a detox program, clients are ready to advance to the next stages of recovery at our luxury residential treatment facility. Admissions coordinators are ready to talk with you or chat online about the progressive substance abuse treatment.