Diazepam, which also goes by the name Valium, is a benzodiazepine medication. It is a central nervous system depressant that is mainly prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication. However, diazepam is also prescribed to treat many other things, including insomnia, muscle spasms, panic disorders, seizures, and sometimes used during alcohol withdrawal. Is it true that Diazepam can help relax your central nervous system?
How Does Diazepam Work?
Diazepam works by regulating and very important pathway located in the brain. Once the diazepam is ingested, it is metabolized by your body. It will modulate a protein located on the surface of the brain cells that are called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA – A receptors. GABA receptors will typically bind to the most common neurotransmitter located in the central nervous system called GABA. Once it is bound to the receptor, its calming affects the central nervous system and the brain. When diazepam is present in your system, that calming effect becomes magnified and will last much longer than if GABA was working all of its own. 
The Effects of Diazepam
Since diazepam causes a calming and relaxing effect on the body, it can treat many different medical conditions. Although it can be used to treat many different conditions, its mechanism of action is mostly the same regardless of its use. Essentially, diazepam helps to slow down your central nervous system. When this happens, it kind of tricks your body into being more relaxed and less stressed and anxious. The most common effects associated with diazepam use are feelings of calmness, relaxation, and tiredness.
What Does Diazepam Addiction Look Like?
An addiction to diazepam can come on quickly if it is not used as prescribed or if it is used recreationally. As time passes, it will become more and more difficult for your brain to know how to function normally without the drug in its system. Unfortunately, many people who have become addicted to Diazepam do not even realize any problem. One of the most common signs that someone is addicted to Diazepam is the need to take larger doses to feel the same effects you felt initially. Some of the other common signs of diazepam addiction include:
- Extreme cravings for diazepam
- Isolating from your friends and family
- Continuing to abuse diazepam despite and negative consequence or problems your use has caused
- Losing any interest in things you once found enjoyable
- Ignoring obligations like school or work
Withdrawal Associated with Diazepam Addiction
Once you have built up a tolerance to the effects of diazepam, you can experience what is called withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it or do not take a large enough dose. The withdrawal symptoms associated with diazepam are uncomfortable and can even be dangerous. This makes it that much more difficult for a person to stop using on their own. However, many people will continue to use it even if they want to stop, so they do not experience withdrawal.
Getting Help For Your Diazepam Addiction at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Our treatment center specializes in drug addiction recovery. This means we can help you from the beginning to the end of your treatment. It will begin with detox, where your withdrawal symptoms can be managed in a comfortable and safe facility and decrease the chances of a relapse. After that, we offer many different treatment options to meet your specific needs. Addiction treatment requires many different layers and approaches, but it is lifesaving. So if you want to get sober and get your life back, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
