Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

August 27th, 2024

Valium withdrawal and detox

Picture yourself standing at the edge of a dense forest, knowing that you must navigate through the wilderness to reach the other side where a new, healthier life awaits. Valium detox is like embarking on that journey, and Banbury Lodge is the experienced guide that leads you through the jungle of Valium addiction. We have helped many people complete Valium detox safely and successfully and we are here to help you take back control of your life.

Valium detox

What is Valium detox?

Valium detox is a form of benzodiazepine detox that helps you effectively break free from your physical dependence on Valium.

Valium affects your body and brain by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm the nervous system. Over time, you become physically dependent on the drug to maintain this calming effect because your brain stops producing GABA on its own.

When you stop taking Valium, your body experiences withdrawal symptoms as it struggles to regain balance without the drug. Valium withdrawals last until the brain restarts the natural production of GABA and all remaining Valium is processed and cleared from your system.

Valium detox works by gradually reducing the drug’s presence, allowing your brain and body to heal and return to a normal state. This is typically done through a combination of medical supervision, medication management and supportive care to ensure a safe and comfortable transition.

What are the benefits of professional diazepam detox?

Diazepam detox can be a truly life-changing process with so many incredible benefits, including:

Restored physical and mental health: As you detox from diazepam, your body and brain begin to heal from the effects of the drug. This leads to improved physical health, as well as enhanced cognitive functioning, emotional well-being and overall mental health.
A reduced risk of relapse and overdose: Undergoing professional diazepam detox reduces the likelihood of relapse, as you will be supported throughout the process and provided with strategies to prevent future substance use. By breaking the cycle of dependence, the risk of overdose is also reduced, as you are less likely to return to using diazepam in harmful amounts.
Paving the way for long-term recovery: Diazepam detox is often the first step in a comprehensive recovery plan. Following detox, you can then address the underlying issues that contributed to your dependency which will increase your chances of achieving lasting sobriety.

What are common diazepam withdrawal symptoms?

Diazepam withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the duration of use, size of dosage and your state of health. Potential diazepam withdrawal symptoms may include:

Anxiety
Insomnia
Tremors
Muscle spasms
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Seizures
Hallucinations

Valium detox - man with anxiety

Rebound anxiety

Rebound anxiety is a temporary increase in anxiety symptoms that can occur during prescription drug detox, particularly for medications used to treat anxiety, such as Valium. It happens because the brain is attempting to reestablish its natural balance after becoming accustomed to the presence of the anxiety-reducing medication. As the drug leaves the body, the brain’s neurotransmitters can become temporarily unbalanced, leading to heightened anxiety. Rebound anxiety typically subsides as the body completes the Valium detox process and the brain’s chemistry returns to its normal state.

Valium withdrawal timeline

It’s important to note that the timeline for Valium withdrawals can also vary significantly from person to person. However, a general timeline for Valium/diazepam withdrawal will look something like this:

Days one to three: The early stages

During the first few days of Valium withdrawal, you may start to experience initial symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and tremors. These symptoms can be mild to moderate in intensity and serve as a sign that the body is beginning to adjust to the absence of Valium.

Days four to ten: The peak phase

As withdrawal progresses, you may find that your symptoms reach their peak in severity between days four and ten. During this period, you may experience heightened anxiety, agitation and even hallucinations. In some cases, severe Valium withdrawal symptoms such as seizures may also occur. It is essential to have proper medical supervision during this phase to ensure safety and manage any complications that may arise.

Days eleven to twenty-one: The decline

Following the peak phase, you will typically begin to notice a gradual decline in the severity of your Valium withdrawal symptoms. While anxiety and sleep disturbances may still be present, other symptoms will generally start to subside. This phase is a turning point in the Valium withdrawal process, as the body continues to heal and adjust to the absence of Valium.

Days twenty-two and beyond: The road to recovery

Although residual Valium withdrawal symptoms may persist beyond day 22, they will gradually fade as you move further along in your recovery journey.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and Valium detox

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a collection of symptoms that can persist for weeks or even months after the initial acute withdrawal phase from benzodiazepines, such as Valium. PAWS can be challenging for individuals in recovery as it may cause physical, emotional, and psychological discomfort, making it difficult to maintain sobriety. This is why Valium detox is always best done under medical guidance.

Diazepam detox at Banbury Lodge

Choosing to undergo diazepam detox at Banbury Lodge offers numerous advantages and ensures that you have the best possible chance at a successful recovery.

Some of the most important features of our diazepam detox programmes include:

24-hour medical care: At Banbury Lodge, you will receive round-the-clock medical care from our experienced team of medical professionals. This continuous supervision will ensure that diazepam withdrawal symptoms are monitored and managed, providing a safe and comfortable detox experience.
No access to Valium or other substances: Detoxing from diazepam in a controlled environment like Banbury Lodge eliminates the availability of diazepam or other addictive substances. This will help prevent relapse and promote a focused approach to recovery.
A full medical assessment: Each individual at Banbury Lodge undergoes a comprehensive medical assessment, allowing our team to create a personalised detox plan that takes into account factors such as your medical history, the severity of dependence and any co-occurring mental health issues. This tailored approach ensures that the diazepam detox process is as effective and comfortable as possible.
Medically supervised diazepam detox: Depending on your individual’s needs, we may need to provide medically supervised diazepam detox. This involves the use of medications to manage diazepam withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and prevent complications. Medically supervised diazepam detox is particularly beneficial for individuals who have a high risk of severe withdrawal symptoms or who have a history of relapse.
Simultaneous Valium rehab: This comprehensive approach addresses the psychological aspects of your condition and includes therapy, counselling, education, support groups and aftercare. This will help you to address all of the factors that have contributed to your condition so that you can develop new coping strategies and stop relying on diazepam.

By offering these benefits, Banbury Lodge provides a supportive and structured environment for you to detox from diazepam safely and effectively, setting the foundation for a lasting recovery.

Valium detox checklist for loved ones

Beginning Valium detox can be a scary prospect, so the support of loved ones can be vital in providing the impetus and reassurance that people need to get started. If your loved one is about to embark on Valium detox, the following checklist can help ensure that you are doing everything you can to provide the necessary assistance:

Have I established open communication and offered my support?

This can help your loved one feel understood and encouraged during the Valium detox process.

Have I assisted with organising logistics such as transportation and time off work?

Helping with logistical arrangements can reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition into Valium detox for your loved one.

Have I prepared a comfortable and supportive environment for their return home after Valium detox?

Removing all Valium and other drugs from their home can help prevent relapse while creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere can help make the transition easier.

Am I informed about the signs of Valium relapse and know how to respond appropriately?

Being knowledgeable about Valium relapse indicators and appropriate responses will enable you to provide timely intervention and support if needed.

Have I offered to assist with household duties while they are in Valium detox?

By taking on some of the household responsibilities, you can alleviate additional stress, allowing your loved one to focus on their recovery.

By reflecting on these questions and taking the appropriate actions, you can be a significant contributing factor in your loved one’s successful completion of Valium detox.

How to start Valium detox

Taking the first step towards a healthier, Valium-free life is as simple as reaching out to Banbury Lodge. Our compassionate and experienced team will guide you through the Valium detox process and create a personalised plan tailored to your unique needs. Don’t wait another day to reclaim your life – contact Banbury Lodge and start your journey to recovery today.

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw from diazepam at home?

Attempting to withdraw from diazepam at home can be dangerous due to the potential severity of diazepam withdrawal symptoms and lack of medical care. There is also an increased risk of overdose as your tolerance decreases during diazepam withdrawal so you can easily overdose if you return to your previous dosage.

Can I die from Valium withdrawal?

Yes, in some severe cases, Valium withdrawals can be life-threatening if not managed properly as the risk of serious complications such as seizures and extreme changes in blood pressure can be dangerous and even fatal. This is why it is crucial to undergo Valium detox under the supervision of medical professionals such as those at Banbury Lodge, who can monitor your progress and provide appropriate medical interventions when necessary.

Will Valium detox cure me completely?

Detox is an important and necessary first step in the recovery process but it is not a complete cure. Detox primarily focuses on addressing the physical dependence on Valium and managing withdrawal symptoms but successful recovery involves addressing not only physical but also psychological, emotional and social factors through further treatment.