Valium Detox

What Is Valium Detox?

Valium detoxification or “detox” is the process of clearing Valium, a long-acting benzodiazepine, from the body. Valium detox usually takes place when a physical dependence or substance use disorder has developed, and the addicted person wants to stop taking it.

Valium works by suppressing the central nervous system (CNS) and creating a calming effect, so when this prescription drug is discontinued, users may experience rebound anxiety and other undesirable side effects.

Doctors typically recommend that detox takes place over some time with a tapering schedule and under medical guidance.

Is It Safe to Detox from Valium at Home?

It is not safe to detox from Valium without guidance from a medical professional or licensed addiction specialist. Depending on the level of addiction, it may be safest to do a medical detox in a facility with medical supervision and emergency equipment and medication available.

If the dosage is lower or Valium has only been taken for a shorter time, and a good support system is in place, it may be safe to detox from Valium at home. Detoxing at home should be approved by your doctor ahead of time.

What to Expect During Valium Detox

During Valium detox, individuals experience a wide variety of mental and physical symptoms as the body adjusts to functioning without the drug.

Each person has a unique history, metabolism, and set of circumstances, so benzodiazepine withdrawal timelines can vary based on every individual. However, here’s a general idea of what you might expect.

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Valium and other benzodiazepines are known to have some severe withdrawal symptoms depending on the level of Valium use.

Knowing what to expect ahead of time and having a plan and support in place can help you safely detox from Valium. 

Withdrawal symptoms can be divided into acute (short-term) and protracted (long-term) symptoms.

Acute withdrawal symptoms for Valium may include:

• Panic attacks and rebound anxiety
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Irritability and mood swings
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Muscle pain
• Abdominal and muscle cramps
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Confusion

In severe cases (usually when going “cold turkey” or detoxing abruptly), some dangerous and sometimes even life-threatening symptoms can occur:

• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Protracted withdrawal symptoms (also referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS) can include:

• Lingering anxiety
• Intermittent insomnia
• Mood swings
• Mild depression
• Muscle tension
• Cognitive issues (e.g., difficulty focusing or memory issues)

Valium Detox Timeline

Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which means the effects of Valium last longer. While that makes it helpful for treating anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and other issues, Valium detox may also last longer.

Because severe withdrawal symptoms may occur, your doctor will likely recommend some kind of tapering schedule during detox.

Valium has a longer half-life of around 20 to 50 hours. People usually begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within 1-4 days after the last dose was taken.

During withdrawal, the body begins to adjust to the reduced effects of the drug on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in calming the nervous system.

Acute withdrawal symptoms typically last 5-15 days, depending on your tapering schedule and other health factors. If you were abusing Valium, taking it in higher doses, or using Valium for an extended period, detox might last longer due to how your body stores it in fat cells.

What Happens After Valium Detox?

After Valium detox, the focus transitions from managing withdrawal symptoms to achieving long-term recovery goals.

Long-term recovery usually involves mental health treatment through counseling, creating healthier habits or starting new hobbies, and building a strong support system for encouragement and accountability.

Valium Rehab

Valium rehab is a good treatment option for those with long-term Valium dependence or coexisting addictions. Rehab is a safe space for healing and recovery away from triggers to help control cravings. Different types of rehab exist to meet various needs and levels of addiction.

Inpatient Valium rehab consists of direct supervision in a facility and possible medical and pharmaceutical intervention when necessary. Inpatient rehab stays typically last 30-90 days and are safest for those with severe Valium addictions or other health issues.

Outpatient Valium rehab allows individuals to detox and recover from the comfort of their homes while still receiving guidance from medical professionals and with resources available for help along the way.

Medical detox allows for those with more serious addictions to detox under direct medical supervision in a detox center or facility where they can closely monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. Medical detox is usually a short-term stay during the acute withdrawal stage (this typically occurs during the second week of withdrawal).

Counseling

Counseling can help prepare individuals before detox begins and walk them through the psychological distress and fear that many face during the detox process.

Furthermore, counseling can assist those in recovery in learning healthy coping mechanisms to help prevent relapse and create a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Valium Support Groups

Support groups like BenzoBuddies are a great way to help you get connected to others with similar struggles and stay on track during recovery.

The support, encouragement, and accountability support groups offer can be invaluable in long-term sobriety.

Find Valium Detox and Addiction Treatment

Valium detox should take place under medical guidance over some time with a tapering schedule in place. Resources are available to help you or a loved one safely and effectively detox from Valium.

You can use SAMHSA’s online treatment locator to find help and resources near you or call their confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for 24/7 assistance. Don’t do it alone: get help and support during your detox from Valium.