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Valium Addiction, Side Effects, and Rehab

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Diazepam often referred to by the brand name Valium in a prescription bottle

Published: October 24, 2024

Valium addiction occurs when a person becomes reliant on Valium to function day-to-day. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects many Americans.

Much like other drug addictions, Valium addictions can have detrimental effects on many areas of your life. Aside from mental and physical consequences, many people notice challenges in their career, social life, and finances.

Luckily, receiving proper addiction treatment can help treat and manage Valium addiction and start the process of long-term sobriety.

Read on to learn all about Valium addiction including why it can lead to addiction, treatment options, how to prevent relapse, and more.

How Does Valium Lead to Addiction?

Diazepam, often referred to by the brand name Valium, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to treat anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, muscle spasm, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is a benzodiazepine, like Xanax and Klonopin.

Valium is a schedule IV drug as classified by the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it is strongly associated with a risk of abuse and addiction.

Benzos, like diazepam, have the potential to lead to addiction because of the way they work. The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord, which means Valium directly interacts with these systems.

CNS depressants work by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) effects in your brain. This is what creates the sedative and relaxing effects of Valium. Simultaneously, benzodiazepines increase the amount of dopamine in your brain.

Both of these effects have an impact on your brain chemistry, which can make the drug addicting. The pleasant feeling associated with diazepam can encourage abuse and eventually lead to psychological or physical dependence.

What’s The Difference Between Valium Abuse & Addiction?

Though there are links between diazepam abuse and addiction, it’s important to understand that they are separate health conditions.

Valium abuse refers to any use of the medication that is not prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional. Because diazepam is a prescription medication, not all use is considered abuse as it is for illicit drugs. Abuse can include taking Valium without a prescription, taking a higher dose than prescribed, or taking it more frequently than prescribed.

Diazepam addiction, on the other hand, is a condition in which an individual becomes psychologically dependent on the medication to function. In other words, their brain convinces them they need Valium to get through the day.

Does Valium Misuse Cause Dependence?

Yes, diazepam misuse can cause physical dependence, which is a phenomenon that causes your body to physically rely on a substance to work properly.

Physical dependence is common with benzodiazepine misuse, particularly because of their effects on the CNS. Much like with any other medication, most people build up a tolerance to Valium overtime, which may encourage them to take more of the drug for the same effects.

Eventually, the body becomes used to functioning and performing regular tasks with diazepam readily available. Once that drug as well as the extra dopamine is removed, many people experience withdrawal symptoms as their body has become physically dependent.

Signs of a Valium Addiction

Drug use and addiction often comes with signs and symptoms. Understanding those associated with Valium addiction can be incredibly helpful in identifying a substance use disorder (SUD) in yourself or a loved one.

Signs and symptoms of Valium addiction can include:

  • Mood swings
  • Shaking
  • Dizziness
  • Suppressed appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Memory loss
  • Party-seeking/risky behavior
  • Inability to stop thinking about Valium
  • Taking higher doses of Valium than before
  • Taking Valium without a prescription

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms indicate the presence of physical dependence and can occur with Valium misuse. They can be very unpleasant and even dangerous without proper medical supervision.

Diazepam withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Muscle stiffness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Muscle pain
  • Anxiety
  • Psychosis
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Memory loss
  • Panic attacks
  • Muscle pain
  • Difficulty concentrating

Side Effects of Valium Abuse

While diazepam misuse can have a few enticing effects, there are countless short-term and long-term side effects that can be extremely unpleasant and even have long-lasting effects on your health.

Short-term effects of Valium misuse include:

  • Nausea
  • Memory loss
  • Euphoria
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Impaired vision
  • Lack of coordination
  • Weakness
  • Shaking
  • Respiratory depression
  • Shortness of breath
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Depression
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Suppressed appetite
  • Memory loss
  • Diazepam overdose
  • Death

Long-term effects of Valium abuse include:

  • Personality changes
  • Weight gain
  • Chronic stomach ailments
  • Mental health disorders
  • Rashes
  • Impaired cognition
  • Chronic insomnia
  • Chronic sleep disorders

Risk Factors for Valium Addiction

There are several risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing a Valium addiction. That being said, anyone who uses the medication has the potential to develop an addiction, some just may be more at risk than others.

General substance addiction risk factors:

  • Family history
  • Early exposure to addictive substances
  • Lack of family involvement
  • Peer pressure

Valium addiction risk factors:

  • Party-seeking behavior
  • Mental health issues
  • Being prescribed Valium/high doses of Valium
  • Abusing Valium

Diagnosing Valium Addiction

Diagnosing diazepam addiction is a crucial first step in the road to recovery. Though it’s possible to identify a potential addiction based on signs and symptoms, a true diagnosis can only be made by a doctor through a medical evaluation.

Medical evaluations for substance addiction involve analyzing an individual for any signs of addiction as well as evaluating their behavior surrounding drug use.

Getting a diagnosis can be difficult for some people who are dealing with addiction. Some people choose to hold an intervention for a family member or loved one who seems to be struggling with substance abuse.

Valium Addiction Treatment Options

Treatment options for diazepam addiction are countless. Many people receive a combination of many treatment services, though your doctor may recommend a specific treatment approach for your individual needs.

Benzodiazepine Detox Program

Available in both inpatient and outpatient settings, medical detoxification programs are a common treatment service many people receive at the start of their treatment journey.

Detoxing from an addictive substance is the process of any of the remaining substances leaving your system. When someone has a substance addiction, this process can be very challenging and even dangerous due to withdrawal symptoms.

Medical detox programs are designed to make this process safer and more comfortable. During detox, your care team will administer any necessary medications or treatments, monitor your vitals, and help you manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Prescription Drug Rehab

Prescription drug rehabilitation programs usually make up the bulk of an individual’s treatment journey. They are available in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Prescription drug addiction treatment helps treat addictions for drugs such as benzos and opioids.

Inpatient treatment is considered the highest level of care in the addiction treatment field. This is because inpatient programs provide 24-hour supervision and care. In order to do so, individuals live in a treatment center for the length of their treatment program. Inpatient rehab is very regimented and involves a daily schedule to create a sense of routine.

Outpatient treatment is often provided as a step-down treatment option from inpatient care. It is still highly effective and is sometimes the better choice for people who cannot commit to the living requirements of an inpatient program. Outpatient rehab occurs several days a week at a rehab center, so patients must travel to the facility several times a week.

Aftercare for Valium Recovery

The last step of substance abuse treatment is aftercare, which is essentially the recovery support you receive after completing a treatment program. Aftercare, sometimes called continuing care, is intended to reduce the risk of relapse and encourage long-term recovery.

Aftercare is a very personal step of the treatment journey, so it will look a little bit different for everyone depending on their needs.

Some people choose to join support groups or 12-step programs, some continue regular behavioral therapy sessions, others may move into sober housing, and some even explore alternative therapies.

Who Can Benefit From Valium Rehab?

The benefits of Valium rehab are immense and can benefit anyone who abuses or is addicted to diazepam.

Once you start addiction treatment, you may notice positive changes in areas of your life that you didn’t even realize were affected by your addiction.

Benefits can include:

  • Improved overall well-being
  • Improved physical health
  • Improved mental health
  • Improved financial health
  • Repaired familial bonds
  • Repaired relationships (personal and professional)
  • New, healthy coping skills
  • New hobbies
  • New relationships
  • Reduced risk of Valium overdose
  • Reduced risk of death due to Valium

How to Prevent Relapse After Valium Rehab

Preventing relapse after diazepam rehabilitation is incredibly important. The best way to do so is to create a relapse prevention plan.

Relapse prevention plans can set you up for success in your treatment journey by providing a plan for maintaining sobriety when met with the stressors and triggers of day-to-day life.

Much like other aspects of addiction recovery, relapse prevention will look different from person to person.

Relapse prevention strategies can include:

  • Joining a support group
  • Attending regular therapy sessions
  • Creating a support system
  • Learning new coping mechanisms
  • Taking up new interests and hobbies
  • Living in a sober home
  • Trying alternative therapies like art or yoga

Find Recovery Options for Valium Addiction

Diazepam addiction can be hazardous not only to your health but nearly every aspect of your life. It can have many side effects and lead to physical and psychological dependence that make it hard to quit. However, professional treatment can help you manage your addiction.

If you’re ready to take the first step in your journey to sobriety, give our helpline a call today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become addicted to Valium after one use?

It’s not likely you’ll become addicted to Valium after one use, it usually takes repeated use. That being said, the amount of Valium use and time it takes for someone to become addicted to diazepam ranges. Long-term use is more likely to lead to addiction.

There are many factors that can affect the amount of time it takes to become addicted to a benzodiazepine including how it is used, your weight and height, your gender, and how your body processes the drug.

Can you cure a Valium addiction permanently?

No, Valium addiction cannot be cured, and neither can any substance addiction. However, it is possible to treat a Valium addiction and manage it while living a sober life.

With proper professional treatment, substance addictions can be effectively managed. It can be a challenging process, but it is not impossible with the right support.

Are Valium withdrawal symptoms dangerous?

Withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine addiction can be dangerous. Not all withdrawal symptoms are dangerous, but most are very unpleasant. Severe withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and are more likely to cause harm without medical supervision.

In other words, detoxing from an addictive substance in a medical detox program is the safest option and should always be considered.

Can you quit Valium without treatment?

Quitting Valium without professional treatment is possible, but typically much more challenging and potentially dangerous.

As mentioned above, detoxing from a drug on your own can be hazardous. On top of that, trying to quit a drug that you’ve become addicted to without professional support can be incredibly overwhelming.

Addiction rehab programs use evidence-based treatment services to comprehensively treat and manage addiction. Having professional support can make the process much less daunting.

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