How to Battle Valium Addiction

Most doctors prescribe the anti-anxiety drug Valium as a way to cope with short-term episodes of anxiety. After several weeks or months taking Valium, your doctor will want to start weaning you off the drug. However, many patients develop a debilitating dependence to the mood enhancing effects and must struggle through addiction.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Evaluate your symptoms. To determine whether you have a Valium addiction, take note of your behavior. Valium addicts often take more than the recommended dose and start to develop tolerance for the drug. When taking Valium longer or more often than recommended by a doctor, you'll likely have problems sleeping and feel very anxious.
2. Make an appointment with an addiction counselor or check into a rehab facility. Prescription drug addiction is a very serious problem and needs to be handled by a professional. To help you battle your Valium addiction, find a local counselor.
3. Go through the detox process. You'll need to get the drug out of your system while under the care of a physician to avoid any health complications.
4. Attend one-on-one and group therapy sessions. Your therapist may also employ cognitive therapy to help you battle the addiction.
5. Build up your confidence. Many times, Valium addiction stems from a person's feelings of helplessness or worthlessness. To boost your confidence, spend time with friends and family or take up a new hobby.

Tips & Warnings

• Although you may feel scared when you stop taking Valium, you should know that research shows many people actually feel much better once they're off the medication.
• Addiction to Valium can lead to a number of health problems. Besides withdrawal symptoms, you're at risk for sleep disorders and stroke.