Valium Addiction
Valium is a schedule IV drug and has the capability of being a sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant drug. Valium is generally used to treat short-term anxiety or insomnia. The drug can lead an individual to the development of tolerance, physiological and psychological dependency when used for long periods.
Valium is useful for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. In cases of alcohol withdrawal, Valium may be useful in the relief of hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, tremors, or delirium tremens. It is useful for the relief of muscle spasms caused by neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, and tetanus. It can also be very useful in the treatment of recurrent convulsive seizures.
Side Effects of Valium Include:
• Lethargy, fatigue, difficulty walking, mental confusion, depression, difficulty with speech, headache, dizziness, tremor and sleepiness
• Constipation, nausea, vomiting
• Loss of bladder control, impotence, failure to maintain erection
• Slow heart rate, low blood pressure and shock.
• Altered vision, double vision,
• Skin rash, hiccups, mouth dryness, liver problems
Sometimes an individual will develop conflicting reactions to valium which may include anxiety, hyper excitation, hallucinations, increased muscle spasms, insomnia, and anger. All individuals who take long term valium should have their liver function regularly monitored. Although valium is invaluable in the treatment of anxiety disorders, it has the potential for abuse and may cause dependency or addiction. It is important to differentiate between addiction and normal physical dependency on valium. A number of valium abusers also abuse other illicit drugs. Valium is usually a secondary drug of abuse, used mainly to increase the "high" obtained from other drugs. It is important to remember that even legitimate and therapeutic uses of valium can be associated with a risk of addiction and physical or psychological dependency.
Withdrawal symptoms of valium include:
- Convulsions
- Tremor
- Stomach and muscle cramps
- Vomiting
- Sweating
The symptoms usually occur when the intake of the drug is suddenly stopped. The more severe withdrawal symptoms are usually experienced by people who have used Valium in large quantities for extended periods of time. Generally, milder withdrawal symptoms are experienced after quitting for people who have been taking valium intermittently for a few months. As with any major prescription drug, a gradual tapering off should be scheduled and followed with the help of a qualified professional. Addiction-prone individuals (such as drug addicts or alcoholics) should be extra careful surveillance when receiving valium or other psychotropic drugs because of their predisposition to develop a habit of addiction and dependence on it.
Long-term valium use usually leads to some form of tolerance and/or dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Fast heart rate/palpitations
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Tremors/ hyperactivity
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Agitation
Any individual on long-term or high dosage of valium should be slowly and carefully weaned off the drug, preferably under medical supervision by a physician who is a specialist in addiction medicine. Withdrawal symptoms can usually be avoided or minimized by very gradually tapering off the drug over a period of many weeks or even months.
Patrick McLemore has been a recovering alcoholic and drug addict since June 6, 2005. Patrick widely known as an expert in the field of addictions, he has not only studied the topic extensively, but has lived it. Patrick has worked with the Manor House Recovery Center for over two years. During that time he has been instrumental in the recovery and continued sobriety of numerous recovering alcoholic and drug addicts.
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