Valium Addiction

Valium Addiction Statistics

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), there were 15 million diazepam prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. in 2011, making it one of the five most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the country. As a result, it’s also one of the most frequently encountered benzos on the illicit market.

SAMHSA’s 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 6.9 percent of the U.S. population (or 18.7 million people) misused prescription drugs like Valium. Additionally, more than 7,900 people died from overdoses related to benzodiazepines like Valium in 2014.

Causes of Valium Addiction

Valium works by increasing the effects of a chemical substance in the brain called GABA, which slows brain activity. When a person takes a dose of valium, the drug increases the effects of the GABA neurotransmitter, which lessens feelings of anxiety and reduces activity.

If a person takes too much Valium, he or she can easily become physically dependent and addicted, as the sedative and calming effects of the drug are pleasurable. Valium is a schedule IV controlled substance, which indicates its potential for misuse and addiction. Consistent abuse of Valium can result in severe short and long-term side effects or overdose.

Some people may become physically dependent and addicted to Valium, even if they initially use it as prescribed. However, in many instances, the pleasurable, short-term effects can be a catalyst for users to take more than the recommended dose or use it more frequently than prescribed. Misusing Valium in this way is a form of prescription drug abuse.

There are many other ways people misuse Valium and other prescription drugs, such as:

• Taking someone else’s Valium prescription
• Buying Valium from a drug dealer, friend, or family member
• Taking a larger dose of Valium than is prescribed
• Taking Valium more often than prescribed
• Using Valium in a way other than prescribed, such as injecting it

Signs and Symptoms of Valium Addiction

Valium addiction affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and it may even start as just a simple prescription from the doctor. However it occurs, here are some of the symptoms of valium addiction:

• Having intense cravings for valium
• Developing a tolerance (needing higher or more frequent Valium to achieve the same effects)
• Losing interest in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling extremely drowsy all the time or difficulty waking from sleep
• Difficulty maintaining motor skills and coordination
• Feeling like Valium is necessary to function normally on a daily basis
• Continuing to take Valium even though it’s causing health problems and relationship problems
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using Valium

If a loved one is addicted to Valium, you may recognize a few of the following warning signs:

• Being unable to manage responsibilities at work, home, and/or school
• Spending a great deal of time getting and using Valium
• Attempting to stop using Valium but being unable
• Isolating from friends and family
• Having financial or legal problems associated with Valium abuse
• Getting more frequent Valium refills
• Getting Valium prescriptions from more than one doctor
• Taking larger and/or more frequent doses of Valium
• Having more frequent injuries, falls, and accidents
• Declining hygiene habits
• Stealing money or valuables from friends, coworkers, family members, or strangers

Although Valium is helpful for some and has legitimate medical uses, it can also be very dangerous when abused. Even if it’s prescribed by a doctor, Valium (when misused) can cause serious physical side effects, increase a user’s risk of getting into a car accident, and cause uncomfortable and harmful withdrawal effects when addicted users stop taking it suddenly.

Effects of Valium Addiction

Although many people abuse Valium for its pleasurable short-term effects, there are also many uncomfortable and dangerous short-term and long-term side effects that may be a result of Valium abuse.

Short-term side effects of Valium abuse may include:

• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Restlessness
• Decreased sex drive
• Seizures
• Respiratory problems
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shakiness
• Fever

Long-term physical and psychological effects of Valium abuse may include:

• Depression
• Aggressive behavior
• Hallucinations
• Delirium/paranoia
• Memory loss
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Impaired judgment
• Confusion
• Physical dependence
• Addiction

Valium Addiction Treatment

If you abuse Valium for an extended period of time and become addicted, you will experience unpleasant physical symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. These symptoms are called withdrawal.

The duration and intensity of Valium withdrawal symptoms will vary and depends on how the Valium was abused, how often it was abused, if it was used with any other drugs or alcohol, and several other unique factors related to the person abusing it.

Common symptoms of Valium withdrawal include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Achiness
• General discomfort
• Extreme anxiety
• Agitation
• Panic attacks

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be very dangerous without medical assistance because the physical symptoms can be unpredictable or even life-threatening. The safest way to detox from Valium is by enrolling in a medical detox program at a Valium detox center.

During Valium detox, clients receive 24/7 medical care, so if any unexpected medical emergencies occur, a staff of nurses and doctors will be right there to help. Clients may also receive medication-assisted treatment, to help ease the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and gradually taper them down into a stable state of sobriety.

Valium addiction, and addiction in general is a chronic, relapsing disease that cannot simply be overcome with willpower. Long-term, evidence-based addiction treatment is necessary to overcome addiction to Valium or any other drug.

Upon the completion of Valium detox, a recovering user may choose to enroll in a drug rehab program to address the behavioral and psychological aspects of their addiction. Research shows that addiction treatment of 90 days or longer typically provides the most positive and lasting results. Although some drug rehab programs offer 30-day treatment, most people require more time to make lasting, long-term changes.

There are two main types of drug rehab programs: inpatient programs and outpatient programs. With both types of rehab, the general goals remain the same:

• Provide helpful information and education about the nature of Valium addiction and how it affects the body and mind
• Thoroughly work through each step in the 12-Step Program
• Provide specialized therapies like family therapy, pet therapy, music therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy
• Learn and apply relapse prevention strategies and coping mechanisms
• Gain useful life skills to sustain sobriety
• Practice living sober in a safe, drug-free environment

Each of these objectives can be achieved with an inpatient or outpatient rehab program, but one or the other may be more beneficial for a person in recovery, depending on their situation.

In inpatient drug rehab, clients can expect to:

• Live on-site at the rehab center for the duration of the program
• Adhere to a structured daily schedule and set of rules
• Have limited contact with the outside world
• Have immediate and regular access to addiction treatment professionals and medical experts
• Live in group housing with other peers in recovery
• Participate in family, group, and individual counseling
• Attend educational lectures

In outpatient drug rehab, clients can expect to:

• Attend a series of group meetings at a nearby, clinical location
• Live at home while enrolled in rehab
• Have the flexibility to attend work, school, or care for children while enrolled in rehab
• Participate in family, group, and individual counseling
• Attend educational lectures

Inpatient and outpatient drug rehab program costs vary depending on the duration of the program, the amenities offered, and the type of treatment that is available. Regardless, clients may have several different payment options to cover the cost of addiction treatment. Generally, these include utilizing:

• Health insurance benefits through providers like Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare or Beacon/ValueOptions
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Third-party healthcare loans
• Reduced, financed, or full out-of-pocket payments

Ongoing addiction treatment is often recommended for people who are recovering from Valium addiction. There are several different options for continued care, including sober living programs or Aftercare. Each of these options provides essential benefits for people in long-term recovery.

Aftercare is a recovery program that is specifically designed for people who have already completed a drug rehab program to address their Valium addiction. Aftercare consists of a series of group meetings that take place regularly. Many people view these as weekly check-ins, where they are held accountable by a group of sober peers.

Meetings are generally used as an opportunity to discuss ongoing personal challenges, give and receive advice on sober living or challenging life situations, and a consistent opportunity to connect with other people in recovery.

An addict cannot get through it alone. Valium addiction treatment should be approached in holistic manner including intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and support that leading rehab centers provide. If you are fighting urges to use, even if you believe the problem is under control, call us right now at 855-706-9275. Our helpline representatives can answer your questions and provide you with tips for immediate treatment options at the appropriate recovery center in your area.