Is Valium addictive? Exactly how addictive is Valium? What are the signs of Valium addiction? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you’re not alone. Though doctors in the U.S. have been prescribing Valium since the early 1960s, many people still don’t understand how powerful – and potentially dangerous – it can be.
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What Is Valium?
Valium is the brand name of a prescription medication that can be used to treat a variety of medical and mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, insomnia, muscle spasticity, and seizures. It is also sometimes used to alleviate severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
The primary active ingredient in Valium is diazepam, which is a benzodiazepine. Other medications in the benzo category include clonazepam (which is marketed in the U.S. as Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan).
When a person takes Valium, the drug interacts with receptors in their central nervous system that are associated with a chemical messenger called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that it slows the functioning of the central nervous system. Valium increases the amount of GABA in a person’s system, which has a calming or sedating effect. It can also cause elevated mood, to the point of euphoria.
For people who have been experiencing one of the conditions we mentioned earlier in this post, Valium can be a source of considerable relief. Unfortunately, Valium’s beneficial effects have also made it a popular recreational substance.
Is Valium Addictive?
Is Valium addictive? Yes, people who use this medication can become dependent on it.
It is difficult to conclusively state how addictive Valium is, as a person’s risk can be influenced by genetic factors and various personal characteristics.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified diazepam as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means that, in the opinion of the U.S. government, Valium has “a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.”
However, when discussing if Valium is addicting, it is important to note that low risk is not the same as no risk at all.
The likelihood of becoming addicted to Valium seems to be greatest among people who use the drug for an extended period of time, or who abuse it either to self-medicate or to achieve a recreational high.
What Are the Signs of Valium Addiction?
If you are concerned that someone in your life may have developed an addiction to Valium, keep an eye out for symptoms such as:
- They use Valium more frequently, in larger doses, or for a longer period of time than directed by the physician who prescribed the medication to them.
- They have exaggerated their symptoms, visited multiple doctors, or engaged in other deceptive practices in an attempt to get additional prescriptions for Valium.
- They’ve tried to borrow, buy, or steal Valium that had been prescribed to someone else.
- They have begun to use Valium in ways that are particularly dangerous, such as combining it with alcohol or other substances.
- They continue to use Valium even after experiencing some type of harm – such as physical health problems, damaged relationships, or legal problems – as a result of prior use.
- They have developed tolerance, which means that they need to take greater amounts of Valium to feel the effects they could previously achieve via smaller doses.
- They develop distressing physical and psychological symptoms when they try to stop using Valium, or when they are prevented from using the medication for a few days.
Compulsive Valium abuse can also cause a person to exhibit warning signs such as:
- Sudden changes in mood, attitude, and energy
- Slurred speech and impaired coordination
- Loss of interest in activities that used to be important to them
- Performing below their ability at work or in school
- Frequent unexplained absences from work or school
- Lying about how they’ve been spending their time or who they have been associating with
- Neglecting responsibilities such as paying bills or showing up for appointments
- Unexplained financial problems
Anyone who exhibits the signs and symptoms listed above may be dealing with Valium addiction, another type of substance use disorder, or a mental health problem.
You can’t diagnose your loved one, but you can encourage them to consult with their doctor or schedule an assessment at a reputable addiction treatment center. Once they have received an accurate diagnosis, they will be one step closer to receiving the care they need.
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How Is Valium Addiction Treated?
For many people, Valium addiction treatment begins with detoxification, or detox.
Valium withdrawal can be quite difficult, with symptoms that may include:
- Powerful drug cravings
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Suicidal thoughts
- Racing heart rate
- Elevated sensitivity to light and sound
- Tremors or shakiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Disrupted sleep
Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within about three days after a person stops using Valium, and they can last for 10-14 days. When someone tries to get through withdrawal on their own, the intensity of these symptoms can quickly push them back into active Valium abuse.
In detox, patients will be in a safe, closely supervised environment where they won’t have access to benzodiazepines or other addictive substances. Throughout their time in the program, they will be cared for by professionals who can provide both medical and therapeutic support to keep them safe and minimize their discomfort.
Once a person completes detox, they can transfer to a residential or outpatient rehab center. During the post-detox phase of treatment, patients can begin to develop the skills that will support their successful recovery.
Depending on a person’s specific needs, their residential or outpatient treatment for Valium addiction may include services such as:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group psychotherapy and psychoeducation sessions
- Family counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Holistic services
If a person’s struggles with Valium addiction are accompanied by anxiety, depression, or another co-occurring mental health disorder, their treatment plan should also address these concerns as well. Failing to provide a truly comprehensive treatment experience can undermine a person’s ability to resist relapse and maintain their recovery.
Find Valium Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
If you have become addicted to Valium or another substance, the Retreat of Atlanta can help you find your path to a drug-free future.
When you choose our drug rehab in Atlanta, Georgia, you can begin your recovery journey in our inpatient detox, then transition directly into residential treatment. In each of these programs, you can expect to receive personalized care and comprehensive support from a team of skilled and compassionate professionals.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
