09 Nov Is Valium Addictive? Understanding Valium’s Dependency Potential

Valium was originally created to be an anti-anxiety medication.[1] This benzodiazepine was first developed in Switzerland in 1960 at the pharmaceutical company Hoffman-La Roche by researcher Leo Sternbach. Three years later, Valium was approved for use in the United States, and rapidly became a widely-prescribed drug due to its efficacy.

A short time later, Valium was also found to be effective at treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and tremors, as well as muscle spasms caused by neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.

Throughout the 1960s, Valium was used as an alternative to barbiturates because it was believed to have a lower risk of addiction. There was an increase in recreational use of Valium because it was so widely prescribed that even people who did not have prescriptions for this drug could still obtain it, which led to more cases of addiction and overdose.

However, Valium’s potential for addiction began to show itself in the 1970s and 1980s. Researchers began noticing that long-term benzodiazepine use could lead to the development of tolerance and/or physical dependence if not taken as directed, resulting in withdrawal once patients stopped taking the drug. As a result, prescribing restrictions and increased oversight of the use of Valium and other benzodiazepines were put into place.

Valium’s popularity decreased in the 1980s due to its potential for addiction when taken long-term or in high doses, as well as the emergence of new drugs like Xanax that doctors grew to prefer over Valium.

Currently, Valium is listed as a Schedule IV drug in the United States, and doctors are advised to be cautious in prescribing Valium and other benzodiazepines. These drugs are still approved by the FDA and used today to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders and muscle spasms. Valium may be used off-label as a treatment for bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the FDA has not approved this medication for these conditions.

Valium’s mechanism of action is as a tranquilizer with amnesic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and sedative properties. It works by binding to receptors in multiple regions of the brain and spine, and the binding increases the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Addiction potential varies based on the type of benzodiazepine you take. Three types of benzodiazepines are differentiated based on how long their effects last. The three types of benzodiazepines are long-acting, intermediate-acting, and short-acting. Short-acting benzodiazepines take effect quickly and may be the preferred option for drug abuse.

Alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan) are among the most widely abused benzodiazepines.

Common benzodiazepines include:

• Ativan, Lorazepam Intensol, or Loreev XR (lorazepam)
• Dalmane (flurazepam)
• Doral (quazepam)
• Halcion (triazolam)
• Klonopin or Klonopin Wafer (clonazepam)
• Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
• Nayzilam (midazolam)
• Niravam, Xanax, or Xanax XR (alprazolam)
• Prosom (estazolam)
• Remimazolam (Byfavo)
• Restoril (temazepam)
• Serax (oxazepam)
• Tranxene SD or Tranxene T-Tab (clorazepate)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Versed (midazolam)

Valium stands out because of its high potency and short-lasting effects.

You should not take Valium if you have had or currently have any of the following medical conditions:

• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Severe breathing issues
• Depression, mood disorders, or suicidal ideation
• Diazepam allergy
• Kidney disease
• Myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Pregnant or may become pregnant
• Seizures (unless prescribed for seizure treatment)
• Severe liver disease
• Sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep)
• Untreated or uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma

Behavioral and psychological signs of Valium abuse can include:

• Aggression
• Agitation
• Amnesia or memory issues
• Confusion
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Hostility
• Hyperactivity
• Reckless/risky behavior
• Loss of libido
• Thoughts of self-harm

You are at a higher risk of developing Valium addiction if you have a co-occurring disorder such as:

• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Depressive disorders
• Panic disorder
• Poly-substance abuse
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Stimulant abuse

As we have mentioned, abusing Valium can cause the symptoms it is used to treat, including seizures and tremors. It can also cause persistent drowsiness and sleep problems.

Abusing Valium affects your mental health and may worsen existing mental illness. It can also cause brain damage and new disorders.

The social consequences of Valium addiction may involve:

• Loss of contact with people in your life who are concerned about your Valium use.
• Not having enough money or skipping social events because of your Valium use.
• Experiencing strained relationships with family and friends.

The social isolation that often comes with Valium addiction may lead to increased Valium use as a way to cope.

You can undergo inpatient or outpatient treatment for Valium addiction.

An outpatient program allows you to continue living at home and working or going to school while you attend treatment sessions. Outpatient treatment usually costs less than inpatient treatment, but the therapy and support provided by outpatient treatment are less intensive than what inpatient treatment programs offer.

An inpatient treatment program requires you to live at a treatment facility and provides intensive, structured therapy sessions and 24/7 care and support from professionals. People who choose inpatient treatment have higher success rates than those who participate in outpatient rehabilitation.

Behavioral therapies can also help you recover from Valium addiction.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns. CBT can be a useful component of addiction recovery because it can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that influence your drug use and teach you coping skills to handle cravings and situations that increase your relapse risk.[2] CBT can also treat co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety and depression. You can have one-on-one CBT or take part in group sessions.

Adventure therapy involves doing outdoor activities like horseback riding and rock climbing that can help you develop new coping skills and hobbies, improve your overall well-being, and manage personal obstacles. Adventure therapy gives you the benefits of emotional and psychological support while also getting more exercise.

Group therapy connects you with other people who have substance abuse issues and offers support and encouragement from peers who know firsthand what you are dealing with in trying to quit Valium. A trained therapist leads group therapy sessions focusing on challenges, successes, emotional support, and coping skills.