Valium Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline and Treatment

As a prescription drug that is highly addictive, some people end up unintentionally addicted to Valium. If that’s you, you’re not alone: it’s estimated there are some 1.5 million people in the UK addicted to benzodiazepines.

If you or someone you care about is addicted to Valium, you may be searching for the best ways to detox from it. In this article, we’ll look at some of the main withdrawal symptoms you can expect, the best methods to undertake a safe and effective Valium detox and measures you can take alongside your detox to support your recovery.

If you are looking to find an inpatient Valium detox, or want to know more about our diazepam addiction treatment at Castle Craig, call 01721 546 263 today to speak to our team in confidence.

What Does “Valium Withdrawal Symptoms” Mean?

Valium withdrawal symptoms occur when someone stops taking diazepam after developing physical dependence through regular use. The body, having adapted to the presence of this benzodiazepine medication, must readjust to functioning without it. This natural process creates both physical and psychological challenges as your system works to restore its normal balance and function.

Understanding withdrawal symptoms from diazepam is essential for anyone considering recovery from dependence. The experience can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, often lasting weeks or months, making it difficult to manage alone. Professional medical support provides essential guidance during this vulnerable period, offering supervised tapering programmes and compassionate care that improve safety, comfort and significantly increase your chances of successful long-term recovery from Valium dependence.

Common Valium Withdrawal Symptoms, Signs and Side Effects

Although Valium is prescribed by doctors, it is a psychoactive drug and can be both physically and psychologically addictive. There are plenty of cases of people taking Valium and becoming unintentionally addicted to the substance.

If you have a diazepam addiction, it can be a dangerous drug to withdraw from without the help of professional support. This medical help becomes even more important if you have been taking Valium for longer than four weeks.

The withdrawal symptoms you can expect when detoxing from Valium include physical symptoms like headaches, sweating and sleep disturbances, along with psychological symptoms such as anxiety, memory issues and confusion. In severe cases, symptoms can include serious symptoms such as psychosis and seizures.

Withdrawal symptoms usually start around 12 – 48 hours after stopping Valium and peak around the second week. From there, symptoms may persist, but their intensity will lessen. For those who have developed a physical dependence, there is the risk of experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome, which is when withdrawal symptoms persist for months and even years.

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Valium Withdrawal Timeline

When it comes to withdrawing from Valium, there is no universal timeline. Various factors impact which diazepam withdrawal symptoms you experience and how long the process lasts. These factors include:

• Age
• Weight
• Height
• Severity of Valium addiction
• Medical history
• Detox method used

While it’s not possible to get a personalised withdrawal timeline without knowing these factors, the timeline below will outline what to expect when coming off diazepam.

• Day 1 – 14: Depending on the severity of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can appear within 12 hours of stopping Valium. Due to its variable half-life of up to 48 hours, some people feel no effects for several days. By day three or four, the acute withdrawal stage usually begins, with symptoms starting mildly and intensifying. Alongside fatigue, cravings, and heart palpitations, you may also experience rebound symptoms of the condition originally treated with Valium.
• Up to Week 2: Withdrawal symptoms typically reach their peak during the second week after stopping Valium. This is often the most challenging phase, with symptoms at their highest intensity. You may experience severe cravings, heightened anxiety, disturbed sleep, and physical discomfort, as well as possible rebound symptoms from the condition originally treated with the medication. This stage can be particularly difficult without professional support.
• Week 3 – 4: You may continue to experience withdrawal symptoms for up to a month after detoxing from Valium. However, during this time period, the intensity of the symptoms lessens. During this time period, most people move towards stabilising, but experiencing issues like anxiety and depression are still common, and many describe a sense of feeling not quite themselves yet.
• 28 Days+: People with a physical dependence on Valium may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, where symptoms like mood changes, irritability, and dissatisfaction reappear unexpectedly, even months or years later. Ongoing treatment, such as therapy, is important to reduce relapse risk.

Having a comprehensive grasp of the withdrawal process for Valium is crucial because those experiencing it are at a much higher risk of relapse. Rebound symptoms, like anxiety and muscle spasms, can be especially challenging to deal with, as the person detoxing knows they can be addressed with Valium. Added to that, some of the other withdrawal symptoms can be deeply unpleasant, and this makes it incredibly difficult for anyone to stop Valium without professional and medical support.

Valium and Prescription Sedative Detox

The point of a Valium detox is to get the drugs out of your body. The optimum way to achieve this, which maximises the chances of success, is to minimise withdrawal symptoms while doing so. This lessens the chance of relapse.

If you are addicted to Valium, it can be dangerous to try and quit it without medical help. You’ll need professional advice on how to gradually reduce your dose, as quitting cold turkey comes with its own set of serious risks, such as seizures. Slowly tapering off also minimises withdrawal symptoms, making the process more manageable.

While people do choose to home detox for Valium addiction, it’s not advisable because of the aforementioned risks. A medically supervised detox is always preferable because there are trained experts on hand to guide you through and provide you with the support you need to get through the process.

Can You Detox From Valium at Home?

Many people prefer the comfort and privacy of their own homes and may consider an at-home Valium detox. While this can be possible, it carries significant risks, especially if you have been on high doses for a long period. Stopping diazepam suddenly (“cold turkey”) can bring on intense withdrawal symptoms that often lead to relapse, while self-medicating with alternative drugs risks overdose or developing a second dependency.

An at-home diazepam detox may be more appropriate if you have only been using the drug for a short time and do not have a full addiction, but still need to taper your dose. Even in this case, it’s vital to work closely with a healthcare professional. Gradually reducing the dosage under medical guidance can ease withdrawal, lower the risk of severe complications such as seizures, and improve your chances of successfully stopping the medication.

Medically Managed Detox for Diazepam

For those dealing with diazepam addiction or taking high doses, a medically managed detox is the safest way to manage withdrawal and protect your health. This can be carried out in either an inpatient or outpatient setting, such as at Castle Craig, where professional monitoring ensures your safety throughout the process. Stopping suddenly is not advised, as your brain and central nervous system have become reliant on the drug to produce the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps regulate brain activity.

A medical detoxification involves gradually reducing the dosage over the course of about a week, allowing the drug to leave your system while keeping withdrawal symptoms manageable. The primary aim is to stabilise your physical and mental health so you can fully engage with ongoing benzodiazepine addiction treatment, such as counselling and therapy, and build the foundations for long-term recovery.

Medicines That Can Support Valium Detox 

After talking with your trusted healthcare professional, you may be advised to take some medications to help with your Valium detox. These could include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These are antidepressants that can be helpful during the withdrawal process from benzodiazepines; they can help address any rebound anxiety.
• Melatonin: This hormone also eases the symptoms of anxiety and can promote sleep. It can also address tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
• Anticonvulsant medications: In the rare event of having a seizure, anticonvulsants can be used. There are also reports of these medications proving useful in mitigating some of the other withdrawal symptoms.
• Muscle relaxants: A muscle relaxant, such as baclofen, can be used to help reduce cravings for a range of different drugs, including benzodiazepines.

During a medically assisted inpatient detox for diazepam, a doctor will be on hand to prescribe any other medication for any specific withdrawal symptoms you need help with, such as a headache or stomach upset.

Contact Castle Craig Valium Detox Centre

:Castle Craig is located in West Linton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH46 7DH. Our serene surroundings in the Scottish Borders provide the ideal privacy for a focused recovery from diazepam misuse, while the secure and private environment supports your progress towards a healthier future.

 

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Valium Withdrawal Management and Treatment

Diazepam withdrawal treatment is only the first stage of recovery. Once it is out of your system, you’ll need further support to avoid relapse. If you have got to the point where you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the chances are you have an addiction. While detoxing from Valium is a necessary first step, follow-on support will be needed to get to grips with the addiction.

Valium withdrawal management requires exploring what caused your dependence and addressing these underlying issues to avoid relapsing. Professional diazepam withdrawal management provides the comprehensive care needed to navigate this challenging journey safely. With proper valium withdrawal treatment, you can build the foundation for lasting recovery, ensuring you have the tools and support necessary to maintain your progress beyond the initial detox phase.

Residential Rehab Treatment for Valium Withdrawal

With residential rehabilitation, you will temporarily move into a recovery treatment centre. The main benefit of this is that it removes all potential triggers and means you have professional support available 24/7 to help you through your Valium detox.

Here, you will be able to undertake a medical detox in a safe, clinical setting with help on hand to guide you through the withdrawal symptoms and give you support when you need it most. As well as the medical detox for benzodiazepines, you will be able to engage with other forms of Valium addiction treatment, such as counselling and therapy.

Addiction Counselling and Therapy for Sedative-Hypnotic Medication Dependency

Addictions usually have an underlying cause behind them, and without getting to the bottom of it, the risk of relapse is always a very real threat. There are many types of therapy and counselling to choose from, with CBT being a popular choice for many people looking to beat diazepam addiction. With your therapist, you will find practical, real-world tools that can help you to avoid relapse in the future.

Valium Addiction Support Groups Near You

Many people see support groups as a more relaxed setting compared to formal therapy. Rather than meeting one-on-one with a professional, you join a group of peers who share similar experiences, creating a less formal yet highly effective environment. Peer support can be a powerful motivator, helping individuals avoid relapse through real-world examples of success. By sharing stories and backgrounds, participants form strong bonds, build a vital support network, and inspire one another to continue their recovery journey.

Outpatient Rehab Programmes for Tranquiliser Medication Addiction

For those unable to access inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehab treatment for Valium addiction can be an effective and flexible alternative. This approach involves attending a treatment centre at set times throughout the week or even daily for structured addiction therapy, before returning home afterwards. Because this form of rehab is less intensive than residential care, programmes often run for a longer duration, in some cases lasting a year or more, allowing for steady progress and ongoing support.

If you would like to discuss your options, address any concerns, or learn more about how we can support you in overcoming Valium dependency, call us on 01721 546 263. Our team offers confidential, compassionate advice about our inpatient diazepam detox.

Frequently Asked Questions on Valium Withdrawal