Valium, a brand name of diazepam, is a central nervous system depressant prescribed to treat anxiety. This benzodiazepine sedative affects the brain in the following ways:
- It acts on receptors in brain that store neurotransmitters called GABA
- The nerve-calming neurotransmitters are released into the central nervous system
- Increased GABA activity reduces anxiety, relaxes muscles and induces sleepiness
- GABA neurotransmitters also calm electrical nerve activity associated with seizures
Although primarily used for anxiety and agitation, Valium can also treat insomnia, calm nerves before surgery and assist with acute alcohol withdrawal. It can also control manic episodes for bipolar affective disorder, and it can minimize convulsions and epileptic fits. But, many people abuse this drug for the following reasons:
- To augment other substances for heightened intoxication
- To chase a Valium high, which is stronger when crushed tablets are snorted
- To offset the effects of a stimulant, like cocaine, speed or crystal meth
Medical applications for Valium range from one-time use for surgeries to four-weeks of use for anxiety and other mood disorders. Addiction in 2011 and Current Opinion in Psychiatry in 2005 both emphasize the need to limit benzodiazepine use to no more than four weeks. Otherwise, the nervous system will adapt to the drug-related rise in GABA activity (which means the body will reduce its natural production of the neurotransmitter) and experience severe side effects. Other neurobiological adaptations include chemical imbalances and an increase in the following side effects:
- Confusion, drowsiness, tremors, slurred speech and dizziness
- Headaches, skin rashes, shaky movements and muscle weakness
- Memory loss, blood disorders, hypotension and urinary retention
- Unexpected and explosive increases in anger and aggression
- Difficulties breathing, heart problems and stomach cramps
Whether the drug is used for medical or recreational reasons, Valium abuse can cause the following problems:
- 10% of American adults misused sedatives at least once, according to Addiction in 2002
- The American Journal of Psychiatry in 2010 said people taking anxiety mediations are 2.6 times more likely to become dependent
- Prescription sedatives were involved in more than half a million drug-related emergency room visits, per the 2013 Drug Abuse Warning Network report
- 10% of recreational users meet the criteria for dependence or abuse, per Drug and Alcohol Dependence in 2007
- BMJ Open published a study in 2012 that says benzodiazepines increase the risk of death more than threefold
Valium abuse can result in a deadly overdose, especially if taken with alcohol and other drugs, but stopping this drug abuse too quickly can also be dangerous. When benzodiazepine addicts detox, an overly rapid process can result in serious, long-term effects, like tachycardia, respiratory issues and psychiatric disorders. Likewise, a sudden reduction in GABA neurotransmitters can cause fatal seizures that affect the entire brain.
Rehab centers offer effective addiction treatment, which includes tapering dosage for a safer, more comfortable detox. Other treatments include integrated mental health care, individual and group counseling, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, coping skills development, motivational interviewing and contingency management, among others.
If you have questions or concerns, please speak with one of our admissions coordinators. They are available 24 hours a day at a toll-free helpline to discuss warning signs, treatment options, interventions and facilities. They can even check your health insurance policy for rehab benefits. Call now for instant help.
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