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Valium Addiction Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment

Written by
On July 10, 2024

Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is a prescription medication commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and seizures.[1] While it can be effective in managing certain medical conditions, its potential for misuse and addiction should not be underestimated. Like other benzodiazepines, Valium has a high potential for dependence and tolerance, especially when used for an extended period or at higher-than-prescribed doses.

Key points:

  • Valium, also known as diazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and certain types of seizures. It works by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA to produce a calming effect on the body.
  • Valium has a high potential for addiction and misuse due to its calming and euphoric effects on the central nervous system. Misuse can include taking higher doses than prescribed, using it more frequently, or combining it with other substances like alcohol or opioids.
  • The timeline for developing an addiction to Valium varies, but generally, addiction can develop over weeks to months of regular use. Tolerance may develop, necessitating higher doses, which increases the risk of dependence and addiction.
  • Overdosing on Valium is possible, especially when taken in large doses or combined with other substances. Symptoms of overdose can include extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, and even coma or death.

Jump to

What Is Valium?

Valium, known by its generic name diazepam, is a prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is primarily prescribed to manage symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, along with other medical conditions. As a central nervous system depressant, Valium works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, resulting in a calming effect on the body.[2]

Valium is available in various formulations to accommodate different therapeutic needs.[3] Immediate-release tablets are commonly prescribed for the management of acute anxiety symptoms, while extended-release formulations offer a more sustained effect.

Valium Addiction and Abuse

Can you get addicted to valium even though it is a prescribed substance? The answer is yes. Valium, like other benzodiazepines, possesses a high potential for addiction and misuse due to its calming and euphoric effects on the central nervous system.[4] The addictive nature of Valium stems from its ability to rapidly alleviate symptoms of anxiety and induce feelings of relaxation and sedation, which can encourage people to seek its use beyond prescribed guidelines.

Misuse of Valium may take various forms, including taking higher doses than prescribed, using it more frequently than recommended over a long period of time, or using it without a legitimate medical need. Some people may also engage in polydrug use, combining Valium with other substances like alcohol or opioids to enhance its effects, which significantly increases the risk of overdose and other adverse outcomes.[5]

Substances We Treat

Valium Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category
Benzodiazepine
Commercial & Street Names
Benzos, Xannies
DEA Schedule
Schedule IV
Administration
Orally, nasally

How Long Does It Take To Become Addicted To Valium?

The timeline for developing an addiction to Valium, like other benzodiazepines, can vary significantly from person to person and depends on various factors, including individual physiology, dosage, duration of use, and frequency of use. While some people may develop dependence and addiction relatively quickly, others may take longer.

Generally, addiction to Valium can develop over weeks to months of regular use.[6] Initially, you may experience therapeutic effects from the medication, such as reduced anxiety or muscle relaxation. One of the common Valium addiction signs is dependence or tolerance, which may develop with continued use, necessitating higher doses to achieve the desired effects. As tolerance increases, people may find themselves taking Valium more frequently or in larger amounts than prescribed, increasing the risk of dependence and addiction.

It’s important to note that not everyone who uses Valium will develop an addiction or experience side effects. However, those who have a history of substance abuse or addiction, as well as those who misuse Valium by taking it in ways other than prescribed, are at a higher risk.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Valium?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Valium, especially when taken in large doses or in combination with other substances like alcohol or opioids. An overdose occurs when someone ingests more of a substance than their body can effectively metabolize, leading to potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Symptoms of a Valium overdose can include extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed or shallow breathing, dizziness, weakness, and loss of consciousness.[7] In severe cases, an overdose can result in coma, respiratory depression, and even death.

If someone is suspected of overdosing on Valium (or any benzodiazepine), it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital or emergency medical center.

What Are My Treatment Options for Valium Addiction?

Valium treatment centers embrace a holistic approach that considers various facets of addiction, including potential dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders:

Levels of Care

Detoxification (Detox)

Medical detox services provide supervision, stabilization, and assistance as the body detoxifies from Valium and adapts to abstaining from its use.

Residential Treatment

Inpatient care delivers intensive therapy and a structured environment conducive to recovery. It concentrates on uncovering underlying issues and fostering coping skills.

Family Program

Family involvement is pivotal in Valium addiction treatment, with programs offering education, counseling, and support to enhance family dynamics and communication, which is crucial for the individual's recovery journey.

Discharge Planning

Comprehensive aftercare plans are pivotal, encompassing referrals to outpatient therapy, support groups, and community resources to uphold sobriety and prevent relapse post-treatment.

Therapeutic Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT assists individuals in accepting their thoughts and emotions while committing to actions that align with their values, fostering resilience and psychological flexibility in overcoming Valium addiction and dependence on benzodiazepines.

Art Therapy

Through art therapy, individuals discover a nonverbal avenue for expression and exploration of emotions, trauma, and self-awareness, facilitating healing and personal growth in the journey toward recovery from Valium and benzodiazepine addiction.

Attachment Therapy

This therapeutic approach focuses on repairing and strengthening interpersonal bonds, addressing underlying attachment issues contributing to addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines, and fostering healthier connections with oneself and others.

Breathwork Therapy

Using controlled breathing techniques, breathwork therapy promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances mindfulness and self-awareness, aiding individuals in managing cravings and triggers as they recover from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT assists individuals in identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines, developing coping skills and strategies to challenge cravings and prevent relapse.

Compassionate Inquiry Therapy

This therapeutic modality encourages deep self-reflection and exploration of underlying emotional wounds and belief systems, fostering compassion and self-understanding in the recovery journey from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT teaches individuals mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance skills, empowering them to cope with cravings, regulate emotions, and build healthier relationships throughout recovery from Valium and benzodiazepine addiction.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR assists individuals in processing and resolving traumatic memories and experiences that may contribute to addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines, alleviating distress and promoting emotional healing and resilience.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS explores and integrates various aspects of the self, facilitating healing and self-awareness by addressing internal conflicts and restoring balance and harmony in the individual’s inner world during recovery from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines.

Motivational Interviewing

This approach helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change, enhancing motivation and commitment to recovery from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines by eliciting and strengthening intrinsic motivation.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

SFBT focuses on identifying and building upon an individual’s strengths and resources, promoting goal-oriented and solution-focused approaches to recovery from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines.

Sound Healing Therapy

By utilizing sound vibrations and frequencies, this therapy induces deep relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes emotional well-being, offering a holistic approach to supporting recovery from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines.

Somatic Experiencing

This therapy focuses on restoring balance to the nervous system by addressing physical sensations and responses associated with trauma, facilitating healing and resilience in the recovery process from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines.

Yoga Therapy

Integrating physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness practices, yoga therapy promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and mind-body connection, supporting individuals in managing cravings and improving overall well-being during recovery from addiction to Valium and benzodiazepines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Valium Addiction Symptoms and Valium Rehab

How long does it take to detox from Valium?

The duration of Valium detox can vary depending on factors such as your current dosage, duration of use, and overall health. Generally, the acute phase of Valium detox, where withdrawal symptoms are most intense, may last around one to two weeks. However, some people may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that persist for several weeks or months.

What should I expect during Valium addiction treatment?

During drug abuse addiction treatment, you can expect a comprehensive approach that may include medical detoxification, therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), support groups, and aftercare planning. Treatment programs are tailored to each person’s needs.

Can I continue taking other medications while in treatment for Valium addiction?

It depends on the specific medications and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Some medications may be safe to continue while in treatment for Valium addiction, especially if they are essential for managing other medical conditions. However, certain medications may interact with Valium or affect the recovery process, so it’s crucial to discuss all medications with your treatment team for personalized guidance.

Sources

[1] Diazepam (Valium): Uses & Side Effects. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20942-diazepam-tablets#:~:text=Diazepam%20is%20a%20medication%20that on June 6, 2024

[2] Dhaliwal, J. S., & Saadabadi, A. (2022). Diazepam. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/ on June 6, 2024

[3] Khalid, S., Rasool, M. F., Imran, I., Majeed, A., Saeed, H., Rehman, A. ur, Ashraf, W., Ahmad, T., Bin Jardan, Y. A., & Alqahtani, F. (2021). A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Predicting Diazepam Pharmacokinetics after Intravenous, Oral, Intranasal, and Rectal Applications. Pharmaceutics, 13(9), 1480. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13091480 on June 6, 2024

[4] Schmitz, A. (2016). Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review. Mental Health Clinician, 6(3), 120–126. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120 on June 6, 2024

[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, April 21). Benzodiazepines and Opioids. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids on June 6, 2024

[6] Vinkers, C. H., & Olivier, B. (2012). Mechanisms Underlying Tolerance after Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use: A Future for Subtype-Selective Receptor Modulators? Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2012, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/416864 on June 6, 2024

[7] Diazepam overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002629.htm on June 6, 2024

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