Valium Addiction

Valium, or diazepam, is a prescription medication that is primarily used in the treatment of anxiety disorders or to address issues of seizures or tremors due to neurological disorders. Valium has a sedative effect in users that many find addictive. This effect may be chased through increased use of the drug or abuse of the pills that can occur in any of the following ways:

• Using higher doses than recommended
• Using the pills more frequently than prescribed
• Combining use of the pills with other substances like alcohol
• Crushing the pills and dissolving them in water before injecting them
• Using the pills in any way without a prescription

Classified as a benzodiazepine, Valium is a sedative and though it can be beneficial in certain cases for patients who use the medication exactly as described under the medical supervision and monitoring of a doctor, it is very often abused. The slowing of the CNS system caused by the drug can provide relaxation relatively quickly, a high that many find addictive, and withdrawal symptoms when without the drug. Additionally, regular use can result in the buildup of a physical tolerance for the medication, which means that more and more of the drug is necessary to create the hoped-for effect.

When both physical dependence and psychological cravings exist and the patient is unable to limit or stop using Valium, an addiction exists that requires immediate intervention. Contact us at Axis today to learn more about our addiction treatment program and how we can help.

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) found that withdrawal symptoms that occur during detox or whenever an addicted person is without Valium occur in stages. Additionally, they found that the intensity of withdrawal symptoms is strongest during the first two weeks, diminishes slightly, and then increases again before finally dissipating. Overall, most participants experienced some form of withdrawal symptoms for about six weeks after cessation of use. The first group of withdrawal symptoms happens throughout the detox process and includes symptoms like:

Trusted Treatment

Physical withdrawal symptoms in your loved one can indicate a physical tolerance. When paired with the following psychological issues often experienced by those who chronically abuse illicit substances, they can signify the existence of a Valium addiction:

• Isolating oneself from friends and family
• No longer enjoying hobbies or old interests
• Sleeping more or often claiming to be tired
• Experiencing mood swings or “crashes” based on their use of the drug
• Being unable to maintain a job or keep up with responsibilities at home
• Lying about one’s use of Valium
• Combining use of Valium with use of other substances, including marijuana, alcohol and other prescription substances
• Often claiming to have lost their prescription in order to get an emergency refill or justify going to the emergency room for more pills
• Going to different doctors and presenting with the same set of symptoms in order to get and maintain multiple prescriptions for Valium and/or other similar pills

• Chronic medical issues. As a CNS depressant, Valium can cause a number of different health problems in the user. Respiratory issues, both acute and chronic, are not uncommon. Additionally, issues related to malnutrition or nutrient deficiency can occur.
• Problems at home. Relationship issues with a significant other or spouse are not uncommon when drug abuse or addiction of any kind is an issue. Additionally, it can be more difficult to connect with children, roommates, guests and others in the home setting. Often, divorce and loss of custody can result when treatment is not sought.
• Difficulties in social interactions. When under the influence, it’s not easy to connect with others. As a result, many active addicts lose touch with close friends and family and find themselves isolated in their addiction.
• Problems at work. It’s not easy to manage priorities and responsibilities at work when one’s main focus is the maintenance and upkeep of Valium addiction. Too often, addicts lose their jobs, get demoted or asked to take a leave of absence, and/or find themselves unable to find new employment.
• Financial struggles. As a result of the high cost of medication and the financial crunch that comes with job loss or cut income due to active addiction, it’s not uncommon for addicts to deal with financial issues like bankruptcy and foreclosure.
• Legal problems. Buying Valium illegally and obtaining the drug via fraudulent practices are both illegal. Additionally, criminal acts committed in order to obtain more pills or while under the influence of the drug (e.g., driving while intoxicated) can result in arrest, fines and/or incarceration.