Valium Addiction Information
Valium is a drug within the sedatives class that produces a relaxation feeling. Upon initial use, people report feeling euphoric and content. Valium also is available in a generic form, diazepam. Medical professionals prescribe the drug with the purpose of reducing muscle spasms, seizures, and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. For patients undergoing a colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure – common predecessors of anxiety and acute stress reactions — Valium may be used. However, improper use of the drug can lead to Valium addiction
Methods of Valium Abuse
Valium, or Diazepam, comes as a tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, or concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. Warning labels remind users that the pills are not to be crushed and snorted or crushed and dissolved in liquids. However, individuals who become addicted to Valium often resort to such measures to intensify the drug’s effects. Crushing and snorting Valium releases its potency directly into the brain and blood stream much quicker than if the medication is taken orally.
Clearly risks are involved with this method, it is illegal, and it is a sign of Valium addiction and abuse. The fact that a user resorts to such measures also indicates that the “suggested” dosage of Valium is not working efficiently enough. This is one of the key signs of addiction — a tolerance to the drug — requiring higher and higher doses of Valium to feel the same effects. Users are also prone to valium addiction.
Signs of Valium Addiction
Signs of Valium abuse are varied. The possibility of become addicted to Valium is very high — recent statistics reflect the fact that over 50 percent of people who take Valium for six months or longer become addicted.
Some Valium abusers try to conceal the symptoms in an effort to hide the addiction from family members, friends and coworkers. Whether or not the addict had admitted to being addicted, others have most likely picked up the signs already. Red flags indicating an addiction to Valium include but are not limited to the following:
- Building a tolerance
- Compromised motor coordination
- Blunt, inappropriate emotions
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings and irritability
- Drowsiness and/or chronic fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurred vision
In addition to physical impairments, Valium addicts may slowly withdraw from family members and social situations and experience psychological ramifications. Extracurricular activities, hobbies, and events that used to interest the person are now no longer of importance. The addict begins isolating as a way to engage in addictive behaviors free from judgment by others.
Life becomes very small when someone is addicted to Valium — behaviors and actions become centered around finding Valium sources, purchasing Valium, ingesting Valium, and planning for the future in terms of Valium supplies.
For instance, a man who is addicted to Valium now does not feel as though he has a choice when he goes to Bermuda regarding whether or not he takes his pills with him. In the first two weeks of his Valium-using, he could take them or leave them. However, now that he has crossed the line into addiction, he is driven by the compulsive urge to bring Valium is filled with anxiety about whether or not his supply is adequate for the trip duration.