Diazepam Addiction & Treatment

Diazepam is most commonly used to treat anxiety and seizures, and it’s significantly more addictive than many similar drugs, causing a reliance which damages every other aspect of the addict’s life.

Understanding Diazepam Addiction

The effects of Diazepam abuse

Because of its calming effects, Diazepam is often abused because users need to take it to feel an ‘escape’ from everyday life. Abuse is common in those who are dealing with the aftermath of a highly stressful life change or major event. Some people take the drug to get high and forget about their worries and daily stressors, while others take it as they feel they need it just for their brain to function properly. This is in the case of severe addiction. Some of the major signs of Diazepam abuse are:

  • Cravings for larger doses of the drug (and more frequently)
  • A craving to feel the effects of Diazepam
  • Crushing and snorting the drug
  • An intent focus on purchasing and using Diazepam
  • Disinterest in hobbies, work/education and family life
  • Taking Diazepam even if it is taking a toll on an individual’s general health
  • Doing things that are out of character or considered high risk
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if Diazepam isn’t taken, or if the user tries to cut down

Warning signs of a Diazepam addiction

Diazepam addiction can develop over a period of time following abuse of the drug. Even at lower doses, Diazepam can greatly affect brain and cognitive function if taken in any other way than that prescribed by a doctor. In younger abusers, Diazepam is often mixed with alcohol and heroin/other opioids, increasing the risk of overdose or even death. Warning signs to look out for include:

  • Failed attempts to stop using Diazepam
  • A disinterest in usual work and family life
  • Continued taking of Diazepam, despite the associated health risks
  • Hallucinations
  • Feeling disorientated and confused
  • Fluctuating moods, including swings between feeling calm and aggression/hostility
  • Feeling light-headed and faint
  • Muscle tremors
  • Incontinence
  • Slow heart rate and trouble breathing

Diazepam withdrawal symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms of Diazepam can be very uncomfortable to experience, therefore it is often advised to detox from Diazepam in a controlled environment where the symptoms can be carefully monitored and the person suffering can be emotionally supported. Feeling frightened, panicked and anxious is very common when experiencing Diazepam withdrawal. This is because the drug keeps these feelings at bay when it is taken. The sufferer may also feel as if they are ‘losing their mind’, and may feel particularly ‘up and down’ in their moods. Other withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Feeling apprehensive
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Tinnitus
  • Feeling very low / depression
  • Feeling sick/vomiting
  • Blurry vision and hallucinations
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Raised blood pressure and an increased heartbeat (tachycardia)
  • Muscle cramps/pain
  • Joint pain
  • Seizures

Diazepam Addiction Statistics

1,595

diazepam related deaths between 2010-2016

29.3%

of drug-related suicide attempts involve benzodiazepines

4X

more diazepam related deaths today than in 1993

26th

most commonly prescribed drug in the UK

Diazepam addiction treatment - Getting help

Whether you or someone you love will be an inpatient or outpatient for Diazepam addiction will be largely dependent on the severity of their addiction. If there are underlying medical conditions arising from the abuse, ongoing monitoring and medical care will be needed. Residential treatment may be required. Other forms of treatment include counselling and group therapy, as well as educational programs on how to overcome cravings and the nature of drug addiction. Some patients find that cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation, hypnotherapy, mindfulness and motivational enhanced therapy all help them to overcome their behavioural patterns.

Medically Assisted Diazepam Detox

Diazepam is a highly addictive drug that can destroy lives if abused. It is often necessary in cases of severe addiction to undertake a detox programme to ensure personal health and safety. During a detox program, individuals are carefully monitored and supported, and medications are administered if withdrawal symptoms become serious, life-threatening or very uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms can be painful, which is when there is a greater risk of relapse. To avoid relapse, a detox programme is always recommended to ensure safety. When undertaking a Diazepam detox, a patient will be assessed and our team will determine the severity of their addiction and any other medical complications that arise from it. It is important for patients to be honest and tell us of any other drugs they might be taking. During the detox process, patients will be monitored and supervised in our comfortable in-patient facility.

The Addiction Treatment Process

The addiction treatment process involves a free assessment with our Treatment Advisors to determine your needs. This could vary from home detoxing to residential rehab or online therapy. Whatever your circumstance we can help!