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Valium and Valium Abuse

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 6 minutes

Learn about Valium addiction, its abuse risks, and effective treatment strategies to address both dependency and withdrawal symptoms.

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Usage & Abuse Patterns of Valium

Valium Statistics

According to University of Michigan studies, 15% of teens have tried tranquilizers without a doctor’s authorization, including Valium, Vicodin, and Oxycontin. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ranked Valium as the 4th most prescribed benzodiazepine in 2011 due to its ease of accessibility.

More than 3 million people in America take Valium, according to their doctor’s prescription. However, a larger population is abusing this drug. This article looks at the drug Valium, its abuse, and its risks to its victims. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

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Levels of Care
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Families & Addiction

Uses, Effects, & Risks

What is Valium?

Psychiatrists and medical doctors often prescribe Valium to help treat panic attacks and anxiety. Valium is a famous pharmaceutical agent known for its anticonvulsant, relaxation, and sedative properties. Being a depressant drug, Valium strengthens the effects of the neurotransmitters in the brain. Valium increases these neurotransmitters and reduces brain activity, reducing anxiety.

Even when you have a doctor’s prescription, you are not free from abusing the drug, mainly when you use it for longer than 4- 6 weeks. Valium induces a relaxation effect that you may quickly refer to once things are not going well. Using Valium for an extended period may develop physiological dependence, addiction, and tolerance.

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Signs & Consequences of Valium Addiction

Valium Abuse

Valium addiction comes in various ways and poses significant risks to its users. First, Valium is one of the most addictive benzodiazepine drugs and has longer-lasting effects than any drug in the same group. Second, Valium addiction progresses quickly and causes your brain to depend entirely on it for its normal functioning when abused. Finally, some people addicted to Valium may fail to realize they have the problem.

The most common sign of addiction is needing a larger dose to feel the drug’s effect. Other symptoms of a Valium addiction also include:

  • Slouching on your obligations.

  • Isolating yourself from friends and family.

  • Having intense cravings for Valium.

  • Continuing using the drug even if you develop problems associated with it.

  • Losing interest in the activities you once enjoyed doing.

Once you develop a tolerance to Valium, you will experience severe withdrawal symptoms once you decide to quit the drug. In addition, people dealing with the stress of daily living are at a high risk of Valium abuse once they get the taste. Other people may abuse Valium to feel normal, relieve anxiety or stress, or sleep better.

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Identifying Physical & Psychological Effects

Signs and Symptoms of Valium Abuse

Valium users may show:

  • Dizziness

  • Muscle weakness

  • Vomiting

  • Amnesia or memory loss

  • Sedation

  • Nausea

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Dilated eyes

  • Drowsiness

Valium use may also have the following effects, especially after using it for a longer time:

  • Hallucinations

  • Depression

  • Aggression

  • Confusion

  • Loss of inhibitions

  • Hyperactivity

  • Seizures

  • Urine retention

  • Bladder control issues

  • Suicidal thoughts or injury

  • Hostility

  • Agitation

  • Tremors

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Challenges of Valium Withdrawal and Recovery

You will need help breaking free of valium addiction during the withdrawal process. Withdrawal symptoms are incredibly uncomfortable and may become life-threatening without the proper medical attention; hence, finding a trusted treatment provider is critical during this difficult time. Though it will be hard, do not quit on yourself during your recovery journey.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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