Valium is a prescription medication given to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and other ailments. It is a good short-term “solution” for either a moderate or severe anxiety problem. Besides mental disorders, the drug can also be used to ease muscle spasms, seizures, treat tetanus and stiff man syndrome. However, if it is used over a long period of time no matter what the reason, individuals can become dependent on it both psychologically and physiology. .

When long term Valium abuse has occurred, a sudden attempt to stop can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as depression, heart palpitations, panic attacks, loss of appetite, insomnia, hypertension, tremors, mental cloudiness, sweating and even death. For this reason many professionals suggest that persons be weaned off of valium.

It at all possible, the best case scenario would be for an individual to be under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in helping addicts beat their drug addictions. Many very serious and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can be minimized if an individual gradually weans themselves from the drugs. A doctor can come up with a schedule so that the process can go as seamlessly as possible. Therefore, instead of forcing a valium addict to quit cold turkey, the doctor would create a weaning plan for the patient that might take between several weeks or several months. This tends to be fairly effective in some cases and is generally much easier on the addict.

One of the biggest risks of Valium abuse includes overdose or combining the drug with alcohol. The latter can lead to very serious and even fatal consequences. A person may go into a coma or respiratory arrest.

Valium abuse occurs by individuals from all socio-economic and social backgrounds. It is not discrimination. Anyone that takes it has the potential to develop a dependency or addiction.

Because valium is psychologically addicting as well as physically, it is very hard for individuals to self treat and even for drug rehabilitation centers to help people top using. If an individual uses it even only for short amounts of time and then stops they can experience withdrawal symptoms. This often encourages them to start using again in order to eliminate the symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include the shakes, fast heartbeat, the inability to sleep, blurry vision, lack of mental clarity, diarrhea, weight loss, seizures, cramps and excessive sweating. These are similar to what addicts of other drugs face when they attempt to stop using as well

Persons that have been using valium quite consistently and for a great length of time may pose a danger to themselves if they suddenly quit taking it. It can in some cases even lead to death. Individuals may also use experience seizures. This is why it is best to work with a rehab facility that has a doctor in-house. They will be able to medically monitor the individual while they attempt to get off the drug.