Valium® (Diazepam) Misuse: Effects, Addiction & Rehab

Diazepam is a medication that treats anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms or twitches, and specific symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is a medication that belongs to the class of benzodiazepines, a group of drugs known for their calming and sedative effects. It is also used along with other medications to control muscle spasms and spasticity caused by neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia.1   

Diazepam acts on the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps reduce excessive brain activity. Diazepam is also known by various brand names including Valium®, Valtoco®, Dizac®, Diazepam Intensol®, and Diastat®.1 

Diazepam can come as a tablet, a solution, and as a concentrate (liquid) that is taken by mouth.

Diazepam has been identified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.2 Due to its potential for misuse and abuse, diazepam treatment should always take place under medical supervision. The development of dependence and tolerance can occur in people who are prone to addiction, as well as those on long-term diazepam treatment or those taking the drug at high doses. 

Once a person develops dependence on diazepam, the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not being taken increases. These symptoms include tremors, agitation, and confusion. In long-term use and abrupt cessation, there is potential for hallucinations and epileptic seizures to occur.1  

Dependence differs from addiction, which is characterized by the compulsive seeking and taking of a substance despite negative life consequences. However, dependence can still lead to addiction. The signs of diazepam addiction include:3 

• Taking diazepam in larger amounts or for a longer period than you are meant to 
• Wanting to cut down or stop using diazepam but not managing to 
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of diazepam 
• Cravings and urges to use diazepam 
• Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of diazepam use 
• Continuing to use diazepam even when it causes problems in relationships 
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of diazepam use 
• Using diazepam repeatedly despite their dangers 
• Continuing to use diazepam even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by diazepam 
• Needing more diazepam to achieve the effect you want 
• Development of withdrawal symptoms, which are only relieved by taking more diazepam

Diazepam has been known to have side effects for some people, but these side effects are rare, with most tending to be relatively minor. Side effects of diazepam tend to be felt more intensely when the drug is misused, that is, when combined with other substances like alcohol or when taken in larger doses or with more frequency than prescribed.

Common side effects of diazepam include:1 

• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue and muscle weakness 
• Confusion 
• Headache 
• Dry mouth 
• Coordination problems 
• Urinary retention or frequent urination 
• Nausea 
• Constipation 

In some cases, the side effects of diazepam can be serious. These include:1  

• Tremors 
• Slurred speech 
• Loss of control of bodily movements 
• Slowed breathing and heartbeat

Risk of Diazepam Overdose

Like all benzodiazepines, diazepam carries the risk of overdose. This risk is heightened when the drug is misused, such as taking a larger-than-prescribed dose or combining it with alcohol or other drugs like opioids or cocaine. Symptoms of diazepam overdose include:1  

• Drowsiness 
• Confusion 
• Fatigue 
• Slowed breathing and heartbeat 
• Loss of consciousness  

If you believe someone is experiencing diazepam overdose, or if the user has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Stay with that person until medical help arrives and be prepared to give information about the kind and amount of substances the person took.

Stopping or drastically reducing diazepam use may result in withdrawal symptoms for some people, especially those who have developed a dependence or addiction to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can be so uncomfortable that the user will relapse, or return to using diazepam. Some might even find that their withdrawal symptoms resemble those of the anxiety-related conditions for which they first used the drug. Common symptoms of diazepam withdrawal include:4  

• Headache 
• Sweating and palpitations 
• Dizziness 
• Confusion 
• Nausea 
• Insomnia, nightmares 
• Anxiety 
• Irritability and restlessness 
• Poor memory and concentration 

A medically supervised drug detox and treatment program can help those with a dependence or addiction safely manage their withdrawal symptoms. Some addiction programs provide medication assisted treatment (MAT), which combines prescription medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings with drug counseling and therapy.

Diazepam addiction can be treated in various settings, but it typically starts with detox. Detox is the process of ridding the substance from the body while managing any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can occur. Detox typically takes between three and seven days but ultimately depends on the specific person and substances used. 

After detox, the patient may move through one or more drug addiction treatments designed to help them remain sober over the long term. These treatments may include inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and outpatient rehab. 

During diazepam addiction treatment, patients receive therapy and learn various coping mechanisms to help them recover and live a healthier and more productive life. Many addiction treatment programs offer one or more research-based behavioral therapies in combination with medications to ease cravings and withdrawal. These programs also offer dual diagnosis treatment, a therapeutic approach that simultaneously addresses both the addiction as well as any co-occurring mental health disorders. Of course, the exact treatment plan will depend on the person and their individual needs.

At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we strive to empower clients with the life skills they need to create positive change in their lives. Our benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs can help you take that first step toward long-term recovery. 

We offer a range of addiction treatment programs to suit your needs, including outpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). These programs also include one year of recovery coaching at no extra cost to provide extended support once you’ve completed your program.  

We accept several insurance plans and work with many out-of-network insurance plans to get you the help you need. Our admissions team can verify your benefits, either over the phone or online, so that you’ve got the details of paying for rehab, including using insurance for rehab. If you’re ready to learn more about our comprehensive diazepam addiction treatment offerings, call us today or fill out our contact form to take that first step toward a brighter future.

References

1. MedLine Plus. (n.d.) Diazepam. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682047.html 
2. Department of Justice/U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division (2021). U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Controlled Substances – Alphabetical Order. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf 
3. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Symptoms and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic’s Health Library. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16652-drug-addiction-substance-use-disorder-sud
4. U.S. National Library of Medicine (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657308/