How to help a Valium addict

Practical ways that you can start helping a Valium addiction NOW.

4
minute read

Is someone close to you addicted to Valium?  Are you perhaps an addict yourself?

The good news is, there are effective treatments available for anyone who exhibits Valium addiction signs. Here, we address what to expect during Valium addiction treatment so that you can get educated before you can start helping an addict.  So what is the process of getting help for Valium addiction?  We review here. At the end, we invite your additional questions or experiences. We try to respond to all legitimate queries with a personal and prompt response.

Help a Valium addict quit

When someone has a drug problem, it”s not always easy to know what to do. There are some basic things that you need to know, however.

1. Valium can trigger dependence.

Dependence on a drug occurs after regular, consistent dosing. If you or a loved one have become dependent on Valium, this means that you will need to taper off the drug with the help of a physician. This is because diazepam – the main ingredient in Valium – can trigger serious withdrawal symptoms if you quit Valium cold turkey.

2. Detox is just the beginning.

There are specific ways to quit Valium. However, a Valium addict will not only need to address physical dependence. S/He must also address the psychological and emotional issues which compelled drug abuse in the first place. This is why getting off Valium is just the first step in addiction treatment.

3. You will need professional help.

Contact a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist for medical advice and help with Valium addiction treatment. Medications can be prescribed during Valium withdrawal, but medical supervision is needed throughout the process. Follow up aftercare may consist of a combination of physical, behavioral, and psychological therapies.

Keep in mind that treatments for Valium addiction generally begin with a slow detoxification process. Tapering off Valium over a period of weeks or months can help lessen the severity and intensity of withdrawal symptoms. As a follow-up to the detoxification program, recovering addicts are encouraged to pursue psychological therapy, group therapy, and other programs to prevent the possibility of relapse.

Helping a Valium addict friend

If someone you know is abusing or misusing prescription drugs, encourage him or her to talk to a psychotherapist, trained addiction counselor, or a trusted mentor. There are also anonymous resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) in the case of emergencies.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) is a crisis hotline that can help with a lot of issues, not just suicide. For example, anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal; family and friends who are concerned about a loved one; or anyone interested in mental health treatment referrals can call this Lifeline. Callers are connected with a professional nearby who will talk with them about what they”re feeling or about concerns for family and friends.

In addition, the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) – offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – refers callers to treatment facilities, support groups, and other local organizations that can provide help for their specific needs.

Self help Valium addiction

If you have been using therapeutic doses of Valium AS PRESCRIBED, it may be possible to you stop taking Valium at home. However, you must only start reducing Valium doses under medical supervision! If you are tapering doses of Valium with the help of your prescribing doctor, the detox process can be slow but managed at home. Success is always greater for those who visit their doctor weekly and have some sort of follow up plan.

If you think you may be addicted to Valium or have been taking high doses of diazepam, experts DO NOT RECOMMEND that you quit Valium at home. Seek medical help at an inpatient detox clinic or hospital. Quitting Valium is most successful when you arrange psychotherapy, doctor check-in appointments or have a supportive community you can interact with while you are going through a cleansing process. Furthermore, there are ways to treat Valium withdrawal symptoms and help support your body as you are flushing diazepam out of your body…especially in cases of long term or high dose Valium use.

Get help Valium addiction

There are several ways to find help for addiction. But who can you seek help from directly? The following resources can help you address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Addiction treatment centers – Browse our “Find Treatment” tool to identify Valium addiction treatment options near you.

Internet – The Internet is a great resource to learn more about a Valium addiction, which can affect the memory, cause drowsiness, depression, and confusion. Search .GOV and .EDU sites to ensure you are getting evidence based information about Valium addiction and its treatment.

Licensed psychologist – Psychologists and counselors are certified in addressing the psycho-emotional elements of drug addiction.

Physician – Visit your family doctor who will listen to you and can offer valuable feedback or even provide an initial screening for Valium addiction. S/He can provide you with a list of addiction treatment providers, support groups, or refer you to counseling.

Psychiatrist – These medical doctors specialize in treating chemical addictions. Seek a referral from your family doctor or look in a local directory to find psychiatrists that treat addiction near you.

Speak to loved ones – If you feel you have to take Valium and it has become a crutch for normal living, you need to speak to someone immediately. Reach out to those closest to you or seek help from an addiction support group to help you through the difficult times.

Helping a Valium addict questions

Do you still have questions about helping a Valium addict? Please leave them here. We will try answer all legitimate questions personally and promptly.

Reference sources: NIDA Drug Abuse: Facts on CNS Depressants
Benzo: THE BENZODIAZEPINES: WHAT THEY DO IN THE BODY
SEMEL Institute: Benzodiazepine Addiction
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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