Valium Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Treatment

Valium is a name-brand benzodiazepine medication that can help with a number of physical and mental health conditions.¹  But like other benzodiazepines, Valium has the potential for both misuse and dependence and can be dangerous when used alongside other substances.^1,2

Benzodiazepines like Valium continue to be some of the most widely misused prescription drugs in the United States, with nearly 5 million people misusing prescription tranquilizers, including benzodiazepines, in 2023 alone.²

This page will help you learn what Valium is, how it works in your body, the potential dangers of Valium misuse, and where to get help for Valium misuse or addiction.

What is Valium?

Valium is the brand name for the generic diazepam, which is a benzodiazepine typically prescribed for treating certain anxiety disorders, short-term anxiety symptoms, and insomnia.^1,2,3 It can also be administered to help ease anxiety before a medical operation.¹

Valium is available as a white or yellow tablet, while diazepam can be administered in tablets, injections, intravenously, or rectally.^1,4 Diazepam is considered a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 due to its potential for misuse and the possibility to cause physical dependence.³

How Does Valium Work?

Valium, like other benzodiazepines (or “benzos”) including Xanax and Ativan, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which works by inhibiting or calming down an over-excited nervous system.¹

Benzos interact with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, which are inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and found throughout the brain and body.^1,4

When benzos and GABA interact together, GABA works more efficiently to inhibit signals of excitation. Valium acts quickly once administered and has a longer duration of action that other shorter-acting benzos, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or temazepam (Restoril).^1,4

Effects of Valium

CNS depressants like alcohol, opioids, and Valium have an overall calming effect on the body.¹ However, taking too much Valium can have potentially dangerous effects, particularly when combined with other CNS depressants like opioids or alcohol.⁴ Short-term effects of benzodiazepines like Valium can include, but are not limited to:^1,5

• Drowsiness.
• Slurred speech.
• Poor concentration.
• Confusion.
• Dizziness.
• Issues with movement and memory.
• Slowed breathing.

Some of the more serious effects of Valium can include:¹

• Extremely slowed breathing.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Increased risk of misuse.
• Development of dependency.
• Dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
• Complete dysfunction of the heart and circulatory system.
• Dangerously slow heart rate.
• Low blood pressure.
• Fainting.

Is Valium Addictive?

Valium and other benzodiazepines carry the potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.⁶ Even when Valium is prescribed by a doctor, people can become dependent on it, which is why it is recommended for short-term use only.⁴

Dependence occurs when the body makes physiological adaptations to a substance, such as Valium. As the body grows accustomed to the presence of Valium in the system, a person can experience withdrawal symptoms when they reduce their usual dose or quit Valium entirely. Physiological dependence often causes a person to continue to compulsively use Valium or other drugs to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.^3,4,5

Though the amount of benzodiazepine prescriptions written nationally have decreased since 2018, the widespread legal use of benzodiazepines can make it easier for those who are not prescribed to gain access to them.⁶ About 80% of people who misuse benzodiazepines receive them from friends or relatives, while 20% misuse benzodiazepines prescribed to them by their doctor.⁵

Valium Misuse

Valium is a habit-forming medication, especially when misused by taking a higher dose, taking it more frequently, or taking it for longer than prescribed.^12,13 When Valium is used excessively or over a long period of time, users can develop tolerance, meaning that previously used doses will not work as effectively as they once did, and higher doses may be required to achieve the desired effect.¹³

Many people abuse Valium because it makes them feel relaxed, sedated, and happy. Addicts often take Valium with opioids or alcohol to increase the effects of one or both substances, with cocaine to tone down the high, or by itself to ease the painful symptoms of withdrawal from opioids or alcohol.³

Since benzodiazepines affect the similar systems in the brain as alcohol, they are often used as a medically assisted treatment for alcohol withdrawal.^13,14

Due in part to rampant prescription diversion, Valium is one of the two most prevalent benzodiazepines available on the illicit drug market.¹ People who abuse Valium may visit more than one doctor or pharmacy, buy it from someone else, or even write fraudulent prescriptions to obtain it.¹²

Signs of Valium Addiction

Valium addiction can only be diagnosed by a trained, licensed medical professional; however, the following criteria may be helpful in identifying the severity of a person’s Valium misuse.

Valium addiction is classified as a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).⁷

When a person experiences at least two of the following criteria in a 12-month span, it can indicate the need to seek professional help:⁷

• Taking more Valium than was previously intended.
• Being unable to cut down or control Valium use despite multiple attempts.
• Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using, and recovering from Valium use.
• Having Valium cravings.
• Continuing to use Valium despite consequences at home, work, or school.
• Experiencing persistent social or relational problems due to Valium use.
• Giving up activities you previously valued in favor of Valium use.
• Repeatedly using Valium in physically dangerous situations (such as driving a car).
• Continuing to use Valium despite persistent physical or psychological. problems caused by Valium use.
• Developing tolerance.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Valium withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who is physically dependent on the drug stops using it abruptly or decreases their usual dose.⁷

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and potentially fatal.¹ Therefore, once benzo dependence develops, it can be immensely difficult to stop using them without medical and/or professional assistance.

Withdrawal symptoms for benzos like Valium can include the following:^1,4

• Tremors.
• Anxiety.
• Changes in sense of perception.
• General feelings of unease.
• Psychosis.
• Increased agitation or irritation.
• Feeling restless.
• Sweating.
• Headache.
• Confusion.
• Muscle and body aches.
• Digestive disturbances and vomiting.
• Hallucinations.
• Seizures.

While they are less common, seizures during benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening. A longer history of Valium use, Valium use at higher doses, and abrupt cessation of taking Valium can increase the chances of experiencing withdrawal seizures and other dangerous symptoms.^1,4

Valium Overdose

If you think that someone has overdosed on Valium or another substance, call 9-1-1 to get help immediately. Making this call may be the difference between life and death.

Though it is possible to overdose on benzodiazepines alone, the majority of benzodiazepine deaths occur when other substances are being simultaneously consumed.6 Specifically, combining Valium with alcohol, opioids, or other benzodiazepines significantly increases a person’s risk of overdose.^1,8

In 2020, 91.4% of benzodiazepine overdose deaths involved opioids.9 Opioids and benzodiazepines can have similar effects and slow down the body’s basic functions.^1,8 For example, a person taking Valium with opioids may experience slowed respiratory and/or heart rates, which can quickly lead to coma or even death.^1,4,8

Treatment for Valium Addiction

When a person has a Valium addiction or is misusing benzodiazepines, it is important to know that there are several treatment options available.

While each person has different needs, it is often recommended that those who have been on a benzodiazepine for a significant period of time should participate in medical detox for their own safety.

Medical professionals can implement and oversee a Valium taper, helping to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and the likelihood of more severe symptoms.¹⁰ Valium detox can occasionally involve the use of other benzos, or a drug called phenobarbital, during the tapering process.¹⁰

Inpatient treatment requires people to stay overnight in the facility during treatment to receive around-the-clock care.¹¹ This level of care is often best suited for those who have severe substance use disorders or who have made several unsuccessful attempts at recovery.

Outpatient treatment can range in intensity, with some programs only requiring a few hours of participation a week while others may require a full-time commitment. Patients receive the same types of interventions and assessments that are available in inpatient treatment, but they can return home at the end of the day.¹¹

Aftercare is one of the most important parts of the treatment process. Aftercare programs help a person in recovery maintain sobriety on a long-term basis and prevent relapse. Some common aftercare treatment options available include:

• : Sober-living communities provide a safe, drug-free residence after initial treatment. These communities typically offer a variety of services including job placement, counseling, relapse prevention, recreational activities, and support groups.
• Outpatient treatment programs: Outpatient visits with a physician and or psychiatrist can help maintain sobriety and health in the long-term.
• Counseling: Counseling is another important part of ongoing treatment that helps recovering users learn to address their problems without using drugs.
• 12-step programs: Twelve-step programs and support groups typically meet at least once a week and allow users to continue to discuss the problems they face with others. Participants often receive a sponsor during 12-step programs, whom they can call upon if they feel at risk of relapse.

Find Valium Addiction Treatment

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