We have to breakup, and I can honestly say it’s not me, it’s you…
You destroyed my life. Everyone I love hates that you became my obsession. I hate it, too. You stole my life, draining it of every bit of happiness and productivity except for the high you let me have. I’ll take the pain because I’m done with you!
It’s over. I’m getting clean, and I’m walking out of here with this guide to valium withdrawal management. Things will get better starting now.
If you’re reading this, you’re about to break up with a drug more than three million Americans are addicted to. Maybe you or someone you love spotted your , and now you’re getting the help you need.
You are amazing! You’ve taken a HUGE step. I’m not going to kid you; breakups are rarely clean. They’re messy, drama-driven beasts even when both parties make an amicable split. Valium doesn’t do amicable. You’re about to deal with the breakup stage known as withdrawal. It’s going to be bumpy, but you CAN get through it.
Step number one, save this blog.
Bookmark it, social share it, print it, email it—whatever you need to do to keep it close by because the information I’m about to cover is a complete compact guide designed to help you manage withdrawal.
What to Expect
If you’ve taken Valium for four or more months, you may experience some form of withdrawal. The longer the drug is used, the more dramatically the body cuts back on its production of natural anxiety-relieving chemicals and the more intense withdrawal feels as your body attempts to fill the void. Here’s the good news: severe withdrawal symptoms rarely last longer than 10 to 14 days.
Valium is most commonly prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication. It’s popularly used to assist patients through times of intense anxiety, but the euphoric sensation it causes can trigger cases of substance abuse and addiction. Quitting the drug cold turkey is not recommended for several reasons, but the most serious is the risk of seizures. Valium stops brain cells from firing at a normal rate, and when the drug is suddenly stopped, brain cells can become charged and begin rapid firing which causes a seizure. Seizures of this nature are often life threatening.
You can expect a gradual weaning from the drug. Dosages will be tapered down until you stop taking it entirely. Even with tapered downing, you’re still going to experience withdrawal symptoms. Here’s the course to follow:
Step #1: Enact a Plan
Valium is best quit with the assistance of a qualified professional. You’ll need to have a very honest discussion with a medical expert about how long you’ve used and in what amounts. Together with a substance abuse professional, you’ll enact a plan for kicking Valium to the curb, permanently. It might be recommended that you opt for in-patient treatment before moving to an out-patient plan.
Step #2: Be Ready for Symptoms
Withdrawing from any drug is uncomfortable, but Valium withdrawals can be especially challenging for people who used it to reduce anxiety or manage an anxiety disorder. During withdrawal, sensations of stress and anxiety will be heightened. Aside from emotional instability, you can expect to experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Nightmares
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Numbness
The severity of your withdrawal symptoms will depend on how long and to what degree you have been using. No matter how rough the road recovery may be, remember that the withdrawal stage is temporary. It’s the hardest stage to weather, but you can overcome it!
Step #3: Establish a Support Network
Did you ever fall for someone? And I mean really fall for someone. You were head-over-heels in love, but they didn’t return it. They broke it off, maybe banishing you to the barren wasteland known as The Friend Zone.
The thing about being head-over-heels in love is that you can’t just let go. You probably tried to rekindle the flame, and you had that one friend who toughed it out with you. Maybe they gave you some hard advice. Maybe they backed you no matter what. They were there for you when you needed them the most.
You need a support network like that as your breakup with Valium. Your friends and family can be amazing sources of support, but you might question whether they truly understand what you’re going through. After all, they didn’t fall for Valium. They didn’t get addicted. How can they understand your struggle?
Enter substance abuse counseling.
A substance abuse counselor is trained to understand the physical and psychological impact of addiction. They know what your mind and body are experiencing, and they can help you find, navigate, and stay on the road to recovery.
Substance abuse counseling can occur in private, one-on-one or group settings. While sitting and talking in a group of individuals recovering from addiction may not initially be comfortable, you’ll be surprised by the support it offers. You don’t have to say anything. You can just listen. I’ve worked with hundreds of recoverees, and the power of group sessions coupled with the network of support you’ll find amongst counselors and recoverees is unmatched. They’re like the friend who helped you survive the loss of love…X10.
Step #4: Don’t Give Up
Valium withdrawal is no light matter. Qualified medical supervision, a tailored substance treatment program, and a strong support network are just three of the must-haves to kick the addiction. But that’s not all. You’ll need the three Ds:
- Drive: You have to want to quit. You need a reason to quit doing drugs, and you need to write it down. Keep it where you can see it.
- Dedication: Quitting isn’t a part-time gig; it’s a full-time job with overtime. You have to commit to getting clean and staying clean. It has to become your new lifestyle.
- Determination: Repeat after me; I will not use again!
Breakups are messy, but breaking up with Valium is the best decision you’ll ever make. It’s going to hurt. It’s going to be rocky. But you can do it!