Valium Addiction and Treatment
SOBA Recovery Team
Clinical Content Writer
What is Valium
Valium also known as diazepam is most commonly used in the treatment of anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, insomnia, restless legs syndrome and alcohol withdrawal along with a variation of other conditions. It comes in tablets with doses of 2mg (white), 5mg (yellow) and 10mg (blue). Valium is in the benzodiazepine family which also includes; alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), clonazepam (Klonopin) and Restoril. Diazepam acts by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) an inhibitory neurotransmitter located in the central nervous system. GABA inhibits activity in the brain. It is thought that too much activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric conditions.
Is Valium Addictive?
Valium has a large risk of becoming addictive and an overdose could be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include excessive drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination and balance, fainting and/or weak and limp muscles. Over time Valium becomes less effective because the body builds up a drug tolerance. Users tend to increase the amount of medication they are taking due to the lessening effect the drug has in comparison to the effectiveness it had when first starting the medication. Because this drug affects the neurotransmitter GABA, the receptors in the brain become desensitized over time; this throws the body into confusion thinking there is an imbalance. The body constantly seeks balance causing the individual to use more medication to feel "normal".
Valium should not ever be taken while pregnant because it can cause lowered blood pressure (possible heart problems early on) and/or problems with breathing normally (possible asthma or allergies) for the baby. Also women who are breastfeeding should not be taking valium because it can cause harm to their child including addiction and withdrawal symptoms because it's in breast milk.
Valium Detox & Addiction Treatment
Valium is a short-term prescribed medication that usually isn't prescribed more than 3 months (12 weeks) unless advised specifically by a doctor. The drug shouldn't be something you stop taking suddenly (cold turkey) because it can cause seizures, irritability/anger, restlessness/sleeplessness, confusion, lowered self-esteem, muscle pain/spasms, and problems with simple reasoning and/or morals. In order to effectively discontinue using valium you must taper yourself off by slowly decreasing your milligram dosage every week or two until you feel comfortable enough to live your life valium free.
Many people abuse valium because it gives them a false sense of self-confidence. All their nervous ticks (anxieties), emotional pain (past or present) and any problems communicating/making friends seem to dissipate. Valium is known among users as a social lubricant that allows the user to feel comfortable in their own shoes (while on the drug). The question is... "Does this create a false self that is healthy and going to last or will your tolerance become too high and dependent on a drug that stops working????" Help is just around the corner and today can be the day you begin your step to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valium addictive?
Yes—Valium (diazepam) carries a high risk of addiction. Because it enhances the neurotransmitter GABA, the brain's receptors become desensitized over time, so the same dose stops working. Users take more and more just to feel "normal," which is the fast track to dependence. An overdose can be fatal, so its addictive potential should be taken seriously.
What are the signs of Valium addiction?
Rising tolerance—needing higher doses for the same effect—is the earliest sign. Others include relying on Valium as a "social lubricant" or confidence boost, feeling unable to function without it, and continuing use beyond what was prescribed. Overdose warning signs include excessive drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, fainting, and weak, limp muscles.
How long can you safely take Valium?
Valium is a short-term medication, typically prescribed for no more than about 3 months (12 weeks) unless a doctor specifically advises otherwise. The longer it's taken, the more tolerance builds and the greater the risk of dependence—which is why long-term use should always happen under close medical supervision.
Can you stop taking Valium cold turkey?
No—quitting Valium abruptly is dangerous. Sudden discontinuation can cause seizures, along with irritability, restlessness, sleeplessness, confusion, and muscle pain or spasms. The safe way off is a gradual taper, slowly decreasing the dose every week or two, ideally managed through a medically supervised detox.
How is Valium addiction treated?
Treatment starts with a medically managed taper to get off the drug safely, then addresses why the dependence developed—often anxiety or emotional pain that Valium was masking. A dedicated benzodiazepine rehab program combines that medical care with therapy so you're not just off the drug, but equipped to stay off it.
About the Author
SOBA Recovery Clinical Team
Our clinical content is written and reviewed by addiction specialists, therapists, and healthcare professionals with extensive experience in treating substance use disorders.
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