Valium is a type of benzodiazepine drug with the generic name of diazepam. Diazepam entered legal public use in 1963 and its common brand name is Valium. Doctors prescribe it for conditions like anxiety, OCD and panic disorders. Is Valium addictive?
Valium functions like alcohol by acting on GABA receptors. Abuse of Valium can produce feelings of relaxation and intoxication. Like other benzos, Valium is considered addictive, and a Valium addiction treatment center is often necessary to get free of its effects.
Is Valium Addictive: Signs and Symptoms
When Valium is taken according to prescription, it generally enters the bloodstream an hour or two after consumption. If the drug is snorted or smoked, then it enters the bloodstream faster. The effects of Valium tend to last longer than many other benzos. Some side effects of taking Valium include depression, insomnia, headaches, slurred speech, nausea, dizziness and intoxication similar to drunkenness.
As with other addictive substances, you may notice signs of addiction when the person begins to dramatically change their habits. Addictive behavior prioritizes drug use and obtaining over everything else. The addicted person may begin to struggle financially, withdraw from previous hobbies and social circles and also spend a lot of time traveling to doctors in search of new prescriptions.
Why Is Valium Addictive?
Valium stimulates the brain’s reward system and causes a release of dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are responsible for increasing energy and elevating the mood. Valium acts on GABA receptors and keeps inhibitory interneurons from stopping the production of dopamine. When dopamine goes unchecked, it causes the person to feel strong feelings of excitement, pleasure, and relaxation. These feelings become desirable, but they also often require more of the drug to produce eventually.
A physical dependence on Valium starts very quickly, sometimes in less than a month, and it can then transform into a psychological dependence. Another risk is that Valium is typically prescribed to people with anxiety conditions. These people often feel that they can’t function normally without Valium and may take it to feel more secure.
Overdoses on Valium are rare, but some symptoms include the following:
- Extreme sleepiness
- Delirium
- Severe physical weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Passing out and being unable to wake up
Valium Addiction Treatment
Is Valium addictive? Once you understand the answer, it’s time to find treatment. Treatment for Valium addiction starts with entering a quality drug rehab center like Pillars Recovery in Orange County, California. Two locations in Laguna Beach for women and Newport Beach for men can help you begin lasting recovery. Of course, changing behaviors and identifying triggers are both big factors in treating addiction. Pillars Recovery offers the following treatment aspects:
- Addiction detox program
- Residential treatment program
- Dual diagnosis treatment center
- Addiction therapy services
- LGBTQ affirmative therapy
- Acupuncture and massage
Finally, don’t let a Valium addiction control your life. You can overcome your addiction by entering a quality drug rehab. When you want to end your addiction, contact Pillars Recovery today at 8667820247 so we can get you on the road to recovery.
