Some people can try to quit Valium cold turkey by themselves, but most opt to get professional assistance. There are various available types of Valium withdrawal treatment and management. Valium users can decrease their chances of relapse and raise their likelihood of continued sobriety through substance abuse treatment following detox.
As a benzodiazepine, Valium works by depressing the central nervous system, reducing blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate. When taken according to prescription, benzodiazepines can work effectively to treat various health conditions. On the other hand, intentional abuse or extended use can result in addiction, which can be challenging to treat. Stopping Valium, especially when you have been taking it for long, usually leads to withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, seizures, depression, anxiety, irritability, raised blood pressure, and a spike in heart rate.
Tapering Instead of Quitting “Cold Turkey”
For this reason, Valium users are typically advised not to stop taking this drug cold turkey but to taper off their doses. Unfortunately, this can be difficult for recovering users to do alone because there is a high chance they will end up relapsing. Gradually decreasing the dosage of Valium taken can be quite effective for individuals who have been using increased amounts for a long time. Speak to your physician or a healthcare professional to work out a Valium tapering schedule that works for you. There is no conventional tapering schedule because each individual experiences Valium withdrawal differently. Thus, the tapering plan can be modified based on how the user handles the decreased dosage.
The milder symptoms of Valium withdrawal, such as gastrointestinal distress and anxiety, can be addressed safely at home. Avoid taking more Valium or any other medication to alleviate the symptoms. Instead, lean on your loved ones for support, ask if they can stay with you, and offer encouragement during the recovery journey. Handle your withdrawal the same way you would the flu by eating a healthy balanced diet, getting enough rest, and keeping warm.
Healthy Distractions
You may be tempted to stay in bed waiting for the cravings and withdrawal symptoms to run their course. It helps to distract yourself with other fun, healthy activities to keep your mind off the overwhelming Valium withdrawal symptoms. Leave the house for some time and enjoy the outdoors by taking a walk.; take a relaxing bath and practice relaxation and meditation techniques. Pick whatever suits you, and these coping skills can effectively distract you from your present condition. Some days will be so unbearable that these distractions and coping mechanisms may nt be much help. It is essential to motivate yourself and take it one second, minute, or a day at a time during these times.
Managing Cravings
You can deal with your cravings for Valium during withdrawal by using the following techniques:
Avoid fighting them and accept your cravings instead. Most people feel that having cravings means they are not doing well on their recovery journey. In reality, denying or resisting what you are feeling can cause you distress and raise your tension. Experiencing cravings during Valium withdrawal is a part of the process. You need to understand that these urges are normal and consider them passing emotions or thoughts. You do not have to act on your impulses because they cannot force you to use the drug, even if they come with severe physical and emotional distress. You have to accept your drug cravings and acknowledge them to move on with your recovery journey.- Know your triggers. Each person has specific triggers that drive them to use their drug of choice. Such triggers might be linked to past drug use patterns. You may connect particular events, people, or places with your Valium misuse or abuse. It is common for some people to get cravings for the drug when they feel certain strong emotions. It can be easy to avoid some triggers, such as specific people or places. It is even advisable to avoid romantic relationships during one’s first year sober. Other triggers are more difficult to keep away from, but you can still have a strategy for handling them. Identifying your triggers allows you to plan for ways to deal with them.
A Strong Support System
Having a sound support system can also be very helpful when going through Valium withdrawal and the overall recovery process. It will help you realize you are not alone on your journey, and you can use the strength, advice, and experiences of your people. Recovery programs also help you gain coping mechanisms and tools to help you address the challenges associated with early sobriety and Valium withdrawal.
Recovery Facilities and Medication-Assisted Treatment
Even though you can go through Valium withdrawal alone, the best way to detox is through medically managed treatment. No matter how strong your support system is, it is always better to have qualified medical professionals monitor and manage the withdrawal process. Valium withdrawal tends to be physically and mentally demanding for the recovering user, but these medical professionals can offer the relevant and necessary medical support throughout the journey.
Detox centres can also offer short-term treatment allowing users to withdraw from Valium comfortably and safely. Detoxification is usually the initial recovery step from Valium addiction, after which most people transition to an outpatient or inpatient recovery program. Medical staff in these facilities can also offer treatment to help you reduce and prevent Valium withdrawal symptoms and reduce your likelihood of relapsing. Some medications used to help recovering users manage Valium withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sedatives
- Anticonvulsants
- Sleep aids
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety agents
- Muscle relaxants
After managing and getting through the withdrawal symptoms, the patient can now proceed to therapy, which is the next recovery treatment step. Comprehensive therapy plays a significant role in helping individuals deal with the primary causes of their Valium abuse or addiction. Doing this helps to determine effective strategies for preventing relapse.