Diastat dependence is a dangerous substance use disorder that requires swift intervention and treatment. Abuse of this highly addictive drug can put your future and even your life at risk.
If you or someone you love has developed Diastat addiction, your best hope for recovery lies in your willingness to admit you have a problem. Once you’ve accepted the truth, the next step is to seek Diastat addiction treatment services in a licensed drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. The best Diastat rehabs will help you overcome your dependency before the damage becomes severe and irreversible.
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What is Diastat and What is It Used For?
Diastat is a rectal gel administered periodically for the treatment of epileptic seizures. Diastat is a brand name for the drug diazepam, which belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications. Diazepam is a sedative normally used as an anti-anxiety medication, or occasionally as a treatment for insomnia. But it can also counteract the symptoms of seizures, if they are taken at the right time.
Diastat is given for a wide variety of specific epileptic conditions, including:
- Absence seizures
- Focal seizures (with or without impaired awareness)
- Myoclonic seizures
- Atonic seizures
- Tonic-clonic seizures
- Lennox-Gastant Syndrome
There are other conditions that can cause seizures. To diagnose epilepsy, an EEG (electroencephalogram) will usually be administered. An EEG is a brain scan that can identify distinctive and abnormal patterns of neural activity associated with that condition.
Like all benzodiazepines, Diastat (diazepam) is a central nervous system depressant that causes feelings of calm and relaxation. It also causes a type of pleasant, low-key euphoria.
When delivered rectally, the drug can reduce the intensity and frequency of epileptic seizures, even while they’re happening. Diastat enters the bloodstream quickly and reaches the brain within a few moments after injection.
Diastat is never used as an exclusive treatment for epileptic seizures. Instead, it is given to people diagnosed with epilepsy who continue to have seizures despite taking other AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) that lessen the severity of the disorder. These types of seizures are often referred to as breakthrough seizures, since they can “break through” the preventive shields erected by conventional AEDs.
Injections of Diastat drug should be administered either while a seizure is occurring or shortly afterwards. Because it is so potent and delivered in a concentrated dosage (15-20 milligrams for adults), Diastat is not meant for daily use. It shouldn’t be administered more than five times in any one-month period or more frequently than once every five days).
All benzodiazepines are addictive. If abused, they can cause changes in the brain that lead to cravings and send users back to the drug again and again. Diastat is as addictive as any other type of benzodiazepine, and if used for anything other than short-term or occasional relief it can create a powerful physical and psychological dependency.
Street Names for Diazepam
Diazepam is available in rectal (Diastat) or tablet (Valium) form. People who misuse Diastat often abuse Valium as well.
Valium in particular has a number of street names, which may also be applied to Diastat. They include:
- Vs
- Blue Vs
- Yellow Vs
- Downers
- Howards
- Tranks
- Candy
- Sleep Away
- Benzos
- Foofoo
Diastat abuse is not as common as other types of benzodiazepine abuse. Nevertheless, the drug does have appeal for those who are seeking a rapid burst of euphoria.
How Long Does Diastat Stay in Your System?
In rectal gel form, Diastat is fast-acting and potent. Diazepam in tablet form is not helpful against epileptic seizures, because it takes too long to dissolve and reach the bloodstream.
Conversely, Diastat is absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately. It begins to take effect against seizure symptoms in as little as five or 10 minutes. It reaches its peak of effectiveness in 90 minutes, helping to prevent the recurrence of seizures after they’ve been halted.
But while Diastat works fast, it stays in the body for a long time. Diastat has a half-life of 46 hours, which means it takes almost two days for the human body to flush half of the drug out of the system.
Consequently, if you take two or more doses close together the drug can accumulate in your body in excessive quantities. This means you’ll experience more pronounced Diastat side effects, and if this happens regularly it can be considered a sign of a blooming Diastat addiction.
Diastat is highly effective against seizures, which explains why it is routinely prescribed as a supplementary medicine for those who have a seizure disorder. But what makes it effective is what also makes it addictive. Diastat dependence can develop quite rapidly among those who abuse the drug, based on its potency and the speed with which it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Prolonged Diastat abuse can put you at grave risk for Diastat addiction. It could even lead to a Diastat overdose. Taking the drug in ways inconsistent with a doctor’s prescription is hazardous to your health, in more ways than one.
Developing an Addiction to Diastat
The oral form of diazepam, widely known under the brand name Valium, gained notoriety for its addictive qualities long ago. There were more prescriptions written for Valium than for any other drug in the 1970s, and rates of prescription drug addiction exploded.
Because of its specialized use, however, many people assume Diastat addiction isn’t a problem. This medication is somewhat inconvenient to use, is not available in prodigious quantities and is only prescribed for people with epilepsy. Presumably, those who suffer from this brain disorder would not be as vulnerable to drug dependency as those who are given benzodiazepines for chronic anxiety, since their prescriptions only cover occasional rather than daily usage.
But Diastat addiction is both possible and a real medical condition that may affect thousands of people at any given time. There are certain types of behavior that increase the chances Diastat dependence, and they include:
Recreational Use and Abuse
Diastat is attractive to recreational drug users because it delivers a concentrated dosage of a mind-altering intoxicant. Benzodiazepines produce pleasant feelings of deep relaxation, yet their addictive nature makes Diastat abuse a risky behavior.
People who abuse prescription drugs often mix them with other drugs, or with alcohol. This heightens the intensity of Diastat side effects, but also dramatically boosts the odds of drug dependency developing. Diastat overdose, or multi-drug overdose, is a significant risk for people who abuse Diastat recreationally.
Using More Than Prescribed
Diastat is quite effective against the symptoms of epilepsy. As a result, the temptation to use more Diastat than recommended is strong. Those who are desperate to manage their epileptic seizures may ignore the limits of their prescriptions, with disastrous results.
It is easy to become addicted to Diastat, regardless of the reason for the abuse.
Taking It in Combination with Valium
Men and women who experience powerful anxiety symptoms for a prolonged period may be tempted to abuse Valium. In some cases they may abuse Diastat as well, if they are able to obtain supplies.
Diastat isn’t prescribed for anxiety. But its capacity to reach the bloodstream quickly can make it attractive for people struggling with the disabling physical and psychological symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Inevitably, mixing diazepam in different forms creates a risk for addiction by elevating consumption to dangerously high levels.
The Effects of Diastat on the Brain
During epileptic seizures, normal patterns of neurological activity become uncoordinated or unbalanced, causing the person to experience a mixture of unusual mental and physical symptoms and behaviors.
At its most extreme epilepsy can be fatal. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP, is a frightening condition that can cause respiratory collapse or heart failure.
When used responsibly, Diastat can counteract the effects of epileptic seizures. As a quick-acting rectal gel Diastat can begin working right away, guiding the brain back to equilibrium before any serious damage occurs.
Benzodiazepines stimulate the production of a neurotransmitter called GABA. This important chemical inhibits unhealthy activity in the brain, by binding with GABA receptors that function more effectively under the influence of Diastat or other benzodiazepines. This capacity to suppress unnatural excitation of the central nervous system makes Diastat effective against the symptoms of epilepsy, which emerge from central nervous system malfunctioning.
But Diastat can be addictive if it is used excessively. It can cause persistent and destructive changes in the way the brain functions.
Gradually, under the influence of Diastat, the brain creates a new standard of equilibrium. It becomes increasingly dependent on the presence of benzodiazepines to stimulate adequate production of GABA. Under the influence of this dynamic, the brain steadily loses its ability to produce GABA on its own. In these circumstances, you’ll need to take more and more Diastat to experience the same effects, or simply to feel normal.
Growing tolerance for the effects of Diastat is one of the clearest signs of Diastat addiction. It is usually accompanied by strong cravings for the drug, which are created by brains that need help to function.
To reverse these troublesome developments, you’ll need to stop using the drug entirely. But this won’t happen quickly or easily.
Recovery from Diastat addiction is a long-term process that requires expert intervention from trained addiction specialists. In a healing environment managed by compassionate counselors, you’ll get the physical, psychological and emotional support and guidance you need to recover from your substance use disorder.
Diastat Addiction Symptoms
Addiction to prescription drugs is insidious because it is unexpected.
People who start out taking medications for health situations assume they’re safe. They fail to realize how quickly their drug use can spiral out of control if they exceed recommended dosages for any period of time.
Diastat side effects are expected, even when the drug is used as prescribed. Abuse reveals itself through the intensification of those Diastat effects, and to an increase in their number.
Some of the telltale symptoms of Diastat abuse and addiction include:
- Chronic drowsiness
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed breathing patterns
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Periods of euphoria
- Constant stuffy or runny nose
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Sudden bouts of nervousness
- Tremors or shakiness
- Worsening of asthma symptoms
- Unexplained rashes
Some of these Diastat addiction symptoms may occur when you’re under the influence of the drug. Others will be experienced after the effects of Diastat wear off. Diastat abuse puts you on a roller coaster where bad feelings alternate with good—until addiction develops and the benefits of the drug are no longer in evidence.
One additional symptom of Diastat addiction is especially disturbing. Studies have revealed that people who abuse Diastat often experience suicidal thoughts. In some instances, they may even attempt suicide, or may harm themselves in other ways.
Suicidal thoughts and the deep depression that accompany them are symptoms of crisis. If you’ve been having these types of feelings, you should be evaluated for chemical dependency immediately.
Diagnosing Diastat Addiction
Diastat addiction can only be diagnosed by a mental and behavioral health professional, or by a licensed addiction counselor.
A physician may be consulted initially, to search for any underlying physical maladies that might be causing the disturbing symptoms experienced. Once these possibilities have been ruled out, the next step is to contact a diagnostic expert to evaluate your behavior for signs of drug addiction.
As outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are 11 diagnostic criteria for Diastat Addiction. A medical professional may diagnose you with Diastat addiction if you tell them that:
- You frequently take more Diastat than you originally intended, signifying that your use of the drug has become compulsive.
- You’ve attempted to reduce your levels of Diastat consumption many times, but without success.
- You’ve been experiencing strong physical and psychological cravings for Diastat, which undermine your attempts to stop using it.
- You spend inordinate amounts of time using Diastat, recovering from its effects and/or searching for additional supplies.
- You’ve been neglecting personal, family, occupational or educational responsibilities, in large part because of your drug abuse.
- Your Diastat abuse has caused problems in your relationships and disrupted your social life, yet you continue to use Diastat regularly.
- You’ve abandoned favorite pastimes, hobbies and other enjoyable activities for reasons that relate to your substance use issues.
- You’ve been unable to reduce your Diastat consumption, even though you’ve experienced physical and psychological hardships caused by that behavior.
- Your consumption of Diastat is contributing to dangerous or reckless behavior, or otherwise putting your health and safety at risk.
- You’re experiencing growing tolerance for Diastat, meaning you need to take more and more of it to achieve the same effects.
- You’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms (agitation, restlessness, shakiness, sweating, nausea, etc.) whenever you’ve tried to get by without Diastat.
If you report two or three of these symptoms, you will be diagnosed with a mild substance use disorder. Four or five symptoms signifies a moderate disorder, while exhibiting six or more symptoms of Diastat addiction means your drug dependency is severe.
Mixing Diastat with Alcohol and Opioids
When people abuse prescription medications recreationally, they often use other drugs at the same time. They frequently choose substances that cause similar effects, in order to achieve a stronger euphoria or a more sustained high.
In the case of Diastat and other benzodiazepines, drug mixing most often involves alcohol and/or opioid painkillers, like oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin).
Diastat and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants. As such, they produce similar effects in the brain. Each enhances the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, causing deep and sustained feelings of calm, relaxation and gentle euphoria.
While this magnified effect may seem pleasurable at first, combining alcohol and benzodiazepines causes excessive suppression of central nervous system activity. The increased effect means a quicker descent into addiction, as the body rapidly and decisively loses the ability to regulate neurotransmitter activity naturally. It also significantly increases the possibility of overdose and other dangerous health effects.
Opioids and benzodiazepines follow somewhat different pathways in the brain. The former bind with opioid receptors and reduce sensations of pain, while the latter bind with GABA receptors and boost the potency of that neurotransmitter.
However, in each case these prescription medications will produce feelings of relaxed euphoria. It is that overlapping result that encourages some people to mix benzodiazepines like Diastat with opioids, in the search of a deeper and more satisfying escape from stress, tension and the worries of the day.
But this is highly dangerous activity. Opioid abuse by itself is a risk factor for addiction and overdose, and adding benzodiazepines to the mix only increases the chances of a disastrous and potentially fatal result.
Diastat Overdose
Whenever a drug is consumed repeatedly for an extended period of time, tolerance for its effects builds. This is what ultimately puts a person at risk for overdose. Their escalating pattern of consumption eventually overwhelms their body’s capacity to metabolize the drug quickly and efficiently.
If you develop an addiction to Diastat, you will also be at greater risk for a Diastat overdose. Your body may be telling you that it needs more and more diazepam to get by, but your central nervous system can only take so much of the drug before it begins to shut down completely.
A Diastat or diazepam overdose can cause severe respiratory depression. If medical treatment is not forthcoming, this can cause oxygen deprivation, brain damage and finally death.
Some of the common signs of Diastat overdose include:
- Heavy drowsiness
- Mental confusion
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred, unintelligible speech
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Slow heartbeat
- Respiratory distress
- Loss of consciousness, possibly leading to coma
These symptoms could be fatal, especially if emergency medical services are not sought. However, most people who overdose on Diastat exclusively will not experience this extreme result. It is usually the mixing of diazepam with other drugs put your life in danger.
In 2017, benzodiazepines were responsible for more than 11,000 drug overdose deaths. But only 10-20 percent involved the consumption of benzodiazepine alone. In a majority of these cases, one or more opioids had also been consumed.
Mixing alcohol with benzodiazepines is another hazardous behavior. A 2010 study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that alcohol was involved in 27.2 percent of benzodiazepine-related emergency room visits and 21.4 percent of benzodiazepine overdose fatalities.
Unfortunately, Diastat addiction is often complicated by addictions to alcohol, opioid painkillers or illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin. Regardless of the combination, Diastat rehab programs will include comprehensive treatment for all existing substance use disorders, as they must to be effective.
Diastat Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
Diastat is used to treat epilepsy, which is not a form of mental illness but a sign of physical malfunctioning in the brain.
Nevertheless, epilepsy is often accompanied by serious mental health problems. Studies have revealed that more than 25 percent of people diagnosed with epilepsy also have at least one form of mental health disorder.
About one-third of men and women with epilepsy have struggled with depression at some point in their lives. Meanwhile, about one-third of those who’ve been diagnosed with focal seizures, which affect only one part of the brain, suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. A study from Denmark found that adults who’ve experienced seizures are up to three times more likely to develop schizophrenia or psychosis than members of the general public.
The existence of these mental health problems in people with epilepsy is one factor that can lead to Diastat abuse. Men and women with undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues often attempt to self-medicate their troubles away with drugs and alcohol.
Diazepam (the active ingredient in Diastat) is known to have a calming effect on people experiencing severe anxiety. Those who take more Diastat than their prescriptions recommend may be seeking relief form their anxiety symptoms and not just their epilepsy.
Overall, about half of those who develop a drug addiction disorder of any type will have a co-occurring mental health disorder. The connection between the two is clear, and if you are struggling with Diastat dependency you may have underlying mental health issues that require treatment as well.
Fortunately, the best Diastat rehabs offer flexible, dual diagnosis treatment plans that can provide a multi-varied range of recovery services to those who have co-occurring mental and behavioral health disorders. All diagnosed conditions will be given equal priority during the Diastat rehabilitation process, which is necessary for a full and sustainable recovery.
Diastat Withdrawal and Detox
When you’re ready to get clean and sober, willpower alone will not be enough to preserve your commitment. It is both risky and counterproductive to quit using Diastat too suddenly, and that is not the best way to achieve the recovery you seek.
Like all addicts, you will experience powerful withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Diastat. Those symptoms are likely to be far stronger and more debilitating than you imagined, which is why detoxing on your own is not a good idea.
The symptoms associated with Diastat withdrawal may include:
- Restlessness and agitation
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Rapid heart rate
- Heavy sweating
- Shakiness, tremors
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Spikes in blood pressure
- Bursts of anxiety and nervousness
- Poor concentration
- Memory lapses
- Dizziness, possibly severe
- Feelings of depression or unreality
- Strong cravings for Diastat
In cases of severe Diastat addiction, people in withdrawal might experience hallucinations or psychotic symptoms. If the person in withdrawal started taking the drug originally for epilepsy, they may experience a renewal or worsening of their seizures.
Your Diastat withdrawal symptoms may be even more problematic if you’ve also been abusing alcohol or other drugs. Withdrawal from opioids and alcohol can intensify these symptoms or add new ones to the mix. A co-occurring alcohol use disorder can be especially troublesome, since the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can actually be fatal if they become too extreme.
The intensity of Diastat withdrawal can be immense, and that is why withdrawal symptoms are best managed by healthcare professionals during a medically-supervised detox program. At top Diastat rehabs, medically-supervised detox is standard and considered an essential part of every long-term recovery program.
Before actual treatment can start, you must gain control over your Diastat abuse. You need to be physically, psychologically and emotionally stable if treatment services are to be effective, and detox can help you achieve that stability.
Detox for Diastat will take place in a hospital-like environment, where your physical and psychological condition can be monitored on a 24-hour basis. This can be vitally important for clients who have serious pre-existing conditions (like epilepsy) that complicate their treatment for Diastat addiction.
During detox, you will begin the process of weaning yourself off Diastat, along with any other drugs you might have been abusing.
It is not wise to stop taking benzodiazepines all at once. The preferred method for managing Diastat withdrawal symptoms is to lower doses gradually over time. This gives the brain and body time to adjust to sobriety. Mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms may be experienced for a while, but that is temporary and actually a sign that tapering procedures are working as designed.
Antidepressants and other types of medications may be given to help take the edge off of more serious withdrawal symptoms. They can also be helpful to Diastat rehab clients with depression or anxiety disorders. Psychological services can also be provided, if your mental health issues are acute or debilitating.
Tapering of Diastat dosages will begin in detox. But it will likely extend well beyond the 7-10-day detox period. Diazepam is a long-lasting benzodiazepine and that normally means a longer period of gradual dosage reduction.
Medically-supervised detox is an invaluable step on the path to long-term wellness. The best Diastat rehabs can provide you with high-quality detox services, customized to meet your personal and health-related needs.
Treatment and Rehabilitation for Diastat Addiction
Once Diastat dependence has been diagnosed, it is important to seek treatment right away. Benzodiazepine addiction can escalate to alarming levels quite rapidly, as tolerance develops and forces those who are addicted to the drug to increase their consumption to hazardous and devitalizing levels.
When you enter a Diastat rehab facility, you’ll work closely with addiction counselors and mental health specialists to create a treatment plan that addresses all of your issues. This will include your Diastat addiction, plus any other substance use disorders or mental health disorders you may have.
It is normal for people with benzodiazepine addiction to have other health problems. If this is your situation, the best Diastat rehab centers will make sure you have the kind of inclusive and comprehensive treatment services you need to make a full and lasting recovery.
After the intake process is complete, your first step on the road to recovery will likely be a stop in medical detox. You must be in good health and sound in mind and body before you begin formal treatment, and detox can help you get there.
Treatment plans for Diastat addiction may be administered on either an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient treatment is generally preferred, since it allows you to focus exclusively on your recovery. But if you have life situations that make it impossible for you to participate in a residential healing program, a variety of outpatient treatment plans will be made available.
At the best Diastat rehab centers, outpatient treatment programs and inpatient programs will be, for the most part, interchangeable. Time requirements and living arrangements will differ, but the essential elements of the recovery regimen will remain the same.
In both inpatient and outpatient programs, psychotherapy will be the key element in your Diastat recovery plan. Individual therapy sessions will help you work through any and all personal problems or traumatic memories that might be complicating your healing or encouraging your Diastat abuse. You’ll also learn practical strategies for resisting negative influences that can encourage self-destructive behavior. In addition, you’ll explore and identify the triggering circumstances or events that made you vulnerable to drugs in the past and might leave you vulnerable to relapse in the future.
In addition to your daily individual therapy sessions, you’ll also participate in group therapy sessions with peers struggling to overcome their own addictions. These sessions will be a regular part of your recovery regimen and can help you gain perspective on where you’ve been and the challenges you’ll face moving forward.
Beyond individual and group therapy, your addiction counselors will frequently arrange family therapy sessions. Family therapy lets your loved ones visit and actually participate in your recovery program directly. They can provide moral support and understanding, although they will be encouraged to share their own feelings openly and honestly as well. If your behavior has hurt them, family therapy will give you a chance to start making amends.
Complementary therapies are frequently included in Diastat addiction treatment programs. These can include life skills or relapse prevention classes, which show you how to make better decisions and teach you how to cope with life’s stresses in productive ways.
For the purposes of stress management and increased self-awareness, holistic healing practices are often included in Diastat rehab plans. Top drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities generally offer instruction in multiple mind-body techniques that can help reduce stress and contribute to overall wellness.
Some of the practices you might be introduced to include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Massage therapy
- Tai Chi
- Biofeedback
- Acupuncture
- Music and arts therapy
- Wilderness or adventure therapy
- Martial arts practice
If your treatment specialists believe you can benefit from a mixture of conventional and alternative therapies, they will work with you to create a plan that includes these diverse elements. Your input will be welcome, since your wishes, needs and interests are critically important to the healing process.
Rehabilitation for Diastat addiction is a long-term affair and will continue even after your stay in rehab is finished. Drug addiction treatment programs generally last for 30-90 days, depending on the severity of the dependency. Aftercare programs will give you an opportunity to continue your therapy sessions and peer group meetings, the latter possibly in a 12-step program designed to help people who’ve finished formal treatment resist the temptation to return to drugs or alcohol.
From detox through treatment and on into aftercare, your health and wellness are always the primary focus for everyone involved. The best Diastat rehab centers work hard to ensure your peace of mind.
Choosing the Best Diastat Rehab for You
Your search for the right treatment and rehabilitation facility will end with one of the most important decisions of your life.
The best Diastat rehab centers rely on evidence-based treatment methods, in a customized mixture that truly meets the needs of the individual. They have something to offer every potential client, regardless of the nature and severity of their problems. If your problem started because you were taking Diastat for epilepsy, for example, they will work with you to help you find new ways to manage your condition.
Your situation is unique, just as you are unique. The best addiction treatment facilities know this, and they are prepared to offer you fully personalized recovery services based on your background, life experiences and specific history of substance use.
When you find a Diastat addiction treatment center that fills you with hope and offers a clear vision of how they can help, your chances of finding and maintaining sobriety will be dramatically enhanced.