Valium Intervention

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, Restless Leg Syndrome, and alcohol withdrawal. When taken as prescribed for a limited period of time, most people respond to Valium with few side effects; the most common of which include drowsiness, fatigue, and minor issues with coordination. Valium can be addictive, and an addiction can have very negative effects on a person and those around them. An intervention may save an addict’s life in the long run.

Signs of Valium Addiction

Research has shown that over 50% of people who are taking Valium for more than six months show signs of addiction, including:

• Lack of coordination
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Decrease in memory
• Blunt emotions
• Confusion
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty in focusing
• Aches, pains and other physical ailments

To successful discontinue using Valium, it is recommended that a person seek medical supervision to ensure that they do not experience withdrawal symptoms, which may include:

• Insomnia
• Diaphoresis (sweating)
• High blood pressure or increased heart rate
• Tremors and seizures
• Hyper-anxiety
• Vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea
• Irritability and depression
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Vision problems

Symptoms of Valium Overdose

Concerned friends or family members should be on the watch for symptoms of Valium overdose in their loved one. Some commonly reported symptoms of a Valium overdose include:

• Confusion
• Coma
• Slow reflexes
• Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
• Blurred vision
• Labored breathing
• Confusion
• Double vision
• Drowsiness
• Excitability
• Hiccups
• Rapid side-to-side movement of the eyes (nystagmus)
• Rash
• Stomach upset
• Stupor (lack of alertness)
• Tremor
• Uncoordinated movement
• Weakness

Intervention Tips

Many people are aware of interventions, but most probably do not understand the underlying concept of an intervention. In the early 1960s, Vernon Johnson, a Reverend in an Episcopal church in Minnesota was a recovering alcoholic. He brought a group of fellow churchgoers together to discuss ways to persuade alcoholics to accept help before the disease destroyed their lives.

These discussions led to the realization that one of the primary obstacles addicts face is the inability to recognize the effects their addiction is having on them and their loved ones. The church group then designed an intervention process. This preceded the founding of the Johnson Institute, which was formed for the purpose of spreading the word about the “Minnesota Model” of intervention and removing additional barriers to treatment.

Here are some tips for having an intervention:

• Invite only supportive people. If some people have resentment issues with the addict, the intervention may become more accusatory and condemning than focused on advocating that person’s recovery.
• Remain calm throughout the intervention even if the discussion gets heated and the addict is defensive. Prepare for resistance.

Maintain a reasonable attitude and a firm, yet calm tone of voice.

• Insist that you are confident in the person’s full recovery and that you will support him or her in the process.
• Be prepared with specific examples about how that person’s drug use has negatively affected you and others.
• Research treatment options so that if the person agrees to enter treatment, you have some choices readily available.

Treatment for Valium Addiction

There are several treatment options for Valium addiction, but two main categories of treatment are inpatient and outpatient. The following is some brief information about both:

• Inpatient Treatment – With inpatient (or residential) treatment, the person has a place to stay and can get away from the chaos and temptations that go along with coming off an addiction. Around-the-clock care is provided by a staff of medical professionals and counselors. Inpatient treatment is recommended for individuals with a strong addiction who need to go through detox and deal with behavioral and psychological issues that may be part of the addiction.
• Outpatient Treatment – Outpatient treatment is less expensive, but it is also less intensive. The individual is able come and go from the treatment center and can continue to go to school or work. He or she will attend meetings and therapy sessions for ongoing recovery. Outpatient treatment is recommended for people who have already been through some type of inpatient treatment or those who are experiencing the beginnings of addiction.

Valium Intervention Help

Intervention is an effective strategy for many people who are addicted to drugs. However, planning and conducting an intervention is not always easy, and we can help. Please call our toll free number today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about Valium addiction, treatment, and intervention.