Valium® (diazepam) is a commonly abused prescription medication. It’s one of many prescription drugs promoting sleep and calm being abused by nearly six million individuals over the age of 12. If you are worried about your own or your loved one’s use of Valium, watch out for the signs of addiction we will share in this article. If you think you or someone you care about is already addicted or on the path of Valium addiction, Hills & Ranges Private (HARP) treatment facility is just one call away to provide help.
How Does Valium Work
Medical professionals usually prescribe Valium to individuals with anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. This drug works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming chemical in the brain. As a result, patients calm down and relax. Valium also has sedative effects, so it’s used to sedate patients before medical procedures.
Signs of Addiction to the Drug Valium
Valium addiction does not develop overnight. If you suspect someone you care about has developed an addiction to this drug, there are certain signs you can watch out for. It includes the following:
1. Taking Larger Doses Than Prescribed
One way people abuse Valium is by taking more of the medication than they are supposed to in one dose. People who develop tolerance to the drug will usually need more of it to experience its desirable effects. If you or someone you care about is taking larger amounts of Valium over a longer period than intended, then it’s time for an intervention.
2. Continuing Valium Consumption After Prescription Stopped
Valium is usually prescribed for up to four weeks only. If you’re prescribed this drug for more than four weeks, the doctor will gradually reduce your dose instead of quitting it cold turkey to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Consuming the drug after the prescription is stopped leads to increased tolerance and dependence.
3. Maintaining Valium Supply
People who develop Valium addiction tend to get scared of running out of drug supply. They may start getting prescriptions from multiple doctors or forging prescriptions. They may also divert from the legal supply chain to the black market or purchase from unregulated online sellers.
4. Spending Excessive Money on the Drug
Spending money on unnecessary Valium even though you or someone you know cannot afford it is a sign of addiction. However, this sign may not be noticeable, especially for well-off individuals abusing Valium, as this drug only costs a few hundred dollars for several tablets.
5. Ignoring Personal and Professional Responsibilities
Individuals who develop an addiction to Valium put their addiction ahead of their personal and professional obligations. Their lives centre on using and buying the drug Valium. Their performance on their job or at school may start to decline. Further, they may spend less time with activities they previously enjoyed, whether it’s listening to music, playing sports, or making art.
6. Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms
Heavy Valium users tend to experience intensified psychological issues, like anxiety, that prompted them to take the drug in the first place. They may also develop depression and have suicidal thoughts.
7. Physical Symptoms
An individual with a Valium addiction may start having bruises or other injuries due to falling, as the drug causes a decline in a person’s coordination. The user may also lose concentration and appear drowsy all the time. Other physical symptoms include but are not limited to exhaustion, confusion, and high blood pressure.
8. Intense Cravings and Inability to Quit Valium Despite Attempts
An individual who develops an addiction to a drug like Valium doesn’t stop taking the substance, even at the expense of his or her well-being and health. It’s mainly because drug addiction decreases a person’s frontal cortex activity. As a result, they cannot make the decision to quit the drug even if they realize the serious consequences, like ending up in jail. Once they attempt to stop the use of the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Use these signs as a guide to recognizing Valium addiction. If you notice some of them, consult a clinician to receive an appropriate diagnosis.
The Dangers of the Drug Valium
If you know of anyone becoming addicted to the drug Valium, it’s critical to get immediate help. Consuming too much Valium over a prolonged period can wreak havoc in your or your loved one’s life.
First, possession of Valium without a valid prescription can result in federal felony charges, imprisonment, and a fine. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency lists Valium® (Diazepam) as Schedule IV controlled substances. It means Valium has a potential for abuse and dependence. It also means it’s illegal to possess any amount of diazepam without a valid prescription. Even professionals prescribing and distributing this drug must keep detailed records for law enforcement purposes.
Aside from the legal repercussions, possessing and consuming Valium without a prescription carries serious health risks. Some of the potential risks of Valium abuse include the following:
- Impaired coordination that may lead to dangerous falls
- Memory loss
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Skin/eyes turning yellow
- Hallucinations
Valium is an FDA-approved benzodiazepine medication, which might cause people to think it’s completely okay to take this drug constantly to help them deal with the stress of their daily lives. Valium is indeed safe as long as it’s taken as prescribed with a prescription. Otherwise, it could lead to serious health issues. Valium can cause serious allergic reactions, so disclosing allergies during your consultation is important.
Valium can become even more dangerous if mixed with other drugs, especially other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Mixing Valium with stimulants can mask or modify the effects of one or both substances. This often makes users think the drugs aren’t taking effect, leading to overdose. Other possible serious effects of drug mixing include respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and even death.
Valium Addiction Treatment
It is important to understand that help is available no matter the stage of addiction. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to overcome addiction even if the situation feels hopeless. Treatment options include:
- Holistic therapies
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Individual & Group Therapy
Hills & Ranges Private (HARP) rehabilitation centre offers compassionate help in breaking free from substance abuse. We’ve already liberated over 500 patients from different kinds of addiction.
