Valium Detox: Overview, Withdrawal, How it Works, and Detox Length

Valium is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are sedatives commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Valium, which is the brand name for diazepam, is generally prescribed for no longer than 4 weeks due to the fact that it carries a high risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Valium drug detox is used to help people safely withdraw from Valium so they can overcome dependence with a reduced risk for complications.

What Is Valium Detox?

Stopping Valium abruptly can be dangerous since this increases the risk for seizures and death. Instead, Valium drug detox helps people withdraw from the drug slowly so they can avoid seizures and other unwanted symptoms, including muscle aches and insomnia. Those who suffer from addiction to Valium can receive a Valium detox and achieve improved physical and mental health before starting an addiction treatment program.

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine that stays in the system for several days. People who suddenly stop using Valium usually begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms anywhere from two to seven days after the last dose.

Valium withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Restlessness and agitation.
  • Muscle tension and aches.
  • Insomnia and anxiety.
  • Poor memory and concentration.
  • Mood swings and irritability.

How Does Valium Drug Detox Work?

Valium detox usually takes place at an inpatient or residential drug rehab center where patients can be monitored closely during withdrawal to reduce and avoid complications. Healthcare workers generally check in with patients every three to four hours to ask about the presence and severity of physical and psychological symptoms so they can intervene as needed to reduce symptoms.

Oftentimes, drug and alcohol rehab centers use a tapering schedule for Valium detox so patients can gradually withdraw from this drug, relieving symptoms and preventing seizures. Tapering is when the doctor gradually reduces the patient’s doses of Valium every week until the person is no longer using or dependent on the drug. This detox method can be safely conducted at an inpatient or outpatient rehab center, though inpatient rehab offers additional benefits of 24-hour medical care and support, daily nutritious meals, and amenities like pools, gyms, and spas. Following Valium drug detox, patients can transition to treatment programs to recover from prescription drug addiction.

How Long Does Valium Detox Last?

Valium detox can last anywhere between two and eight weeks or longer depending on how long it takes to taper off this benzodiazepine. Each patient responds to Valium detox differently based on a variety of factors, such as their overall health status, the severity of their withdrawal symptoms, and the dosage they were using before beginning the tapering schedule. Those who suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms may take longer to recover from Valium dependence since doctors may reduce doses even more slowly to help these individuals experience a safer, more comfortable withdrawal and recovery.

America’s Rehab Campuses offer drug and alcohol detox treatments that can help you or your loved one safely recover from drug dependence and addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our detox treatments and other therapies that can be personalized to help you achieve a healthier, addiction-free lifestyle.