If you are in an immediate emergency, call 911. If you are looking for more information on substance abuse treatment and it is not a medical emergency, call our 24/7 Valium Helpline at 855-416-2466.

Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is a prescription benzodiazepine that treats anxiety, seizures and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Many Floridians take benzos: in September 2021 alone, more than 450,000 Floridians were prescribed a benzo. Diazepam is one of the most frequently prescribed benzos, and was taken by 1.6 million Americans in 2019.

Valium Withdrawal

Valium works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s calming neurotransmitter, which creates feelings of relaxation, drowsiness and euphoria. Like other benzos, Valium is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has abuse potential.

The longer someone takes Valium, the more likely they will develop a physical dependence. This means the brain has become used to the presence of Valium. If someone who’s dependent on Valium tries to stop using it, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. The amount of time it takes to become dependent on Valium can vary.

Valium withdrawal occurs as the body tries to readjust without the presence of the substance. This can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from unpleasant to dangerous.

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Valium withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other benzos and can vary in severity. Symptoms typically start 2–7 days after the last dose and can continue for 2–8 weeks.

Because benzo withdrawal symptoms can fluctuate unpredictably and range in severity, experts recommend that a person in benzo withdrawal be medically supervised. If complications like seizures occur, a doctor or nurse can quickly step in to help.

Factors that play a role in Valium withdrawal severity include how long someone took Valium, how often they used it and whether they used any other substances regularly. Withdrawal symptoms are likely to be more severe for people who have taken relatively high Valium doses. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hand tremor
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Seizures

How Long Does Valium Stay in Your System?

Valium is a long-acting benzo that can stay in your body for an extended period of time. The half-life of a drug refers to the length of time it takes for your body to remove half a dose. Valium’s half-life is up to 50 hours. Because it generally takes five half-lives for the drug to be cleared, it can take almost 11 days for the drug to work its way out of your system.

Valium can also be tested for different lengths of time, depending on what sample is taken:

• Urine: Valium can be found in urine for up to seven days after the last dose.
• Blood: Valium can be detected in blood for up to 37 hours.
• Hair: A half-inch sample of hair can detect Valium for up to 90 days.
• Saliva: Valium can be found in saliva for up to two days.

Valium Detox Timeline

Valium, like other benzos, does not follow a predictable detox timeline, making the withdrawal experience highly unpredictable. Benzo withdrawal symptoms can wax and wane in severity, so having medical supervision during your benzo detox is extremely important.

To avoid withdrawal symptoms, a detox facility can taper, or slowly reduce, your benzo dose to avoid or reduce withdrawal symptoms. A taper is the recommended method for stopping benzo use in a person who is physically dependent on the drug. Depending on your Valium use and how long you have been taking the drug, your doctor may decide to taper your dose over several weeks or months. A taper can also be paused to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Valium Detox in Orlando

Detox is the first step in overcoming a Valium use disorder. During medical detox, you are weaned off Valium and supervised by a team of medical professionals who help you avoid and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Orlando Recovery Center on the banks of Lake Ellenor offers a robust medical detox program, including:

• Full medical assessment upon admission
• Advanced treatment plans customized to your specific needs
• Individual sessions with clinicians
• Medication therapy to help you detox comfortably
• Round-the-clock monitoring for your comfort and safety
• Life skills training and therapy
• Fitness counseling and training to promote healthy recovery
• A smooth transition to rehab

Amenities are also available, including:

• Swimming pool
• Exercise gym
• Basketball courts
• Sand volleyball court
• Yoga
• Art therapy
• Life-skills therapy
• Designated smoking areas

If you suffer from a Valium use disorder or have a loved one who is struggling with Valium, we can help. Reach out to our knowledgeable intake specialists at Orlando Recovery Center today.