Valium can be addictive. Using the drug for extended periods is not encouraged since it can lead to the development of dependence and tolerance -meaning that over time, higher doses may be needed to achieve the same therapeutic effect. Both dependence and tolerance can lead to addiction.
To minimize the risk of addiction and dependence, healthcare providers typically prescribe Valium for short-term use whenever possible. If longer-term treatment is necessary, they may carefully monitor the patient and consider alternative treatment options.
What is Valium?
Valium is the brand name for a medication called diazepam, which belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Valium is commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. It works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA reduces the activity of nerve cells in the brain. By increasing GABA activity, Valium helps to calm and relax the nervous system.
Is Valium a Narcotic?
Valium is not classified as a narcotic. Narcotics typically refer to a class of drugs known as opioids, and Valium belongs to a different class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system and are commonly prescribed for their sedative, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties.
Is Valium an Opioid?
No, valium is not an Opioid. Opioids work by activating opioid receptors in nerve cells throughout the brain and body. These receptors regulate the transmission of pain signals, resulting in a reduction in the perception of pain. Opioids encompass both legal substances, such as Morphine (a prescription painkiller), and illegal ones, such as Heroin.
While Valium and narcotics have different mechanisms of action and are prescribed for different purposes, both classes of drugs can have sedative effects and may cause drowsiness. Additionally, both benzodiazepines and opioids have the potential for abuse, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
Valium Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Valium has the potential for addiction, and it’s important to be aware of the common valium addiction symptoms. If someone is abusing Valium or has developed a dependence, they may exhibit the following signs:
- Increased Tolerance: Over time, individuals may find that they need higher doses of Valium to achieve the same effects. When a person takes a benzodiazepine regularly, they’ll get the full effect of the drug for the first few weeks. As their body becomes used to benzodiazepines, the effect diminishes.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: When an individual attempts to decrease or discontinue their Valium usage, they may encounter withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, muscle tension, and, in more serious instances, seizures. The individual may have already attempted quitting and been unsuccessful due to experiencing these negative side effects.
- Loss of Control: Individuals may find it difficult to control their use of Valium, taking it in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed.
- Preoccupation with Obtaining and Using Valium: A person can become obsessive with much of their time, energy, and resources focused on obtaining and using Valium.
- Loss of Interest in Other Activities: Hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable may lose their appeal as the person becomes more single-minded as a result of their drug usage.
- Social Isolation: A person with a Valium addiction may withdraw from social activities and relationships.
- Neglect of Responsibilities: As the addiction takes hold, individuals may neglect responsibilities at home, work, or school.
- Continued Use Despite Harmful Consequences: Despite experiencing negative consequences related to their Valium use (e.g., problems at work, relationships, or health issues), they continue to use the drug.
- Doctor Shopping: Seeking multiple doctors or healthcare providers to obtain multiple prescriptions for Valium.
- Changes in Behavior: This can include mood swings, irritability, and heightened anxiety. Individuals may also start stealing money to find their addiction.
Side Effects of Valium
Valium can have various side effects, and individuals may respond differently to the medication. Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness: Valium has a sedative effect, and drowsiness is a common side effect. This can impair a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Dizziness: Some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when taking Valium.
- Muscle weakness: Valium can cause muscle weakness, particularly at higher doses. This can lead to shaky hands (tremors).
- Coordination problems: Impaired coordination and balance with difficulty controlling one’s movements are potential side effects.
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth or excessive saliva: Changes in salivation may occur.
- Changes in appetite: Some individuals may experience changes in appetite.
- Nausea or constipation: Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or constipation can occur.
- Blurred vision: Valium may cause blurred or double vision in some individuals.
- Headache
- Memory issues: Benzodiazepines, including Valium, may affect memory and concentration.
Serious side effects that are less common but can include:
- Allergic reactions: Such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- Mood changes: Including agitation, aggression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts.
- Unusual changes in behavior: This can include risk-taking behavior or decreased inhibitions.
- Severe drowsiness or weakness: Especially if it’s severe or persistent.
- Difficulty breathing
Combining Valium with Other Drugs
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) explains that abuse of Benzodiazepines is particularly high among heroin and cocaine users.
Additionally, opioid users often co-abuse benzodiazepines to enhance euphoria. Opioids combined with Valium increase the overall depressant impact, running the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. This is because both opioids and benzodiazepines are CNS (central nervous system) depressants, and their combined effects can be synergistic. That means the combined action of the two drugs is greater and more potent than the sum of their individual effects when taken separately.
Alcohol is also a CNS depressant, and combining it with Valium can enhance the sedative effects of both substances, leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and an increased risk of respiratory depression.
Combining Valium with other benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, can lead to an additive effect, intensifying sedation and increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
Valium Overdose
Valium overdose can occur when someone takes more of the medication than their body can tolerate. Overdosing on Valium can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of a Valium overdose include:
- Extreme drowsiness or sedation: A person may become unresponsive or difficult to awaken.
- Confusion: Valium overdose can lead to severe confusion and disorientation.
- Weakness and dizziness: Overdose may cause profound weakness and dizziness.
- Blurred vision: Visual disturbances, including blurred or double vision, may occur.
- Difficulty breathing: Respiratory depression, characterized by slow or shallow breathing, is a serious symptom of overdose.
- Slurred speech: Impaired speech or difficulty forming coherent sentences may be evident.
- Coma: In severe cases, a Valium overdose can lead to a state of unconsciousness.
- Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure may occur, leading to fainting or shock.
- Impaired reflexes: Overdose can cause a loss of coordination and reflexes.
- Seizures: In some cases, especially with abrupt discontinuation, seizures may occur.
Treatment for Valium Addiction
The treatment for Valium addiction typically involves a combination of medical, psychological, and behavioral interventions. The first step may be a medical detoxification process, especially for individuals with significant physical dependence on Valium. This involves gradually tapering the dosage of Valium under the supervision of healthcare professionals to manage withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification needs to be done in a controlled and supervised setting since sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures. These withdrawal symptoms can cause a person to relapse and start using the drug again in an attempt to ease their pain, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break out of.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, individuals may enter either inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. Inpatient programs provide a structured environment with 24-hour support, while outpatient programs allow individuals to attend treatment sessions while living at home.
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are often used to address the psychological aspects of addiction, such as the factors that led to the addiction, as well as the individual’s current lack of control over their behavior. These therapies help individuals understand and change their behaviors and thought patterns related to drug use.
If you are struggling with Valium addiction or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to contact Avenues Recovery today. A trained professional will discuss your individual needs and the nature of the addiction to be able to create a treatment plan specifically tailored to you. Addiction is a treatable condition, and with our help, you will no longer have to go through it alone. Our expert team will guide and support you every step of the way to recovery. Avenues Recovery will provide you with the premier help and direction you deserve. Contact us to take your first step towards a brighter, happier and sober future.