Valium Misuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Side Effects of Valium 

The most concerning adverse effects of Valium are respiratory depression. Diazepam can have side effects⁷ that range from relatively mild to very serious: 

• Sedation
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Depression
• Irritability
• Headache
• Tremor
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Changes in sex drive
• Menstrual irregularities
• Respiratory depression
• Suicidality
• Cardiovascular collapse

*Paraphrased from “Diazepam,” StatPearls, National Library of Medicine.

Why Valium Is Misused

Valium abuse can happen for various reasons. These are some of the most common reasons why people take Valium in ways other than prescribed: 

Self-Medication

Some people who aren’t prescribed Valium still use it as a way to relieve their anxiety or manage chronic stress. Unsurprisingly, people who are trying to self-medicate anxiety tend to choose substances like Valium⁸ that slow brain function and help them relax. They may not realize how risky it is to take a potent benzodiazepine without medical guidance.

Recreational Use

The relaxing, euphoric effects of Valium can make it appealing to those who want to “escape” or feel detached from the pressures of their day-to-day life. Recreational Valium use often involves taking higher doses, which significantly increases the risk of dependency.

Prescription Overuse

Even people who are prescribed Valium can misuse it if they start taking higher doses or continue to use it after their treatment period ends.

Signs of Valium Misuse

Recognizing the signs of Valium misuse can help prevent dependency from progressing into a full-on addiction. Signs can be both behavioral and psychological, and early detection often leads to better outcomes.

Behavioral Indicators

• Taking higher doses: Increasing your doses beyond what’s prescribed or taking Valium without a prescription are strong signs of misuse.
• Frequent refills or “doctor shopping:” Getting multiple prescriptions or visiting multiple doctors to get more Valium than you need can indicate dependency.
• Loss of interest: People who misuse Valium may become detached from social activities, work, or hobbies they used to enjoy.

Psychological Signs

• Mood swings: Misusing Valium can cause unpredictable mood changes, from moments of calm to sudden agitation or irritability.
• Increased secrecy: Often, people hiding a dependency on Valium will act secretive about their drug use, making excuses or isolating themselves to prevent others from finding out.

Is Valium Addictive?

Yes, Valium can be addictive, especially when used for longer periods or in high doses. Several factors add to its addictive potential:

Duration of Use

The longer you use Valium (even when following dosage guidelines) the more likely you are to develop a tolerance, which can then lead to dependence. This is why doctors generally don’t recommend using Valium for more than 4 weeks.⁹ Valium has addictive potential even when it’s taken as prescribed. Per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, are often used for short periods of time only. They may produce emotional and/or physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended.¹⁰

Dosage

A higher amount of Valium also increases the risk of addiction. Excessive use can cause dependency as your brain begins to rely on Valium to feel normal.

Symptoms of Valium Addiction

Addiction progresses over time, and recognizing its symptoms early on can help you address the situation before it worsens. Valium addiction shows up via physical and emotional symptoms that can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.

Physical Symptoms

While generally considered safe for short-term, doctor-supervised use, experts agree that “chronic diazepam use¹¹ is associated with tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.”

• Tolerance: Over time, you may feel like you need increasingly higher doses of Valium to feel the same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Once you’re dependent on Valium, suddenly stopping can cause physical symptoms like muscle pain, nausea, or seizures.

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms

• Anxiety and depression: In a phenomenon called rebound anxiety,¹² Valium addiction often worsens the same symptoms it initially relieved (like anxiety and depression).
• Loss of interest and motivation: The intense cravings and mood changes associated with Valium addiction can drain a person’s energy and motivation, leading to social isolation.

Risks and Dangers of Valium Misuse

Valium is a strong drug that can have serious consequences. Long-term Valium misuse can lead to severe cognitive and memory impairments. Persistent misuse also heightens the risk of accidents, injuries, and the loss of relationships and employment due to changes in mood and behavior. Neuroscientists explain the adverse effects of Valium:¹³ 

More moderate adverse effects from chronic diazepam use include amnesia, dizziness, ataxia, confusion, sedation, depression, and tachycardia. Also, worsening of seizures or anxiety can occur in some patients being treated for epilepsy or anxiety disorders…The most common fatal events are respiratory arrest and prolonged seizures resulting from prolonged habitual use, rather than acute overdose.

Withdrawals 

Withdrawing from benzos like Valium can be dangerous. If you plan to stop using Valium, it’s important to do so with the help of a qualified, addiction-specialized medical professional. NAMI advises:

Do not stop taking diazepam or change your dose¹⁴ without talking to your health care provider first. Stopping diazepam abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, nausea, tremor, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Withdrawal reactions may occur when dosage reduction occurs for any reason.

Overdose 

Misusing Valium increases the risk of overdose. This risk is heightened if you mix Valium with other depressants like alcohol or opioids. “The use of diazepam with opioid medications¹⁵ has led to serious side effects including slowed and difficulty breathing and death,” says NAMI. Both benzos and opioids depress the central nervous system (CNS), and these sedative effects multiply when they’re taken together.   

Statistics on Valium Misuse and Addiction

Valium misuse has become a serious issue in the U.S. and around the world. Over 30 million adults in the U.S. use diazepam¹⁶ in a given year, and addiction researchers estimate that around 17% of those who take Valium misuse it. 

In recent years, benzodiazepines like Valium have been involved in around 12% of all overdose deaths in the United States. Additionally, over 30 million Americans have a prescription for some form of benzodiazepine, and approximately 2% of the population struggles with benzodiazepine misuse.

Valium’s addictive nature and widespread use continue to increase addiction and overdose rates. As these numbers continue to rise, treatment professionals recommend that “patients who are prescribed stimulants or opioids should be monitored for benzodiazepine misuse,”¹⁷ and encourage exploring other, nonaddictive methods of addressing issues like insomnia: “Improved access to behavioral interventions for sleep or anxiety may reduce some misuse.”

Treatment Options for Valium Misuse and Addiction

Fortunately, Valium addiction is treatable, and a wide range of treatment options are available. The most successful recovery plans often combine several treatment approaches for comprehensive support.

Medical Interventions

If you’ve been taking it for some time, you’ll likely need to taper off Valium¹⁸ under medical supervision. Your treatment team might use medications like flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. Your rehab, primary care doctor, or another qualified addiction specialist can help you determine whether you need detox before starting addiction treatment. 

Behavioral Therapies

Along with treating the symptoms of addiction, talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify and change the thoughts and behavioral patterns that drive your substance use. Ongoing mental health treatment can help you learn healthy coping strategies to manage anxiety and other concerns without relying on Valium.

Support Groups

Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), non-12-Step groups, and other sober communities provide important support throughout your journey in recovery. These allow you to connect with others who have similar experiences, reminding you that you’re not alone and motivating you to stay sober even in challenging times.

Paths to Recovery From Valium Addiction 

Valium misuse is a serious issue with potentially life-altering consequences—but recovery is entirely achievable with the right help and resources. Whether you’re seeking to understand the signs of misuse, looking for treatment options, or supporting a loved one who needs resources for anxiety relief, there are plenty of avenues to healing. Search for Valium addiction treatment programs by location, pricing, and more, and reach out to a support specialist directly today.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Valium Misuse and Addiction

How addictive is Valium?

Valium, a benzodiazepine, is highly addictive when used long-term or in high doses. Over time, it alters your brain chemistry, which can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Misuse or prolonged use significantly raises the risk of addiction, but Valium can be addictive even when used as prescribed. Always follow medical advice to minimize risks.

How long does it take to get addicted to Valium?

Addiction to Valium can develop in as little as a few weeks, especially with frequent use or higher doses. The risk increases with prolonged use, even at prescribed levels, as tolerance and dependence build quickly. Short-term, medically supervised use is generally safer to avoid addiction. You can also consider exploring alternative, nonaddictive ways of managing issues like insomnia and anxiety.

Can you get high on valium?

Yes, Valium can cause a high when if you take it in large doses or without a prescription. It makes people feel relaxed by enhancing GABA activity in the brain. However, using Valium recreationally significantly increases the risk of dependency, addiction, and dangerous side effects. Always use Valium as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Do people snort valium?

Some people misuse Valium by snorting it to feel its effects more quickly. This method is dangerous—it bypasses the digestive system, which can increase your risk of overdose, respiratory issues, and damage to your nasal tissues. Misusing Valium in any form greatly increases the likelihood that you’ll become addicted, in addition to other serious health consequences.