Valium, also going by the chemical name diazepam, is a widely used drug that treats tense muscles, insomnia, and anxiety. Like Xanax, it is a benzodiazepine, a central nervous system depressant. Taken over an extended period of time, a user will build up a tolerance to the drug, and they will need to take increasing amounts to see the same effect. It’s been said that almost half of people who use for 6 months or more will become addicted to Valium.

When a Valium addict attempts to stop using the drug, they will experience highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and nausea, dizziness, stomach cramps, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat. It doesn’t take long to become addicted to Valium, and most addicts end up using the drug for the “rush” it gives rather than for the problem they originally had. Valium and drugs similar to it are the third most abused group of drugs in the US.

Valium and numerous other drugs are being used for nonmedical purposes in mass quantities. Valium addiction is way up on the list of problems for the DEA and NIDA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In 2006, almost two million Americans abused prescription drugs, and that number continues to rise. Valium abuse and addiction is especially prevalent among high-school and college students as a “club drug”. It can readily be obtained from friends or family, or bought from a street dealer. When Valium is crushed and snorted or injected, it gives the user an almost instant euphoric feeling. But, it also brings about mental detachment and serious motor impairment. It can be hard to spot a Valium addict or abuser, but here are some signs you should look for.

• Sleepiness or lethargy

• Dry mouth

• Clumsiness

• Memory loss

• Impaired vision

• Headache

• Confusion/amnesia

If you or someone you know is addicted to Valium, you should get help at once. Although withdrawal from Valium is rarely fatal, the symptoms are hurtful enough to discourage many users from quitting. Almost as bad as the physical withdrawal symptoms is the emotional need for the drug, with intense cravings even after detox treatment.

No one should attempt to break a Valium addiction on their own. Treatment should always be medically supervised, at one of almost 14,000 drug rehab centers in this country. People who are addicted to Valium can go to a private, public, or non-profit treatment center. Every program is a bit different, and all programs are not offered by all centers. The worst Valium addictions will require live-in treatment, which is not offered in many centers. A Valium addiction treatment program should be made up of counseling, therapy, and detoxification. A three-pronged approach is best to reduce the possibility of relapse.

While Valium addiction is tough to beat, it’s not impossible to do. With proper treatment, medication, therapy, and support from friends and family, many Valium addicts will completely recover and go on to live healthy, sober, and productive lives.

Drug Enforcement Agnecy (DEA) – http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/index.htm
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) – http://www.samhsa.gov/
National Institue of Health (NIH) – http://www.nih.gov/