Valium is an addictive benzodiazepine with longer-lasting effects than many other drugs in its class. Addiction to Valium can grow quickly if the drug is utilized in any way not advised by a doctor. Eventually, it becomes harder for a Valium abuser’s brain to function normally without the drug, yet some people addicted to this drug may not even realize that they have a problem.
One of the major symptoms of an addiction to Valium is the need for a larger dose in order to feel the drug’s effects. Other signs of an addiction to Valium may include:
- A strong desire for the drug
- Isolation from friends and family
- Ignoring responsibilities
- Continued use despite obvious problems caused by the drug
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
Once a user has developed a tolerance to the effects of Valium, they could also experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it. Valium withdrawal can be dangerous and uncomfortable, which makes it hard to for addicts to quit on their own. The symptoms of withdrawal are intense, and many people addicted to Valium need the drug to feel normal.
Valium is most often prescribed to relieve seizures, muscle spasms, and anxiety; it is also used to combat the uncomfortable symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It is taken orally in the form of a pill 1 to 4 times per day when prescribed by a doctor. Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which means it remains in the body much longer than shorter-acting benzodiazepines such as Halcion. Due to Valium’s long-lasting nature, people are able to take fewer doses per day than they would with shorter-acting benzos.
Valium is typically used by people who need help coping with the stress of daily life. While there are many different reasons for Valium abuse, many people who abuse the drug don’t do so to get high; they take it to feel normal and relieve anxiety and stress. People also abuse Valium because it induces sleep, and produces a sense of intense calm when taken in higher doses.
Many people wrongly believe that because it is legal, Valium is guaranteed to be safe and less addictive than street drugs like cocaine and heroin. Due to these false beliefs, many people have accidentally overdosed.
Some signs of a Valium overdose include:
- Bluish lips
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Double vision
- Uncoordinated movement
- Weakness
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
