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Diazepam (also known by its popular brand name, Valium) is a type of benzodiazepine medication. It’s typically prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and sometimes even insomnia.
Diazepam has calming effects, which can make it effective for short-term use. However, diazepam also has a dark side, and this is purely due to the fact that it’s a highly addictive substance.
In the UK, medical professionals do rely on this drug for legitimate medical purposes, but diazepam misuse has become a growing concern. In fact, benzodiazepines are, sadly, responsible for 73% of all drug-related deaths here in the UK.
So, if you or someone you care about has been prescribed diazepam, recognising the warning signs of diazepam addiction has become essential for early intervention.
In this article, we’ll explore the physical, psychological, and behavioural indicators of addiction, the dangers it can bring, and exactly how to seek help.
Understanding Diazepam and Its Addictive Potential
Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity, which helps us to be able to relax and not feel anxious.
This is why it’s known for its calming effects, and it’s why it’s commonly prescribed to people living with anxiety. But it’s also what makes the drug addictive.
If taken for prolonged periods, over time, the brain can begin to depend on diazepam to maintain normal function.
A tolerance is also likely to develop, which means that a higher dose will be needed to achieve the same effects. Prolonged use is the leading cause of both physical dependence and psychological addiction, even when the drug is taken as prescribed.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Diazepam Addiction?
The progression from diazepam use to addiction can be very subtle, especially in the early stages.
Many individuals who develop a dependency start with legitimate prescriptions, believing they are still in control.
Common Physical Signs of Diazepam Addiction
- Increased tolerance: Needing to take higher doses to feel the same level of relief or relaxation is one of the first indicators.
- Feeling drowsy: Unexplained sluggishness can indicate excessive use.
- Not feeling yourself: Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or blurred vision may suggest improper or excessive use.
Common Psychological and Emotional Signs
- Mood changes: Sudden irritability or unexplained euphoria.
- Feeling more anxious: Ironically, long-term use can actually make anxiety worse when the drug begins to wear off.
- Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about when you’ll be able to take the next dose or feeling anxious about running out of medication.
There might also be behavioural indicators starting to emerge. This can sometimes look like:
- Taking the medication in situations where it’s not needed (e.g. when you’re feeling minor stress).
- Using diazepam recreationally for its sedative effects.
- Hiding use from loved ones.
When Does Diazepam Misuse Become Addiction?
As misuse continues, the signs of addiction typically become more apparent. This is because, at the stage where an addiction is present, the physical, psychological, and behavioural symptoms may combine into a pattern that’s difficult to hide.
Physical signs of addiction often mean experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the person has gone a few days (depending on the dose prescribed) without taking it. Diazepam withdrawal usually includes experiencing symptoms such as muscle pain, insomnia, restlessness, or tremors when attempting to reduce or stop use.
Other physical signs are memory lapses, shallow breathing (when taking a high dose), and they might also have difficulty speaking clearly, especially after taking a dose.
There will also be behavioural changes if an addiction has formed, although what this presents as will be different depending on the individual. However, common patterns include:
- Visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions or exaggerating symptoms to get more diazepam.
- Failing to meet obligations at work or at home due to the effects of diazepam.
- Withdrawing from any activities that include seeing friends or family or even hobbies.
The Dangers of Diazepam Addiction
A key danger of diazepam addiction is the overdose potential. Taking too much diazepam or even combining it with other central nervous system depressants (.g. alcohol) can lead to overdose.
Diazepam overdose symptoms include (but are not limited to):
- Extreme drowsiness.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Slow or irregular breathing.
- Bluish tint to skin or lips.
It’s rare for someone to be prescribed diazepam over the long term in the UK, and typically, prescriptions are no longer than 4 weeks. This is because of the high risk of addiction.
However, if someone has been prescribed diazepam for an extended period, aside from the overdose risk, other dangers also include:
- Steady cognitive decline: Chronic use may damage memory, decision-making, and overall cognitive function.
- Physical damage: Prolonged misuse can strain the liver, impair respiratory function, and weaken muscles.
- Increased dependency: Diazepam rewires the brain’s reward system, making it increasingly difficult to quit without professional help.
How to Get Help for Diazepam Addiction
If you or someone you know is showing signs of diazepam addiction, seeking professional help is often the best and most effective way of overcoming it once and for all.
Some questions to ask:
- Do you feel unable to function without diazepam?
- Have you tried to cut down or quit but failed?
- Has your use affected relationships, work, or daily life?
Treatment Options for
Addiction is a progressive condition. So, the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. This usually includes a medically assisted detox, following a personalised treatment programme and ongoing support.
Medical Detox
Withdrawal from diazepam can be dangerous and should always be supervised by medical professionals. Around-the-clock care is needed to manage symptoms such as seizures or hallucinations.
Rehabilitation Programme
Residential rehab programmes, like those offered by Rehab Clinics Group, provide structured environments for recovery. Therapy, group support, and medication-assisted treatments are often part of these programmes.
Ongoing Support
Aftercare, counselling, and support groups are critical for preventing relapse.
At Rehab Clinics Group, diazepam addiction is something we have extensive experience in treating. We offer compassionate and effective treatment tailored to individual needs. Our team is here to guide you through every step of recovery, from detox to long-term support.
Need Help for Diazepam Addiction
Diazepam addiction can feel really overwhelming. But recovery is more than possible with the right support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t wait to seek help. Contact the team here at Rehab Clinics Group today to discuss your options and take the first step towards recovery.
