Is Valium Addictive

By Patty Bell, Interventionist, Capo by the Sea

We all know what it feels like to experience fear. When we experience a highly stressful situation or a frightening event, our body automatically shifts into the fight-or-flight response. We might feel flushed, nervous, and a sense of dread. We might experience sweating, a racing heart, shallow breathing, and lightheadedness. For those who suffer with an anxiety disorder, these types of symptoms can be a daily occurrence.

Valium is a drug in the benzodiazepine class of sedatives that is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorder. The drug’s relaxation effects are welcomed, as anxiety symptoms are quickly brought under control. Valium is, however, a highly addictive substance, which can lead to long-term issues when you come to believe you can no longer function without the drug. To learn more about the dangers of Valium, read on.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety comes in many different forms and impacts about 40 million Americans annually, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. The different types of anxiety, each with its own unique symptoms and features, include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Social anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common type of anxiety, featuring excessive and uncontrollable worry. The symptoms of GAD appear to some degree across the anxiety spectrum and include:

• Excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months
• Difficulty controlling the worry
• The anxiety and worry are associated with three or more of the following six symptoms, with at least some symptoms having been present for the majority of days over the last six months:

1. Restlessness or feeling on edge
2. Easily fatigued
3. Concentration problems
4. Irritability
5. Muscle tension
6. Sleep disturbance

• The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (i.e., substance of abuse or a medication) or another medical condition.
• The disturbance is not better explained by another mental health disorder.

What is Valium?

Valium (diazepam) is a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed to treat people who suffer from an anxiety disorder. The drug is often used prior to surgery to help quiet nerves, and as an aid to reduce the risk of seizures during alcohol detox.

The effects of Valium include a sense of being deeply relaxed and happy. When taken in pill form, these effects occur in about fifteen minutes. The brain records these pleasurable effects in the reward system as something to be repeated.

Because Valium is highly addictive, with extended use it can lead to increased tolerance to the drug’s effects. In response, the individual is likely to increase the dosing in an effort to re-experience the initial calming effects. Over time, this can lead to dependence and addiction.

In addition to the risks of forming a Valium addiction, there are other known risks. The drug can cause deep sedation and dizziness, resulting in a loss of coordination. This can become a fall risk, especially among older people, or could lead to an auto accident if driving while on Valium. If someone drinks alcohol while on Valium it can increase the risk of an accidental overdose, as both substances slow the central nervous system. Long-term use of Valium can cause symptoms of depression and impaired memory.

Why is Valium So Addicting?

When someone who has been struggling with anxiety is prescribed Valium they are relieved to experience its rapid effects. The drug suppresses the electrical signals in the brain and nervous system, leading to the calming, pleasant effects. Valium, as well as other benzodiazepines, blocks excessive neural activity in the central nervous system and the brain, and slows down the nervous system.

As a highly addictive agent, Valium is meant for short-term use only. Over time, a habit can form, leading the individual to believe they cannot get through their days without it. In addition to experiencing withdrawal effects once dependent on Valium, the drug might also begin to cause the very symptoms that the person was attempting to treat. This is called the rebound effect.

Signs of Valium Addiction

Valium addiction can develop in a matter of weeks. Addiction is evident when someone anticipates the need for the drug even before they actually experience symptoms. This is referred to as psychological addiction.

Signs of a Valium use disorder include:

• Being obsessed with having enough Valium on hand
• Looking forward to the next dose
• Seeking out other sources for acquiring Valium, such as doctor shopping or purchasing them through illicit sources
• Experiencing physical symptoms, such as blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, lack of coordination, slurred speech, lightheadedness, and drowsiness
• Decreased libido
• Impaired memory
• Lying about how much Valium you are taking
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Experiencing manic moods
• Forgetfulness
• Feelings of apathy
• Trying to stop taking, or cutting back on, the Valium but cannot
• Experiencing withdrawal signs when the Valium wears off

Valium Detox and Withdrawal

When a Valium addiction forms it is critical to obtain professional support for detoxing from the drug. This is because withdrawal from any benzodiazepine can be unpredictable and even dangerous.

When ready to begin the detox and withdrawal step of recovery, the process will be managed by a physician who will create a step-down tapering schedule. This strategy helps the individual adjust to decreasing doses of Valium, which reduces the severity of withdrawal.

Valium withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Sweating
• Hand tremors
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Cravings
• Malaise
• Panic attack symptoms
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts

Throughout the withdrawal management phase of recovery a team of skilled detox specialists will provide medical interventions to minimize discomfort, as will as offer psychological support.

Moving Beyond Valium

To truly free yourself from a Valium use disorder you will need to immediately follow up the detox with a comprehensive addiction recovery program. The treatment program uses therapy to help you learn how to approach stress triggers in a healthier way.

Lifestyle changes are also integral to moving beyond Valium addiction. A nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and improving the quality of sleep are all beneficial lifestyle habits to enhance recovery. Learning therapeutic techniques that can help reduce stress will equip you with the tools to better manage stress and anxiety going forward.

About the Author

Patty Bell is the Interventionist and Family Relations Manager of Capo by the Sea, a luxury addiction and dual diagnosis treatment program located in South Orange County, California. After her own successful experience with the recovery process and journey, Patty decided to be part of a unique program that was individualized for each client’s specific treatment needs. Patty’s passion to share her own positive experience with others, while being a living example of the freedom found in recovery, is what motivates her to guide clients toward their own stable, long-term recovery.