is a prescription benzodiazepine most commonly used to treat muscle spasms, anxiety disorders, seizures, panic attacks, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It is also one of the top 10 most addictive prescription medications. It works by replacing cerebral chemicals and slowing down brain activity. As a depressant, it specifically targets and boosts the neurotransmitter called gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA), which results in reduced activity and less anxiety.
Even with a legitimate prescription it’s easy to see how anyone can get addicted to Valium. The feelings of relaxation and calm it produces are gradual, making it difficult to recognize a pattern of tolerance developing until a physical or psychological addiction has taken root.
What Is Valium Addiction?
Addiction is more than just a strong desire for the drug; Valium morphs nerve cells on a structural level. When this point is reached, the brain can no longer produce needed chemicals on its own and becomes dependent on the drug. An addict will have to consume more and more Valium in order to compensate for the lowered amount of chemicals.I learned ways you can renew your nerves on this article on Neuropathyreliefguide.com.
If unsure whether or not a Valium addiction is present, look for the following signs:
- Increased drowsiness
- Blurred and/or double vision
- Memory problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased physical activity
- Dilated pupils
- Weak or sore muscles
- Elevated hostility and agitation
- Losing control of your bladder or unable to urinate at all
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression
- Consistent confusion
- Hallucination
Valium addicts will experience a decline in all of their physical faculties. Reaction time and reflexes decrease making normal everyday acts such as driving inadvisable. They often swerve in and out of lanes and ignore road hazards while under the influence. Their ability to operate a vehicle could be impaired from the time of their high through the following day.
An overwhelming urge for that calm, anti-stress sensation begins to wear on the social and professional life of an addict. Valium abusers will spend an increasing amount of money to get the drug. Their financial state will decline rapidly. Loss of job will often occur shortly afterwards, as well as a gradual cessation of communication with friends and family.
If you suspect someone may have a valium addiction look for these symptoms:
- Drastic shift in eating habits
- Shaking
- Slowed speech and movement
- Decline in physical hygiene and appearance
- Decreased coordination
- Frequent sleepiness
- Mood swings
- Clumsiness
- Decreased motivation
It is common for addicts to have an additional anxiety disorder such as schizophrenia, panic disorders, PTSD, or Bipolar. These conditions and others require their own arsenal of medication to cope and oftentimes an addiction to Valium manifests simply as the result of attempts to curb the effects of these drugs, possibly resulting in multiple addictions at once. Family history and genetics can also be a factor.
Taking too much Valium can result in overdose and even death. Odds of this increase when paired with other substances, such as alcohol, which is also a depressant.
If you or someone you know is addicted to Valium please seek help immediately. Numerous clinics and anonymous phone numbers exist all over the country for anyone who needs them, and our office is always open to anyone who needs ending and rising above drug abuse and addiction.