Is Valium addicting? Learn how diazepam dependence develops, signs of addiction, withdrawal risks, safe use tips, and effective treatment options.
Valium (diazepam) is a type of drug known as a benzodiazepine. These drugs act by boosting the activity of a chemical in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that has a calming effect on nervous system activity.
What Is Valium?
Valium is the brand name for diazepam, which is a long-acting benzodiazepine and central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is a type of drug usually referred to as sedative-hypnotics. It was first approved by the FDA in 1963 and was one of the most widely used medications in U.S. history.
Valium is FDA-approved to treat:
- Anxiety disorders are an example of short-term relief.
- Prevention of muscle spasms (along with other drugs prescribed)
- Anti-convulsants (for seizure disorders).
- These are the acute withdrawal symptoms of alcohol.Â
It works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Valium increases levels of an inhibitory chemical in the brain, called GABA, which relaxes overactive brain activity, resulting in a sensation of calm, relaxation, and drowsiness.
Is Valium Addicting?
Yes, Valium is addictive, and yes, there is a neurological explanation. The following is how dependence begins:
1. GABA Enhancement and Brain Adaptation
Valium increases the activity of a chemical known as GABA, which causes the drug to have a calming or sedative effect.
The brain adapts to this man-made increase and stops producing its own GABA when it takes the drug regularly. The brain can no longer remain calm without the drug — physical dependence.
2. Dopamine and the Reward Pathway
In addition to GABA, Valium also boosts the levels of dopamine in the brain reward system, which causes feelings of euphoria and pleasure.
This is one of the reasons that people get addicted to Valium: the brain becomes accustomed to the relief and reward that it provides, and compulsion to use it continues even if the person desires to stop.
3. Tolerance: Needing More to Feel the Same
After continued usage, the body gets used to the presence of Valium. This leads to a condition known as tolerance, whereby a certain amount of Valium will produce less effect, leading to taking more of the drug.
4. Dependence Even at Prescribed Doses
Importantly, there is no requirement for misuse to be a basis for dependence. Drugs such as Valium can cause emotional and physical dependence, even when used as directed. Risks increase significantly if used for more than 4-6 weeks, taken at higher doses, or without a doctor’s instructions.
Signs and Symptoms of Valium Addiction
Early recognition of Valium Addiction can make a huge difference in treatment results. Key signs include:
Behavioral Signs
- Using more or longer than the ordered amount of time.
- Attempts to reduce or cease use, and unsuccessful attempts.
- High use or withdrawal from Valium that lasts for a long time
- Not stopping use because of issues with the relationship, job, or health.
- Separation from relatives and friends.Distanciation from family and friends.
- Use of multiple health care providers to get prescriptions (“doctor shopping”)Â
Physical Signs
- Lethargy and/or slurred speech or poor coordination
- Delayed reflexes/reaction time
- Requiring increased amounts to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Taking a dose that is not taken at the right time causes withdrawal symptoms
Psychological Signs
- Strong urges to use the drug.
- Taking Valium for emotional stress as opposed to the intended use.
- Restlessness, panic, or anxiety in between doses
- Mood swings & thinking problemsÂ
The medical diagnosis for the addiction to Valium is called “sedative use disorder,” a diagnosis that can be made only by a trained medical professional.
Valium Withdrawal: Why Quitting Is Dangerous Without Help
A serious problem with Valium addiction is withdrawal. The drug has a CNS suppressive effect, and the sudden stopping of the drug causes a rebound of the CNS system, which can result in a life-threatening reaction.
Common Valium Withdrawal Symptoms
- Harrowing anxiety and panic attacks
- Difficulty with sleep and other sleep problems.
- Irritability, disturbed mood
- The pain, stiffness, and trembling of the muscles
- Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues
- Impaired vision and/or light sensitivity
- Sweating and palpitations.
- Confusion and disturbances in cognitive function
- Abnormal involuntary movements
Severe Withdrawal Risks
Valium withdrawal can trigger potentially deadly grand mal seizures in severe cases. Catatonia (unresponsiveness and immobility) has also been reported.
Nearly 70% of people who stop using benzodiazepines experience substantial anxiety and cognitive problems while they are coming off them.
Symptoms of withdrawal usually start in the first week or two after a person stops using and may last for a month or more, depending on how much and how intensely a person used the drug. The severity is directly related to the length of time the person has taken Valium and the dosage.
How to Use Valium Safely (If Prescribed)
These harm-reduction strategies can markedly reduce your addiction risk if you have a prescription for Valium:
- Prescribe the smallest effective dose for the shortest period of time.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency!
- Do not drink alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking Valium.
- Talk candidly with your doctor about the way you’re reacting to the medicine.
- Never stop suddenly – always ask your doctor about stopping or reducing use.
- Handle and store carefully and away from those who could misuse it.
Valium vs. Xanax: Which Is More Addictive?
An often asked question is how Valium compares with other benzodiazepines in terms of addiction risk. They both have high potential for dependence, but several studies indicate that Xanax (alprazolam) has more addiction potential than Valium.
That’s because Xanax works faster, intensifies the high, and gets out of your system more rapidly, which would cause more craving and withdrawal symptoms. Although both drugs are equally dangerous, Valium is slightly less reinforcing because of its slower onset and greater half-life.
Treatment Options for Valium Addiction
The recovery process from the addiction of Valium is a structured process, which needs medical supervision and psychological support for safe withdrawals, reduced risk of relapse, and stability of the recovery process from the addiction of Valium.
Step 1: Medical Detoxification
Valium detoxification is a gradual reduction of the use of Valium under medical supervision, which reduces the risk of seizures, withdrawal, and stabilizes the body during the early phases of recovery.
Step 2: Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies treat psychological addictions with CBT, group therapy, and counseling to help patients develop coping skills, emotional regulation, healthier thinking, and long-term addiction recovery tactics.
Step 3: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT uses non-addictive medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs to control anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms while encouraging brain healing and decreasing the chances of relapse.
Step 4: Long-Term Support and Relapse Prevention
Long-term support is available through therapy, support groups, mindfulness, and healthy lifestyle changes, which help boost recovery, prevent relapse, and help keep you emotionally and physically stable in the long term.
When to Seek Help
People suffering from addiction or dependence may experience one or more of the following, and if they do, it’s time to seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist:
- You feel like you have a problem functioning normally without Valium.
- You are using the medication in excess of what’s recommended, or you are using it without a prescription.
- You feel anxious, shaky, or have other symptoms if you miss a dose.
- Your behavior has impacted negatively on your social life, career, or responsibilities.
- You have made attempts to quit but were unable to.
Early intervention is the single greatest factor that will help you avoid serious consequences and increase your chances of recovery.
Conclusion
It is safe to take Valium for temporary medicinal purposes, but it can cause dependency and even addiction when used inappropriately or for a prolonged time period. It is crucial to know about the consequences that may result from taking Valium and the withdrawal process associated with it.
