Signs and Symptoms of Valium Addiction

Valium is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called diazepam. Since benzodiazepines have the ability to sedate and relax, Valium is often prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. This drug is similar to Librium (generic name chlordiazepoxide) and Ativan (generic name lorazepam), but they are unique drugs and used to treat different disorders. Librium is also used as a general sedative, and Ativan is prescribed to treat seizures. Valium is often abused because it produces feelings of euphoria, and overall creates a relaxing feeling.

With prolonged use, people can develop a tolerance to Valium, which means they have to take increasingly higher doses to get the same effects. People abuse it by taking larger quantities than prescribed, taking the drug more frequently, taking the drug without a prescription, or crushing the drug and snorting the powder.

Being able to identify and recognize Valium abuse signs and symptoms could help a friend or loved one who’s struggling with dependence and addiction to seek help.

Physical Signs & Symptoms of Valium Abuse

All drug use comes with a number of signs that point to abuse, and specific Valium abuse symptoms include:

• Relaxed muscles
• Slow breathing
• Extreme sleepiness
• Weakness
• Vomiting and nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Lack of motor coordination
• Headaches
• Slow reaction time

Behavioral and Psychological Signs of Valium Abuse

Along with the physical signs, there are also a number of behavioral symptoms of Valium abuse. Some common behavioral and psychological signs of Valium abuse include:

• Visiting multiple doctors
• Requesting Valium prescriptions after the original course has run out
• Losing interest in hobbies and passions
• Declining performance at work or school
• Neglecting appearance or personal hygiene
• Stealing or borrowing money to pay for drugs
• Choosing drugs instead of food, bills, and family
• Hanging out with new friends and isolation from old friends
• Often being confused or out of it
• Exhibiting feelings of euphoria
• Becoming depressed
• Not being able to sleep
• Being extremely calm all the time
• Making bad decisions or exhibiting poor judgment
• Experiencing amnesia
• Becoming hostile or irritable
• Having vivid or disturbing dreams
• Developing a dependence on Valium

Long-Term Effects of Valium Abuse

One of the problems with prolonged Valium abuse is that the drug does have a number of long-term side effects. Both the brain and body can be impacted by extended Valium abuse, and some of the effects can even be life-threatening. Some of the dangerous physical effects of abuse are:

• Slow heart rate
• Breathing difficulties
• Coma
• Heart attack
• Increased risk of accident or injury

There are also lasting psychological effects associated with Valium abuse, and the longer a person takes the drug, the worse and more permanent these long-term signs of Valium abuse can become:

• Depression
• Aggression
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss and amnesia
• Delirium
• Psychotic experiences
• Cognitive difficulties

Valium’s Effects on the Brain

The primary effect that Valium has on the brain is impacting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. As a central nervous system depressant, the drug has the ability to slow or stop certain abnormal activities in the brain, including those associated with stress and anxiety. Furthermore, Valium also depresses electrical activity in the amygdala and hippocampus, which are areas responsible for regulating emotions. It’s thanks to Valium’s interaction with GABA and other areas of the brain that it has the ability to produce the cognitive (and physical) effects it does, such as:

• Producing a sense of calm and sedation
• Producing euphoria
• Inducing sleep and treating insomnia
• Preventing seizures
• Creating an elevated mood
• Relaxing muscles
• Calming nerves
• Controlling manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder

Get Help Today for Valium Abuse

Valium abuse signs range from the physical to the psychological to the cognitive to the long-term, and being able to recognize these warning signs and symptoms in a loved one could actually save a life. Because Valium abuse can be fatal, recognizing symptoms and encouraging a loved one to seek help could prevent an accident, injury, permanent damage to the body, and even death.

There is help for Valium abuse, and Futures of Palm Beach can give loved ones who are struggling the best chance possible at recovery. Call Futures today to get help overcoming Valium addiction.