Valium is a prescription medication primarily intended to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and seizures. Its generic name is Diazepam and belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Over three million Americans take Valium, prescribed to them by doctors, while many more unlawfully abuse it. Valium is considered a narcotic.
When Does Valium Become a Problem?
While valium can be used effectively to help individuals manager their anxiety and other ailments, it is highly addictive. If a person has been taking it for multiple months (even with a prescription) the likelihood of dependence is probable.
Use of Valium creates tolerance. Tolerance comes after using Valium for a short time, causing the individual to need a higher, more frequent dose to reach the same feeling of being “high,” developing a need to take more pills. As the dosage increases, so do the symptoms of abuse, which is also similar to alcohol use disorder. It can take a few weeks or a few months for an addiction to develop, and according to health organizations, Valium shouldn’t be used for more than four months.
Symptoms of Valium Abuse
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Amnesia or memory problems
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dilated eyes
- Double or blurred vision
Another trait that a Valium abuser may exhibit is a loss of judgment, and that might include the decision to mix Valium with alcohol, which is often a fatal combination. The symptoms of alcohol use disorder are very similar to those of Valium abuse. Both drugs are depressants, inhibiting the body’s Central Nervous System, controlling the ability to breathe. If breathing is slowed enough, death will result.
Symptoms of Valium Addiction
- Confusion
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Thoughts of suicide or self-injury
- Loss of inhibitions
- Hyperactivity
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Urine retention
- Loss of bladder control
As with Valium addiction comes the possibility of overdose. The most common symptom of Valium overdose is lapsing into deep sleep or “coma” while still being able to breathe enough to sustain life.
Symptoms of Valium Overdose
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Blurred or double vision
- Labored or halted breathing
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Excitability
- Rapid eye movements
- Stomach upset or nausea
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Tremors
- Weakness, uncoordinated movement
Treating Valium Addiction
Once addiction has developed, and the user stops taking Valium, withdrawal symptoms will manifest. The symptoms of withdrawal are severe and can be life-threatening, involving seizures and convulsions if the drug has not been tapered off correctly after heavy use. A person with an addiction to Valium needs the assistance of a professional, experienced detox to help them safely deal with their addiction.
SoCal Detox in Orange County, California, specializes in safely walking our clients through all kinds of detoxes with as much comfort as possible. Beyond that, we make sure the next step of full recovery is taken with an individualized plan that takes into account the specific needs of each person in our care.
If you or a loved one are addicted to Valium or any other addictive substance, please call us today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to help you understand all your options to finding full recovery. Call today: 888-590-0777.
