Valium is a prescription sedative that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. While Valium can help people manage conditions like insomnia, seizures, anxiety and panic disorders, it also has a high potential for addiction. Users can quickly build up a tolerance, requiring increasingly higher doses to result in the desired calming effects. As a dependency develops, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit using Valium. Here’s what you need to know about Valium addiction and how to get help.
What Causes Valium Addiction?
Substance use disorder is a complex disease involving various interconnected factors, including genetics and the environment. Some people are more susceptible to addiction, which is why not everyone who uses Valium will become psychologically or physically dependent. However, benzodiazepines and other addictive substances can alter the brain’s innate reward pathways by acting on specific neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Once this change occurs, you’ll have the urge to take more Valium to regain that positive feeling.
As a substance use disorder progresses, it will become increasingly challenging to experience the same level of euphoria Valium once provided. However, if you stop using, your life may become unpleasant. At this point, your motivation to use Valium becomes less about achieving a high and more about avoiding the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.
Warning Signs of a Substance Use Disorder
While you might associate addiction with people who have made irresponsible decisions, the truth is that anyone can develop a substance use disorder. Even people who are careful about following the prescription instructions and taking benzodiazepines strictly under their doctor’s supervision can start building a tolerance after only a few weeks of use.
Some general red flags of Valium addiction include the following:
- Feeling the need to lie to others about your drug use
- Craving Valium when you are sober
- Neglecting relationships and responsibilities in favor of using more Valium
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable hobbies
- Using more Valium than directed on the prescription instructions
- Combining Valium with other drugs to enhance the effects
Once you understand the adverse effects of continuing to use Valium, your immediate impulse may be to quit taking it. However, the challenges of trying to stop using such a highly addictive drug by yourself can be overwhelming. Frightening side effects like panic attacks, hallucinations and seizures are possible in users who abruptly discontinue benzodiazepines, and can be dangerous for people to manage without professional help. Enrolling in Valium addiction treatment is the first step in rediscovering your freedom.
Do You Need Help Breaking the Cycle of Addiction?
Take our addiction self-test to determine whether you are a good candidate for professional substance abuse treatment, then learn more about the holistic recovery services we offer at Vista Taos Renewal Center. We believe a successful treatment plan is well-rounded, catering to all your physical, mental and spiritual needs.
Recovering from a Valium addiction can be challenging, but you don’t have to make the journey alone. Learn more about what we offer at our beautiful Taos, New Mexico, facility by reaching out to us today. We look forward to giving you the tools you need to manage your disease and emerge healthier and happier.
