Is Valium Addictive?
Valium is one of the more commonly discussed pharmaceuticals today. This is because many people minimize its potential dangers and openly discuss using it recreationally. However, valium can be extremely dangerous and when it comes to the question, “Is valium addictive?” The answer is an emphatic, “Yes!”
Better Understanding Sedatives
Sedatives are more commonly used and misused than many people may realize. According to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, “Sedatives are widely prescribed for anxiety or insomnia and include benzodiazepines, selective benzodiazepine receptor subtype agonists (z-drugs), and barbiturates. These sedatives are controlled substances due to their potential for misuse and abuse. Misuse is often self-medication (chemical coping) of psychological symptoms in ways unauthorized by the prescriber, usually as dose escalation leading to requests for early refills.”
It is also true that many people use sedatives in addition to alcohol and other substances. This can be even more dangerous as the negative effects can be compounded. Sedatives like Valium can also make it so an individual can not get help for the side effects of alcohol or other substances.
Better Understanding Valium
So, what exactly is Valium? Valium is the brand name of a sedative known as diazepam. It is used to treat anxiety disorders and muscle spasms.
Valium has been around for over sixty years. According to the peer-reviewed journal, ACS Chemical Neuroscience, “In 1963 an even more potent benzodiazepine, diazepam (Valium), was released to the public, possessing ‘a greater dissociation between its sedative and anxiolytic properties.’ Not only prescribed for anxiety, diazepam had therapeutic benefits for epilepsy, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam quickly became one of the top-selling drugs of all time, despite 15 years without significant knowledge of its mechanism of action.”
Is Valium Addictive?
So, many people ask, “Is valium addictive?” As previously mentioned, “Yes, very much so.”
According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Diazepam, by Doctors Dhaliwal, Rosani, and Saadabadi, “Diazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance with the potential for abuse. Development of dependence and tolerance can occur in addiction-prone, long-term treatment or those patients taking high doses. Thus, these individuals should be under careful supervision; once an individual develops dependence, the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms increases.”
It is also true that detoxing from Valium can be very dangerous. This is why detoxing in a safe and secure setting with the care of professionals is so critical. However, before a detox can even take place, one must be able to spot the signs and symptoms of Valium addiction
Is Valium Addictive? The Signs and Symptoms of Valium Addiction
Now, the signs and symptoms of Valium addiction are going to vary based on the individual. However, some more universal signs often manifest. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety when Valium is not available
- Depression (feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness)
- Excessive mood swings
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Committing self-harm
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, the side effects of Valium addiction can be very severe. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Is Valium Addictive? How to Best Recover From a Valium Addiction
Perhaps the best way to recover from a Valium addiction is by utilizing a multi-angled approach. This means that one should utilize as many means, methods, and modalities as possible.
Now, this includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It also means utilizing experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy. Lastly, it includes holistic healing methods like yoga therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and mindfulness meditation.
The key is to find the right combination that works for the individual. It is also critical to get to the underlying root/core causes of one’s issues. It is often much more than taking the substances themselves that are responsible for the addiction issue.
A Focus on Long-Term Recovery at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we have a maxim that goes, “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” This is how we treat each and every one of our clients.
We also believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive. Recovery is out there waiting to be had. The key is going out there and getting it. There is hope. We can help.
Many people only think about the short-term consequences of valium use. However, valium is highly addictive and should be managed responsibly. Many people are unfamiliar with valium addiction and its side effects, which can make recovery difficult. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for recovery from Valium addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about Valium addiction and recovery, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
