Opioid Addiction

June 10, 2022

People who have been taking Valium recreationally or overusing their dosage can find it very challenging to quit. This drug strongly affects the nerves and the brain, so the user can develop a tolerance or become dependent or addicted to it after just a few weeks of use. When you quit taking Valium too suddenly, the body and the brain can experience intense withdrawal symptoms.

The duration of Valium withdrawal differs based on how long the person has been taking the drug and how much has been taken. Recovery from Valium addiction requires a combination of medical detox with the tapering approach and therapy.

Those with a heavy Valium addiction usually have the option to start their recovery process in a rehab program. There are plenty of addiction recovery facilities offering Valium addiction treatment with a high success rate, and each has its own approach to recovery. Options for Valium addiction typically start with medical detox, inpatient or outpatient rehab, and an aftercare program.

Medical Detox

Each person has a unique history that can affect the severity and duration of their withdrawal during medical detox. Gradually reducing the dosage of Valium taken according to a physician’s prescription can help to alleviate the effects of withdrawal on the individual’s central nervous system. Tapering the patient’s Valium dosage is one of the most effective ways to start the detox process – this involves weaning off the medication slowly over several weeks or months. The tapering approach enables the user’s body to safely and slowly ease off of Valium without experiencing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Valium detox can take weeks or months, but each person will have a different experience and duration in this stage of the recovery process. Certified recovery facilities have trained, professional medical staff who can customize the detox program to fit each person’s needs based on their previous medical history and Valium use. People who have been taking heavy doses of the drug for a long time might need to be in medical detox for longer to taper off the medication effectively. The recommended tapering schedule for Valium includes reducing the dosage by 50% for the initial 2-4 weeks and maintaining this amount for up to 2 months. The dose is then decreased by 25% every two weeks until they stop using it.

Inpatient Rehab

This stage of recovery from Valium addiction is crucial as it helps to raise the chances of success without relapse for heavy recovering users. Inpatient treatment programs are also suitable for people addicted to multiple substances, including Valium. Individuals with a poly-substance addiction will have to undergo treatment for each condition. It should be noted that Valium withdrawal symptoms can show similarity to withdrawal symptoms from other addictive substances. An addiction treatment professional can offer specialized treatment for these conditions.

Inpatient rehab programs for Valium addiction treatment usually last for 28 to 90 days, with some even going for longer than that. The longer recovering users stay in inpatient rehab, the more autonomy they are afforded by the medical staff in these facilities. The duration of time in inpatient rehab will depend on the intensity of the individual’s Valium addiction and any other needs they may have, which can include addressing co-occuring mental health problems.

People suffering from a Valium addiction are better off getting treatment from a rehab facility with medically supervised detox. Such places have medical professionals on staff to observe the patients during detox and prevent serious problems like seizures, which can be dangerous. Inpatient rehabilitation also provides the individual with a structured environment and staff available around the clock every day. These daily routines can differ with each facility, but they typically comprise career counseling, planned activities, therapy sessions, chores, and group meetings.

Ongoing Treatment and Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab is typically the ideal option for individuals suffering from moderate to mild Valium addiction to help them with recovery. Outpatient programs can be better suited for some people instead of inpatient programs. It is often recommended for people who have finished inpatient rehab programs so they can go on with the treatment after leaving, significantly increasing the likelihood of sobriety.

Such programs help individuals taper off Valium and undergo continued treatment without interrupting their personal and professional lives. Outpatient programs are less restricted than inpatient treatment programs and call for 10 to 12 hours weekly attending sessions in rehab facilities. Patients visit their clinics weekly to refill their Valium prescriptions as they are modified gradually by an addiction specialist until it is safe enough to stop taking them. Therapy and counseling are essential in outpatient rehab to help recovering individuals maintain sobriety and manage Valium cravings during early recovery.

After completing medical detox, recovering Valium users can undergo continued treatment to help them avoid relapse. This ongoing treatment can include attendance of 12-step meetings and continued therapy which can also be significant in helping people adjust to life after rehabilitation.

Sessions in outpatient rehab also focus on teaching patients how to adjust to life without the drug and further drug abuse education. These programs typically last for 3 to 6 months and can proceed for even longer than a year – this is similar to inpatient treatment.

After completing medical detox, an inpatient program, and an outpatient program, the individual can then proceed to aftercare, which helps them utilize the skills they’ve learned in the outside world. Aftercare involves transitioning back into the community with the tools you gained during the Valium addiction treatment process. After rehab, this is a continuous day-to-day affair that includes volunteer activities, alumni organizations, 12-step meetings, and self-help groups. This is all important in supporting and promoting a sober lifestyle.