Diazepam is the generic name of the well-known medication Valium, a potent medication that is most commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Like other benzodiazepines, Diazepam is also sometimes used for the treatment of other issues and disorders, like skeletal muscle spasms and seizures. Diazepam is also frequently used to treat the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. However, it is crucial to understand that Diazepam should never be used during at-home alcohol detox – this drug should never be used unless a team of medical professionals is closely monitoring the alcohol detox process. Alcohol detox should never be attempted at a home setting, seeing as the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous, even life-threatening, when not closely monitored and treated. Additionally, Diazepam on its own can be highly addictive. Those who consistently use benzodiazepines for any length of time are liable to develop a dependency. This usually occurs after a tolerance for the drug has been built over time. Once dependence develops, quitting will be extremely difficult. If an individual who has developed a Diazepam addiction attempts to quit on his or her own, the symptoms of withdrawal will likely be physically and psychologically unbearable. 
The Effects of a Diazepam Detox
As soon as someone who has been taking Diazepam other than as prescribed for any length of time ceases use, he or she will begin experiencing symptoms of withdrawal. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is highly uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. Some of the more dangerous effects include seizures, body tremors, severe anxiety, and confusion. If an individual who has been abusing Diazepam attempts an at-home detox and any of these symptoms begin to occur, he or she will be in serious trouble. In cases like these, medication-assisted treatment will be necessary. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we provide our clients with the medically monitored detox they need to safely and effectively overcome the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. If you have the opportunity of attending a treatment program instead of trying to detox from benzos at home, please do so because otherwise, it’s extremely dangerous. The good news is that our benzodiazepine detox program offers a personalized and medically-supervised approach to overcoming Valium or diazepam dependence. Some of the additional dangers of attempting an at-home Diazepam detox include:
- Experiencing a symptom of withdrawal that requires immediate medical attention. For example, say an individual starts having a seizure and is unable to call for help. There are many complications when it comes to having seizures in an at-home setting with no medication or professional assistance – many of the complications can result in fatality.
- The duration of the symptoms. When left untreated, symptoms of Diazepam withdrawal typically last between three and four weeks. When treated in a medical detox facility, these symptoms will generally resolve in between one and two weeks. The quicker the symptoms of withdrawal resolve, the sooner the individual will be able to move to the next appropriate level of clinical care.
- The severe psychological symptoms of Diazepam withdrawal can lead to serious side effects like self-harm or an increase in risk-taking behavior. Hallucinations are not uncommon, and many individuals who are detoxing from benzodiazepines have experienced suicidal ideation. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we have licensed psychiatrists on staff who can prescribe medications that will alleviate more severe psychological symptoms.
- The reduction of post-acute withdrawal symptoms. This is also known as protracted withdrawal, and it can last for up to an entire year when left untreated. PAWS can be managed, and the length of time individual experiences these protracted symptoms can also be reduced by his or her admittance to a medical detox facility as soon as symptoms of withdrawal begin.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar – Professional Medical Detox
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we are highly trained in drug detox processes of all varieties, including Diazepam and benzodiazepine detox. Our team of highly trained medical professionals has developed a comprehensive, personalized, and integrated Diazepam detox program for men and women of all ages and walks of life.
