Author: John Carter

Is Valium Addictive? How To Tell If Your Loved One Is Addicted To Diazepam

These drugs can lead to dependence even if you’re only taking the prescribed dose. You run a higher risk of this if you misuse the medication or have an underlying substance use disorder. As a tranquilizing medication, Valium (diazepam) slows down activity in the central nervous system. The signs and symptoms of addiction often reflect this suppression of brain and nerve activity. Other vital functions of the body, such as respiration, heartbeat, digestion, and urination, can also be affected by Valium abuse.

Suddenly stopping this medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

  1. Valium is a long-acting benzo that remains detectable in urine for up to 10 days.
  2. The general feeling of relaxation that Valium induces is what has made it one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the sedative or tranquilizer category.
  3. The user may appear drowsy all the time or be difficult to wake from sleep.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. The earlier you identify a Valium problem, the easier it will be to break the habit. Although withdrawal can be a strenuous experience for anyone quitting the medication, it’s far better than a life of addiction.

Diazepam

Valium also can be used to treat skeletal muscle spasms from conditions like inflammation or trauma, along with spasticity, a condition where your muscles contract involuntarily. Spasticity can be caused by conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and even exercise and dehydration. In more extreme situations, withdrawal can lead to seizures or death. Learn why addiction recovery is a life-long commitment and how addiction impacts families.

Valium Tolerance and Withdrawal

In a 12-month period between 2014 and 2015, more than 5 million people in the U.S. reported they had misused benzodiazepines. That’s out of 30 million adults who used the drugs at all that year. At regular doses, benzodiazepines help to relieve anxiety and insomnia. For example, a common dose of alprazolam (Xanax) is 0.5 to 1.5 milligrams. It takes minutes to take effect, and its effects last 5-8 hours.

Valium Treatment and Rehab: Signs & Treatment Locations

Amphetamine is commonly known as “speed.” It’s a CNS stimulant. It’s used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. When consumed in high quantities, codeine-based cough syrup has a sedative effect. It provides the base for an illicit drug concoction known as “purple drank,” “sizzurp,” or “lean.” This concoction also contains soda and sometimes candy.

Adverse effects

If you stop taking the drug suddenly, your withdrawal symptoms may be more severe. A temporary return of anxiety symptoms that are worse than before treatment was started also can occur. According to the manufacturer, Valium should not be given to children under the age of six months.

He or she may become preoccupied with seeking and taking the drug. Inpatient treatment options like rehabilitation centers will require residence at the facility for a period ranging from 30 days to one year. While there, the patient will focus on recovery from substance abuse while undergoing various therapeutic interventions to improve their mental and physical health.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, or unsteadiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Valium is a benzodiazepine prescribed by medical doctors and psychiatrists to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Historically, Valium has been a popular pharmaceutical agent—it has been widely used for its muscle relaxant, anti-convulsant, and sedative properties. Benzodiazepine abuse alone rarely causes serious illness or death. But people often take them with alcohol or other drugs, either of which can be dangerous or even deadly. About 3/4 of deaths that involve benzodiazepines also involve an opioid drug. About 1 percent of Americans aged 12 and older had a prescription drug use disorder.