Is Valium Addictive? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention¹ (CDC) report that in 2022, about 2.4 million people aged 12 and older struggled with addiction to prescription sedatives, including Valium (Diazepam). That’s why if the question “Is valium addictive?” came to your mind, these statistics justify it. A short answer to the question may be that Valium is technically addictive, but it works perfectly fine when taken as per your doctor’s instructions. However, your concern about prescription drug abuse, especially Valium, is valid, and this blog provides all the information you need to know about Valium addiction.

Valium comes under prescription drug abuse, which is a grave issue. Therefore, recovery from Valium addiction is important. It’s safer under the care of our DEA-certified medical staff. Call 844.445.2565 or enroll here.

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Highlights

• Valium (generic name diazepam) is a prescription medication used to treat various conditions such as anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
• Valium use delivers calmness and relaxation by enhancing the effects of a brain chemical called GABA, which is why it has the potential for addiction.
• Certain signs may point to Valium misuse, and users often experience specific dependence-related symptoms.
• People with Valium dependence may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking the medication.
• If you think you may have developed a dependence on Valium, you can take advantage of our free addiction self-assessment quiz.

4 Reasons Why Valium is Addictive

Valium is a brand name for diazepam and is a benzodiazepine medication. It is used for short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, certain types of seizures, and managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This is because it almost immediately calms and relaxes individuals by slowing down the central nervous system (CNS). Valium is considered an addictive medication due to its potential for dependence and misuse.

Below are some key factors that contribute to Valium’s addictive potential:

1. Activates GABA and Dopamine

Valium helps calm the brain by increasing the activity of a chemical called GABA. At the same time, it increases levels of dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel happy. As you continue taking Valium, your brain may become dependent on it, increasing the risk of developing an addiction.

2. Builds Tolerance

When someone uses Valium regularly, the brain gets used to it. So, the same dose fails to provide the same effect. So, people need a higher dose to get similar feelings of being calm and stress-free. This is called building tolerance.

3. Leads to Dependence and Withdrawal

This is the next stage, where the brain becomes dependent on Valium and doesn’t work properly without it. This is the reason behind withdrawal symptoms that individuals experience when they stop taking Valium abruptly. These symptoms appear in the form of feeling sick and anxious or having difficulty sleeping.

4. Causes Psychological Cravings

An extended use of Valium can cause emotional dependence on it. As a result, they need it to feel normal again. People often believe that Valium is a narcotic, but that’s not true. Despite similar symptoms, both are different.

8 Signs and Symptoms of Valium Addiction

Signs and symptoms are two different things. Individuals with Valium addiction experience symptoms, while other people can observe signs of this addiction in them. These signs and symptoms are important because, when experienced or pointed out by others, they make individuals seek treatment.

Valium (Diazepam) Withdrawal Symptoms

The official FDA label for Valium² provides a list of Valium withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include both physical and psychological effects. Here is a list of these symptoms.

• Anxiety and irritability
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Tremors and sweating
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Muscle pain
• Lack of focus
• Weakened memory
• Sometimes feeling disturbed or panicked
• Rarely: seizures, psychosis symptoms

If you’re experiencing valium or other benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms from Valium or other benzodiazepine medications, we’re here to help. Reach out today by calling 844.445.2565 or filling out the form.

Valium Misuse and Addiction

How Long Does It Take to Get Over Valium Withdrawal?

When people stop taking Valium after using it for a long time, they have to experience withdrawal symptoms. The duration of these symptoms is often categorised in two stages:

Acute Withdrawal Stage

After the last use of Valium, the acute withdrawal phase often begins within 1 to 4 days. Because Valium acts slowly and has a long half-life, some individuals may only experience mild symptoms on the first day. However, by the third or fourth day, symptoms may become more intense, marking the peak of the acute withdrawal phase.

Protracted Withdrawal Stage

This stage can last for weeks to months. It happens due to long-term changes in the brain’s chemistry caused by extended Valium use. The brain needs time to return to its natural balance.

How Addictive Is Valium? How Much Valium Is Too Much

Valium is considered less addictive than drugs like heroin. However, it still carries a risk of abuse and addiction due to its effects on the central nervous system and brain. When taken regularly or in high doses, Valium can lead to physical dependence, making it hard to stop without professional help.

Is 5mg of Valium a Day Addictive?

For some people, yes, 5mg of Valium per day can be addictive (especially if you take it without medical consultation). Although a 5mg/day dose is considered low to moderate, it should not be taken for more than a few weeks, unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Valium, like other benzodiazepines, can lead to physical dependence even after a few weeks of daily use. Over time, the body may develop tolerance, which increases the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

How Can ChoicePoint Help with Valium Addiction?

Just because Valium is a prescription medication, it does not mean that it poses no risks. In fact. Benzo withdrawal is one of the most brutal. With a personalized treatment plan at ChoicePoint, you or your loved one can improve the quality of your life. 

What Are My Options For Valium Addiction Treatment?

If you want to undergo prescription medication misuse treatment for Valium or other medications, the following are your options.

1. Medical Detox

A benzodiazepine detox program near you can be the best choice since it offers comprehensive treatment. Your body can slowly get rid of all toxins through abstinence under the supervision of experienced staff. It’s important because in case of any complication, you can have immediate treatment. 

Call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to seek help for drug detox for prescription medication misuse. ChoicePoint has got your back for everything.

2. Tapering

Your healthcare provider will gradually decrease your dose over time. This helps your brain get accustomed to lower doses, and eventually you can stop altogether. Stopping Valium suddenly can cause severe withdrawal, which is said to be worse than any other. 

3. Dual Diagnosis Treatment

If you struggle with anxiety, insomnia, alongside valium addiction, you will likely have to seek help from a dual diagnosis treatment center. This program intends to address both mental health issues and SUDs. It may entail all detox, tapering off, and therapy. 

Read these tips to manage anxiety disorders to keep yourself safe from SUDs and have a healthy life. 

Is Valium Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Yes, many insurance plans cover Valium addiction treatment, including therapy, detox, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). ChoicePoint can help you verify your insurance benefits quickly and confidentially.

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FAQs

Still have questions? Here are some frequently asked questions about Valium and its potential for addiction.

1. How Long Does Valium Take to Kick in?

Valium may take 1 to 60 minutes to kick in, depending on how it has been administered. Let’s look at the four methods of intake to know how long Valium takes to kick in:

• Oral (tablet): Usually begins to work within 15 to 60 minutes, with peak effects around 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Intravenous (IV): Effects start within 1 to 5 minutes.
• Intramuscular (IM): Onset is slower and unpredictable, typically 15 to 30 minutes.
• Rectal (gel): Starts to work within 5 to 15 minutes.

2. How Long Does Valium Last?

The effects of Valium can last between 4 to 6 hours for most people. However, it depends on the dose and many individual factors. Valium has a half-life of about 20 to 70 hours, meaning it stays in the body much longer than its noticeable effects. Its active metabolites can remain in the system for up to 10 more days. 

3. Is Valium a Controlled Substance?

Yes, Valium is a controlled substance. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance3, meaning it’s likely to be misused or cause dependence. Because of this classification, various federal and state laws make it a controlled medication. Valium is available only by prescription and is typically used for a specific period. Misuse or unauthorized use of Valium is illegal and potentially dangerous.

4. Is Valium More Addictive Than Xanax?

Both Valium and Xanax have abuse potential. However, three studies4 show that Xanax has a higher risk of addiction. This is because Xanax works faster and leaves the body relatively quickly. It also causes strong withdrawal symptoms when people stop using it. On the contrary, Valium stays in the system longer and takes effect more slowly. 

Sources

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024, April). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP24-07-01-006). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
   https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/media/pdfs/2024/04/SAMHSA-Key-substance-use-and-mental-health-indicators-2022.pdf
2. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Diazepam – Drug Label Information. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6dcbb5e9-1e8f-4069-9244-adb46356714d
3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Drug scheduling.
   https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
4. DailyMed – Diazepam (Set ID: b19c23b3)
5. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Diazepam – FDA Drug Label. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=b19c23b3-d88d-41c3-bea2-789f0898aa86