Valium®, is also known by the trade names Diazepam and Novodipam®, is a prescription benzodiazepine derivative drug (or benzo for short) and it is commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, acute alcohol or opiate withdrawal, and muscle spasms. It may also be prescribed before certain medical procedures (such as endoscopies) to reduce tension and anxiety, and in some surgical procedures to induce amnesia, because it possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant and amnestic properties. Valium®, like all of the benzodiazepine class of drugs, has the potential for addiction and abuse. Although it is not manufactured illegally, Valium® is still often diverted to the black market, particularly in the United States where Valium® is both one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines and one of the most highly abused prescription drugs. The state of relaxation, anxiolysis, and disinhibition induced by Valium® is the main reason for its illicit use and is the cause for addiction. Polydrug abusers (someone who already uses at least one substance in a recreational context) are at a particularly high risk for Valium® addiction, abuse, and continued misuse without treatment.

However, the following signs can also be an indicator of potential problems with Valium® addiction in the future:

• Patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse and/or dependence

• Patients with severe personality disorders or emotional instability

• Patients with anxiety disorders

Side effects of Valium® abuse may occur and are more likely the higher the dosage taken, these include:

• Somnolence

• Suppression of REM sleep

• Addiction

• Impaired motor function

o Impaired coordination

o Impaired balance

o Dizziness and nausea

• Depression

• Impaired learning

• Anterograde amnesia (especially pronounced in higher doses)

• Cognitive deficits

• Reflex tachycardia

Over the past few years, SouthCoast Recovery has been treating Valium® addiction more then ever before. This past year alone, a large majority of the clients that come to SCR for addiction treatment have been abusers of Valium®, Xanax®, Klonopin®, or other benzodiazepine class drugs. Almost all of these clients have been under the age of 25. SouthCoast’s program helps all addicts that are dealing benzodiazepine addiction, but young people are the biggest population that we have been treating in the past years. Finding a place that will approach anyone’s outlook on life, as a benzodiazepine addict is something that we do not take lightly. It is important for families looking for help with Valium® addiction to look at various rehabilitation solutions and make sure that a program specific to benzodiazepine drugs is available.

Valium® as with other benzodiazepine drugs can cause physical dependence, addiction and what is known as the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal from Valium® or other benzodiazepines often leads to withdrawal symptoms which are similar to those seen during alcohol and barbiturate withdrawal. The higher the dose and the longer duration the drug is taken for the greater the risk of experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can occur from prescribed dosages and also after very short-term use. Treatment with Valium® should be discontinued as soon as possible via a slow and gradual dose reduction regime. It has been shown in a clinical study that 100% of patients on low dose Valium® therapy long-term, are physically dependent on their medication. Increased ratings of dizziness, blurred vision, heart pounding, feelings of unreality, pins and needles, nausea, sweatiness, noises louder than usual, jitteriness, things moving, sensitivity to touch and panic attacks may be experienced as withdrawal symptoms in low therapeutic dose long term users of Valium® when discontinuing their medication. Rebound anxiety, more severe than baseline anxiety, is also a common withdrawal symptom when discontinuing Valium® or other benzodiazepines. Valium® is therefore only recommended for short-term therapy at the lowest possible dose owing to risks of severe withdrawal problems from low doses even after gradual reduction. There is a significant risk of pharmacological dependence on Valium® and patients experiencing the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome if it is taken for 6 weeks or longer.

Factors which determine the severity of the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome as a a result of quitting Valium® include:

• dosage

• length of abuse

• frequency of dosing

• method of withdrawal

• personality characteristics of the individual

• previous use of cross dependent/cross tolerant drugs (history of alcohol abuse or addiction to other sedative and/or hypnotic drugs)

• current use of cross dependent/cross tolerant drugs (current alcohol addiction or addiction to other sedatives and/or hypnotic drugs)

Benzodiazepines including Valium® in animal studies have been shown to increase reward seeking behaviors by increasing impulsivity which may suggest an increased risk of addictive behavioral patterns with usage of Valium® or other benzodiazepines. Valium® is often found as an adulterant in heroin. This may be because Valium® greatly amplifies the effects of opioids. Sometimes Valium® is used by stimulant users like abusers of Cocaine, Crack, or Meth, to help “come down” and get to sleep.

Valium® other benzodiazepines including, Temazepam, Nitrazepam and Flunitrazepam account for the largest volume of forged drug prescriptions in Scandanavia, a total of 52% of drug forgeries being for benzodiazepines, by doctor hopping. Valium® was detected in 26% of cases of people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs in Sweden and its active metabolite Nordazepam was detected in 28% of cases. Many drivers had blood levels far exceeding the therapeutic dose range suggesting a high degree of abuse potential for Valium® and other benzodiazepines. In Northern Ireland, in cases where drugs were detected in samples from impaired drivers who were not impaired by alcohol, Valium® and other benzodiazepines were found to be present in 87% of cases, with Valium® being the most commonly detected benzodiazepine.

SouthCoast Recovery utilizes the most cutting edge Valium® addiction treatment detox methods such as NTR to help ease our clients through detox, making this phase as comfortable as possible. The medical and social problems of Valium® addiction are extremely diverse and far-reaching, as a result, SouthCoast brings solutions to the client in a way are tangible and easy to apply. Taking this into consideration we have put together a program that takes the mind, body, spirit approach to the client’s lives. We think that this is the best way to bring the client all of the Valium® treatment opportunities that we have.

We CAN help… CALL NOW.

1-866-742-4143

At SouthCoast Recovery Valium® Treatment Center, we understand the pain and suffering that can make it tough to get clean from Valium®. Valium® addicts often have many serious physical and psychological problems that can be dangerous to themselves or others if not properly cared for. Our knowledgeable staff can help Valium® abusers overcome their unique challenges in a safe, structured environment.

Valium® Treatment Services/Options:

• Intervention services • Physical health evaluation • Medically-supervised, social model and holistic detox options • Medication to help with cravings, pain and sleep • Continued physical care throughout recovery • Psychological evaluation for dual diagnosis of problems such as depression and anxiety, which may be underlying causes of abuse • Individual psychological treatment • Individual counseling • Family counseling • Hypnotherapy • Valium® abuse education • Health and wellness education • Denial management • Relapse prevention • Anger management • Acupuncture for pain management, stress reduction and decreased cravings • Detoxification massage therapy • Meditation for stress reduction, a calmer mind, reduced cravings and clarity • Fitness sessions at gym (24-Hour Fitness) • Integration of 12-step principles and Narcotics Anonymous meetings • Structure, guidance and practice for long-term sobriety

Individual Attention

Getting clean takes courage, guidance, and structure. SouthCoast Recovery Valium® Treatment Center offers intervention, detox, medication and treatment to conquer Valium® addiction. Our world-class clinical staff offers daily individual attention to get to the heart of the problem, deal with the wreckage and build the framework for a new, sobriety-based life.

We offer affordable, effective rehabilitation on the cutting-edge. Valium® addiction requires extended care. We offer 30, 60 and 90-day Valium® Treatment programs tailored to the individual’s needs. We blend clinical and holistic Valium® Treatment methods to renew mind, body and spirit while restoring relationships, goals and purpose. This prepares our clients for long-term sobriety, allowing our Valium® addiction treatment program to excel where others fail.

It’s about living… CALL NOW.

1-866-742-4143

FAQ About Valium

---

Q) What is Valium? A) Valium is a drug of the Benzodiazepine sedative class. Valium (diazepam) acts on the limbic, thalmic and hypothalmic regions of the central nervous system to potentiate the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters. Q) Is the difference between Valium and Diazepam? A) There is no actual difference between Valium and Diazepam. Diazepam is the generic form of Valium which is the name brand manufactured by Roche.

---

Q) What does Valium look like?

A) Valium in mainly available in tablets. The 2mg tablet is white, the 5mg tablet is yellow, and the 10mg tablet is blue.

---

Q) How is Valium used?

A) Valium is usually taken orally in tablet form but is also manufactured in an intravenous form.

---

Q) When are the effects of Valium general felt?

A) The effects of Valium are felt within thirty minutes after taking it orally and one to five minutes after injection.

---

Q) What side effects may occur with the use and abuse of Valium?

A) Common side effects of Valium are clumsiness and sleepiness. Although, some experience abdominal cramps, blurred vision, dry mouth, racing heartbeat / palpitations, shaking / slurred speech, urination problems, convulsions, hallucinations, memory loss, trouble breathing, staggering / trembling, headache or confusion.

---

Q) What are the symptoms of a Valium overdose?

A) The symptoms of a Valium overdose include coma, confusion, diminished reflexes and sleepiness.

---

Q) Is Valium considered addictive?

A) Yes, Valium is considered addictive. The user builds a tolerance and feels the need to increase the amount they take to achieve the same "high". Over a period of time Valium becomes physically and psychologically addictive.

---

Q) Once addicted to Valium is there a withdrawal that comes with ending usage?

A) Yes, when you the withdrawal symptoms of Valium are similar to those of other barbiturates and alcohol which included: convulsions, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting and sweating. Consequently, after extended abuse, abrupt discontinuation should generally be avoided and a gradual dosage tapering schedule followed.