Valium is the most common brand name for the benzodiazepine drug diazepam. Created by Hoffman-La Roche, it possesses all six of the common properties of benzodiazepines. Unsurprisingly, it has risen to become one of the most common prescription drugs in the world, which has also led, unsurprisingly, to a high rate of addiction.
In the medical world, the drug is used for treating conditions such as restless leg syndrome as well as issues such as panic attacks, seizures, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Because valium possesses all six benzodiazepine properties, it is an essential drug within the medical world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has it listed as one of the essential drugs needed to create a basic national healthcare system.
Side Effects
Valium causes significant side effects at all doses. It can cause anterograde amnesia at lower and higher doses. This is a serious form of amnesia where the person loses track of time and forgets where they are. Other effects include a feeling of constant excitement, rage, and seizures. Those with pre-existing medical conditions should not take valium because it can worsens the symptoms of these conditions.
In the long-term, complete addiction and dependence to the drug is a very real possibility. It is particularly difficult to get over an addiction to this drug because the cognitive effects do not dissipate for at least six months.
Valium Addiction Treatment
Valium addictions may require medical intervention for extended period due to the substance’s longevity in the body. Rehab treatment centres are also a crucial factor for beating a valium addiction. In these centres, therapists can communicate with patients on a one-to-one basis in order to try to understand the triggers that caused the prescription drug addiction. Therapy helps patients by bringing many difficult issues to the surface.
It is also encouraging because the coping techniques taught to patients give them hope and a way out of their current lifestyles. Thousands of patients who enter these centres with valium addictions leave with a new life each year.
