Are you struggling with an addiction to diazepam? If so, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many people all over the world are also suffering in the same way. The important thing you need to do if you have an addiction is to reach out for help as soon as possible.

Get in touch with us today to learn about addiction treatments and drug rehab. We are here to help you and would be happy to answer any questions that you may have and give you the advice you need to get started with your recovery journey today.

 

What Is Diazepam?

Diazepam is a type of anti-anxiety medication. It is prescribed to treat certain anxiety disorders or episodic anxiety. The drug provides a sedating effect which comes into effect around 30 – 60 minutes after taking them. Misusing this drug can lead to the person developing a drug addiction.

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What Are The Symptoms of a Diazepam Addiction?

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have an addiction to diazepam, there are some symptoms that you can look out for.

Below is an overview of the common symptoms:

  • Taking higher doses or taking it more frequently
  • Life will centre around using and buying the drug
  • Work, school, and family become less important than the drug
  • Lower interests in hobbies, interests, and social activities
  • The drug is consumed even if it leads to worsened problems
  • Taking the drug leads to some risky situations
  • Withdrawals are experienced when the drug use is stopped or cut back

Below is a list of some of the physical symptoms of a diazepam addiction:

  • Memory loss
  • Unable to focus
  • Delirium
  • Dizziness
  • Falling down
  • Nervousness
  • Abnormal breathing
  • Paranoia
  • Aggression

Below is a list of some of the behavioural symptoms of a diazepam addiction:

  • Stealing things or money
  • Involvement in illegal activities
  • Being increasingly secretive
  • Withdrawing from loved ones
  • Becoming confrontational when questioned about the drug use

The Dangers of Diazepam Overdose

When someone is addicted to diazepam and regularly consumes the drug, they will build a natural tolerance to it. This means that they will need to start taking more and more drugs to feel the same kind of effects or to prevent withdrawals. This can lead to some high risks of overdosing.

Below is a list of the symptoms of a diazepam overdose:

  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Reduced reflexes
  • Respiratory depression
  • High blood pressure
  • An inability to control the body
  • Coma
  • Death

The Impact of Diazepam Addictions on the Brain

People commonly underestimate the severity and potency of certain drugs like diazepam prescribed by professional medics. These drugs greatly affect the brain as they affect the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. When someone takes this drug, the brain becomes flooded with GABA, inhibiting brain activities. This is a fast-track route to pleasure and can cause surges in the hormone dopamine. These high peaks and drops in dopamine production can affect the brain and result in cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

There has been some speculation that the long-term use of diazepam can cause the brain to shrink, similar to the long-term effects of alcoholism. According to a controversial study, many people who use and abuse diazepam long-term can experience psychological, cognitive, and physical problems due to drug use. Abusing these medications can be just as damaging and dangerous as abusing illicit substances.

Signs and Symptoms of Diazepam Withdrawals

If you have been consuming diazepam for more than a couple of weeks, you will likely experience withdrawal effects when you stop or cut back on the use.

There are several signs and symptoms that you can look out for when determining whether someone is going through diazepam withdrawals. It is important to find out the severity of the person’s problem and get medical help with detoxing and rehab if needed.

Below are some of the main things that you can look out for if someone is going through withdrawals of diazepam:

  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Tension in muscles
  • Restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Panic
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Muscle cramps

Overcoming a Diazepam Addiction

Diazepam can be extremely dangerous if you try to withdraw from this without the assistance of medical professionals. This is very important because someone has been taking diazepam for over a month. A private drug and alcohol rehab centre will offer medication and therapies to make you feel more comfortable and remove some of the stress and pain of detoxing.

There is usually some kind of underlying reason that causes someone to become an addict. Getting appropriate inpatient or outpatient treatments is usually the first step in addressing this. With the correct types of treatments, you can overcome an addiction to diazepam. This is a process that will take more than a few weeks. It will require a lot of dedication and hard work from the individual in question.

Drug detox is usually followed by a combination of therapies and medically assisted treatments that target the addiction’s psychological aspects. You will also learn new behaviours you can take with you moving forward. You will also learn a range of new coping mechanisms and relapse prevention techniques that can help you with your continued recovery long after rehab.

Get Help For Your Diazepam Addiction Today

If you have been struggling with a diazepam addiction problem or know someone struggling with this type of addiction, it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible.

Get in touch with us today at 0800 880 7596, and our team of friendly and helpful advisors will be able to help you get started with your addiction treatment today. The longer you leave an addiction untreated, the worse the addiction will get. That is why it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible to ensure you can recover safely.

 

 

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: December 22, 2023

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.

Dr Robert Lutaaya - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: December 1, 2023

MBChB, MSc Psych

Dr Robert Lutaaya qualified in 1995 from Worclaw Medical University as MBChB, and obtained a MSc Psych from the University of Manchester in 2014. Dr Lutaaya has previously worked for the CGL Substance Misuse Service and as an on-call doctor substance misuse Doctor for 17 years before joining Ocean Recovery. Dr Robert Lutaaya is committed to helping those struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.