Benzodiazepines (benzos) are medications prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. While they can be effective in the short term, they also have several hidden dangers that make them a risky choice for long-term use. Benzo abuse can quickly lead to addiction—often causing long-term adverse effects. Valium is one of the most commonly abused benzo medications. Valium addiction treatment can be lifesaving for people struggling with the drug.
If you’re looking for substance abuse treatment in Idaho, Ashwood Recovery is here to help. Our outpatient programs provide support and healing for people struggling with drugs like Valium. Call 888.341.3607 today to get started.
What Is Valium?
Valium helps treat anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. It works by depressing the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness and slowed breathing. Valium is habit-forming and can be addictive, so it should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Overdose of Valium can be fatal, so it is essential to take it exactly as directed by a healthcare professional.
The Dangers of Valium Addiction
Benzodiazepines like Valium are some of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. When taken illegally or without a prescription, they can cause euphoria and relaxation. However, when used regularly or in high doses, benzodiazepines can lead to addiction and other dangerous side effects.
Addiction to Valium can cause physical and psychological dependence. Someone addicted to Valium may feel the need to take the drug all the time to feel normal. They may also become agitated and irritable when they try to stop taking it.
Benzodiazepines are also linked to severe consequences such as overdose and death. In fact, overdoses from benzodiazepines are now one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths in the United States. When taken with other depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, benzodiazepines can be deadly.
What Is Valium Abuse?
Substance abuse is when people take drugs that are not prescribed to them. They might take them because they want to feel good or because they want to stop feeling bad. People can get addicted to drugs, and when they are addicted, they might need the drug to feel normal. Valium can be abused in a lot of ways. People might take too many pills at once, or they might mix it with other drugs to make it stronger. This can be dangerous because it can lead to overdose or death.
Signs of Valium Abuse
- Taking more Valium than prescribed
- Mixing Valium with other drugs or alcohol
- Feeling the need to take Valium all the time
- Becoming agitated and irritable when unable to take Valium
- Shaking, sweating, nausea, and seizures during withdrawal
Signs of Valium Addiction
Addiction to Valium can have significant consequences in a person’s life because they spend so much of their life using and trying to get more of the drug. Some of these signs include:
- Social isolation
- Financial instability
- Job loss or decreased
- productivity
- Legal trouble
- Health problems
Symptoms of Valium Overdose
One of the most significant dangers of Valium addiction is the risk of overdose. Because Valium produces a calming effect, many people who are addicted to Valium take it in combination with alcohol, which increases the danger of taking it. Some of the signs of Valium overdose include:
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Blurred vision
- Bluish lips or toes
- Uncoordinated movement
If you or someone you know is displaying these signs, it is important to seek medical help immediately, as an overdose of Valium can be fatal.
Valium Withdrawal Symptoms
Since Valium is a central nervous system depressant, when someone who is addicted to Valium suddenly stops taking it, they can experience some very uncomfortable and even dangerous side effects. It is important to detox from Valium under the care of a medical professional to ensure your safety.
Some of the signs of Valium withdrawal include:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Valium Addiction Treatment at Ashwood Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to Valium, there are outpatient treatment options available. Ashwood Recovery is a leading provider of addiction treatment services, and we offer a variety of outpatient programs for Valium addiction.
Our outpatient Valium addiction treatment programs provide comprehensive care and support for those who are striving to overcome an addiction to this powerful benzodiazepine. We offer individual and group therapy, as well as medical intervention, to help our clients achieve and maintain sobriety.
If you’re ready to take the first steps on the road to recovery, contact us at 888.341.3607 today.