Valium (diazepam) is a powerful benzodiazepine with long-lasting effects that can easily lead to Valium addiction in the event of sustained use.
Addiction to Valium can progress rapidly if the drug is not used exactly as directed. Despite this, many people become addicted to this potent benzo without realizing a problem is developing.
Taking diazepam for more than 4 to 6 weeks – even with an accompanying prescription – will heighten your risk of developing an addiction to benzos.
Valium Addiction Signs
If you are the one abusing Valium, you will experience an array of symptoms, whereas other people can observe the signs of Valium use.
Valium is typically prescribed for the treatment of:
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
- During alcohol withdrawal
As a long-acting benzodiazepine, Valium stays in the system for much longer than benzos like Halcion (a short-acting benzodiazepine). Ingested orally up to 4 times a day, taking Valium regularly will precipitate tolerance and dependence.
Some textbook signs of Valium abuse include:
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Appetite changes
- Dilated pupils
- Uncharacteristic sadness
- Irritability
- Shaking (during Valium withdrawal)
- Withdrawing from social obligations
- Disengagement from favored activities
- Legal ramifications related to Valium abuse
- Stealing or borrowing money
- Secretiveness
- New social network
Valium Addiction Symptoms
The symptoms of Valium addiction are clearly delineated in DSM-5, APA’s benchmark diagnostic tool. Addiction is a non-clinical descriptor for substance use disorder. Substance use disorder applies to all disorders related to drugs, although there are also several sub-categories. Addiction to Valium is clinically known as sedative use disorder.
To be diagnosed with substance use disorder, at least two of the eleven symptoms outlined in DSM-5 must present within a year. Substance abuse disorder and Valium addiction involve more than just episodic drug abuse.
According to the number of the following symptoms present, diagnosis of substance use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe.
- Spending large chunks of time obtaining, using, and recovering from Valium.
- Repeatedly using Valium in dangerous situations – driving under the influence of benzos, for example.
- Reducing social commitments in favor of Valium use.
- Failing to meet commitments and obligations due to abuse of Valium.
- Experiencing strong cravings for Valium.
- Using Valium even though it is causing or inflaming health conditions.
- Taking more Valium than intended or using Valium more often than planned.
- Trying and failing to moderate or discontinue use of Valium.
- Developing a tolerance for benzodiazepines.
- Encountering withdrawal symptoms when the effects of Valium wear off.
- Continuing to use Valium despite these negative outcomes.
Valium Addiction Side Effects
Most research into the side effects triggered by Valium concerns lawfully prescribed use, but the same effects manifest when Valium is misused or abused. These include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Slowed breathing
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Irregular heartbeat
- Confusion
- Skin rash
- Seizures
If you use Valium long-term, you also run the risk of developing co-occurring disorders. As an example, Valium is routinely used to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Over time, your brain starts to rely on the substance to regulate stress levels. In the absence of the drug, this imbalance in the brain can trigger anxiety or depressive disorders not previously existent.
Long-term Valium abuse can cause damage to areas of the brain responsible for cognition and memory.
What can you do if you have been abusing benzos and you’ve decided it’s time to stop?
Valium Addiction Treatment
It is never advisable to suddenly stop using Valium without medical help. Valium withdrawal can involve adverse withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
A professionally-managed tapered reduction can help mitigate many of the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal, while almost minimizing complications.
The most common Valium withdrawal symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Shakiness
The duration of detox and withdrawal from benzos like Valium will differ from person to person. Generally, the more Valium you take, the longer it will require to feel normal without the substance in your system.
In addition to medications to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, psychotherapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can be effective for treating Valium addiction. A therapist will help you identify what triggers you to use Valium, and they will guide you to create superior healthy coping strategies rather than reaching for a pack of benzos.
Peer-support groups can also help many people grappling with a disorder like sedative use disorder after a prolonged period of Valium abuse.
Valium Addiction Rehab
If you decide the time is right to start treatment for Valium addiction, severe sedative use disorders usually respond most favorable to inpatient treatment.
Research indicates that intensive outpatient treatment is equally effective for most mild and moderate addictions, though.
Regardless of the level of treatment intensity that makes the best fit, you should find that a tapered reduction combined with medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, and counseling helps you leave Valium behind for good.
Valium Addiction Treatment Center in California
Attending a specialized Valium addiction treatment center in California can mitigate the discomfort and dangers of benzo withdrawal, while also minimizing the chances of relapse.
At The District Recovery Community, we can help you reclaim a healthy life, far removed from dependence on Valium or other harmful substances. To remove yourself from the vise of Valium addiction, reach out to The District today at 844.437.9413.
