Diazepam, commonly known as Valium, is a benzodiazepine, a group of prescription medicines that have a sedative effect and are often used to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia. The body builds up a tolerance to Diazepam very quickly, which is one of the main reasons it is so addictive. Once a tolerance has built up, users require a higher dosage to achieve the same sedative effect.
Diazepam addiction can very quickly develop in people who are prescribed the drug by their doctor, so it is unusual to have a prescription for more than four weeks. Longer-term use of diazepam causes dependence as the person’s body relies on the chemical effects it has on the brain and its neurotransmitters.
Why is Diazepam Addictive?
When someone stops taking diazepam, their anxiety may return more intensely than before, a phenomenon known as rebound anxiety. This can drive the user to take the drug again, perpetuating the cycle of dependence. It also has a long half-life, meaning it stays in the body for an extended period. This can prolong withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it harder to quit and contributing to the drug's addictive potential.
Want to know what treatments are available for Diazepam addiction? Contact a Treatment Advisor for a free assessment.
The body builds up a tolerance of diazepam very quickly, which is one of the main reasons it is so addictive. Once a tolerance has built up, users require a higher dosage to achieve the same sedative effect.
Diazepam addiction can very quickly develop in people who are prescribed the drug by their doctor, so it is unusual to have a prescription for more than four weeks. Longer-term use of diazepam causes dependence as the person’s body relies on the chemical effects it has on the brain and its neurotransmitters.
Use of diazepam very quickly leads to tolerance, which makes it more likely that an individual will develop an addiction as they need to take more diazepam to achieve the same results.
A history of substance abuse is also more likely to lead someone to become addicted. As diazepam is used by people with anxiety, depression or stress, suffering from those disorders is more likely to lead to an addiction. Rather than producing a ‘high’, people taking diazepam for stress or anxiety rely on the drug just to make them feel normal or to help them sleep.
As diazepam is a prescription drug, many people underestimate its strength and addictive qualities. The below physical and behavioural signs suggest a diazepam addiction.
Physical Symptoms:
- Dizziness and nausea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Low blood pressure
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Tremors
- Difficulty urinating
- Incontinence
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive sweating
- Hallucinations
- Slowed breathing
- Impaired motor skills
Behavioural Symptoms
- Confusion
- Depression
- Irritability
- Sever anxiety
- Panic
