When we get to the point of stress or anxiety, it’s only natural to look for something to take the edge off. For many people, that means taking Valium. But is Valium addictive?
Northpoint Washington is a mental health and substance abuse treatment facility that specializes in helping people who are struggling with addiction. Contact us at 888.450.2153 to learn more about our Valium addiction treatment program.
What Is Valium Used For?
One of the questions we often ask is, “What is Valium used for?” Valium, also known as Diazepam, is a medication used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. It is a type of benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They work by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate the transmission of nerve signals in the brain. It is responsible for the feeling of calm and relaxation. Benzodiazepines like Valium bind to GABA receptors and increase the effects of GABA in the brain. This results in a decrease in the nervous system’s activity, which leads to the calming and relaxing effects of the medication.
Valium is a prescription medication available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. It is typically taken one to four times a day. The medication can be habit-forming, so it is important to take it only as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Valium Side Effects
When we think of Valium, we often think of its ability to calm us down and relieve anxiety. However, it is important to be aware of the potential Valium side effects, which can include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble walking
- Memory problems
Understanding the potential side effects of Valium is important so that you can be aware of them and seek medical attention if they occur.
Is Valium Addictive?
To answer the question, is Valium addictive? The answer is yes; it can be. Valium is a habit-forming medication, which means that it has the potential to be abused and lead to addiction.
People who abuse Valium may take it in higher doses than prescribed, take it more often than prescribed, or take it without a prescription. Some people abuse Valium by crushing the tablets, snorting them, or mixing them with alcohol or other drugs.
Abusing Valium can lead to many problems, including:
- Dependence
- Tolerance
- Addiction
- Withdrawal
Dependence occurs when the body becomes used to the presence of the drug and begins to adapt to it. When this happens, people may need to take higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effects. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes less responsive to the effects of the drug over time.
Addiction is a serious problem that can occur with substance abuse. People addicted to Valium may continue to abuse the drug despite the negative consequences. They may have difficulty stopping their use of the drug, and they may feel like they need the drug to function normally.
Withdrawal occurs when people stop taking the drug suddenly. This can lead to several symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, tremors, and sweating. This can be a very unpleasant experience and dangerous if not done under professional supervision.
Northpoint Washington Is Here to Help With Valium Addiction Treatment
Here at Northpoint Washington, we specialize in helping people struggling with addiction. Our Valium addiction treatment program is designed to help people overcome their dependence on the drug and get on the path to recovery.
Contact us at 888.450.2153 to learn more about our treatment program and how we can help.