Valium is a mild tranquilizer and central nervous system (CNS) depressant prescribed to treat anxiety, seizure, muscle spasms, and alcohol addiction. Belonging to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, it is a potent chemical often used as a recreational drug for its mind-altering effects.
Due to its highly addictive nature and dependency, people tend to use the drug even after the prescribed period is over. People may also share pills with their peers who are suffering from stress and anxiety to help alleviate their symptoms. What may start with a pill or two can lead to an addiction to sustain their dependency. Valium is abused due to is relaxing and sedative properties along with it is ability to create a sense of euphoria.
Valium abuse has numerous harmful effects on one’s physical and mental health. Prolonged use of Valium results in drug tolerance thus leading to an increase in the quantity of intake. Combining Valium with alcohol and other drugs may prove to be lethal.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of Valium abuse include:
It is often hard to recognize Valium abuse initially. Many times, parents with prescriptions might not even know that their teen might be using. However, over time the signs of abuse become visible and easy to recognize.
Initially Valium use causes a sense of euphoria but gradually its abuse can lead to a number of harmful side effects. It can also cause fatal overdoses when mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
Some of the effects of Valium abuse are:
Prolonged Valium abuse decreases the activity of the nerves and creates anxiety disorders. It also affects the level of the brain’s neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Low levels of the GABA neurotransmitter are associated with the development of anxiety disorders and epilepsy.
Valium tends to accumulate in the body over a period–of–time. This stops the body from producing the natural anti-anxiety chemical. Stopping the drug suddenly can cause several painful withdrawal symptoms. This often results in a relapse and sometimes, overdose.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms of Valium are:
Treatment for Valium addiction depends upon the intensity and frequency of the drug abuse. A holistic treatment program for Valium addiction comprises a medically supervised detox program, medications, and counselling and therapy sessions. Detox helps the body get rid of toxins and helps in minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
Adeona Healthcare, the leading mental health and addiction treatment provider for teens aged 12-17, understands that each teen is special and unique in their own way. That is why, we offer a comprehensive treatment policy that includes not only peer group therapy but also amalgamates individual therapy, one-on-one therapy, family therapy, and other alternative therapies like yoga, exercise, and art therapy. Different combinations of therapies can help a teen gain control over their impulses, vent their feelings, and share their emotions and thoughts, thus allowing them to let go and accept themselves gradually.
Our multidisciplinary team is committed to the recovery of our young patients. For more information about our teenage rehab facilities, call our 24/7 helpline 888-379-9360 and speak to a member from our admissions team. You can also chat online with a representative for further assistance.
