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Valium is one of the most frequently prescribed psychiatric drugs in the United States. This drug helps millions of people relieve the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety disorders. However, doctors prescribe diazepam for many other reasons such as muscle spasticity, seizures, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and stress-related digestive disorders.
Under a doctor’s care, Valium can be a safe way to treat a variety of debilitating conditions. Valium is often recommended for short-term or as-needed use because of its potential for tolerance, chemical dependence, and abuse. If you take diazepam on a regular basis, your body will become tolerant to the drug’s effects.
Anxiety
More people in the US suffer from anxiety disorders than from any other psychiatric condition.1 Diazepam is a drug used to treat the symptoms of generalized anxiety, social phobia, panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. Diazepam helps calm an anxious mind by binding with the receptor cells in the brain that produce feelings of tranquility.
Muscle Spasms
Chronic muscle tension, or spasticity, is a symptom of many conditions including lower back injuries and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS). Sustained muscle contractions can lead to involuntary movements and unbearable pain. Diazepam acts as a muscle relaxant that eases the tension in the muscles and relieves the discomfort of contraction. After a user takes Valium, he has more control over his muscles and is able to move with more freedom.
Seizures
Valium can help minimize or prevent seizures by calming abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Valium can be even given to an individual during a seizure to shorten the time of the seizure.
Alcohol Withdrawal
In an alcohol detoxification program, benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) or Valium may be given to prevent some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Valium can prevent severe tremors, convulsions, and seizures as the body withdraws from alcohol. In some cases, the drug is given in oral form as part of an outpatient detox program. Because Valium has a potential for abuse, this medication must be used with caution in a rehab setting.
When Valium is taken under a doctor’s care, it is a versatile, effective, and generally safe. However, because of its habit-forming properties, legitimate use of Valium can turn into dependence or addiction. The safest way to stop taking Valium is through a drug taper or a gradual reduction of the dose under the care of medical professionals.
If you’re concerned about Valium abuse, please call our admissions coordinators at Michael’s House. Our treatment center is located in beautiful Palm Springs, California and is a safe, comfortable space to help you heal from drug addiction. If you have any questions, please know that we’re to give you the answers and support you need. Take the first step in your recovery journey. Please call today so you can move forward without drug addiction.
Sources
1 “Facts & Statistics.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Aug. 2016. Web. Accessed 12 June 2017.