Is Valium Addictive? - Brazos Recovery

Valium is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizure disorders. While it has some important medical advantages, its high potential for abuse and addiction demands that it be very closely monitored and used carefully.

Understanding Valium

Valium comes in tablet, liquid, and injectable forms. It is known generically as diazepam. It is also available under the brand names of Valium, Diastat, and Diazepam Intensol.

Signs of Valium Addiction

The user can develop physical dependence, and such dependence can be characterized by drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, and other physical changes. Behaviorally, it is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior, laxity in discharging responsibility, and mood swings. There is gradually developed tolerance and dependence; larger quantities are needed to achieve the initial effect.

Effects of Valium Abuse

Abusing Valium can have some short- and long-term effects. The short-term effects are confusion, coordination problems, and impaired memory. The prolonged use of this drug may result in grave physical health complications, including breathing and a reduced mental capacity, since it is also associated with psychological effects like anxiety disorder, depression, and grave symptoms of withdrawal.

Facts and Statistics of Valium Abuse

Current statistics indicate that the rates of Valium abuse remain alarming as more and more people misuse prescription drugs. Among the health risks in abusing Valium is overdose, which can be fatal particularly if taken with other drugs like alcohol.

1. Prescription Misuse: According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 5.3 million persons misused benzodiazepines, among them, Valium in 2019.
2. Emergency Department Visits: The Drug Abuse Warning Network reveals that during the year 2020,  over 175,000 emergency department visits, involving misuse or abuse of benzodiazepines, were made.
3. Addiction Rates: It has been documented that about 20% of the people taking benzodiazepines, like Valium, for over six months get dependent on the drug.
4. Polydrug Abuse: Nearly 30% of opioid overdose deaths have also involved benzodiazepines, which indicates the peril that combining these drugs has with substances like Valium.
5. Treatment Admissions: Of the people treated in publicly funded substance abuse treatment, SAMHSA reported that roughly 17 percent were admitted in 2018 specifically for the abuse of benzodiazepines as their primary substance.

Treatment Options

Modern treatment of addiction to Valium often involves medical detoxification, behavioral therapy, and support groups. In managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing a relapse, professional help is very relevant. These resources ensure that the recovery process is equally comprehensive.

Conclusion

Though valium has considerable therapeutic benefit, it has a potential high risk for dependence and abuse. The symptoms of addiction should be detected, and serious effects of its abuse known. More sensitization on seeking professional help and support systems in fighting the addiction with Valium is needed.