Diazepam Addiction

Danny Smith

Written by:

Danny Smith

Last Updated:

March 28th, 2025

Diazepam, known commercially as Valium, is a versatile benzodiazepine with applications ranging from treating anxiety and muscle spasms to mitigating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Its ability to ease discomfort and help users relax, however, comes with a major risk of diazepam addiction and abuse. Diazepam addiction can have life-ruining consequences, profoundly affecting an individual’s physical and mental health, social interactions and overall prospects. Understanding the gravity of diazepam addiction, the importance of early detection and the availability of treatment options is critical for those affected and their loved ones.

What is diazepam?

Diazepam, commonly marketed under the brand name Valium, is a benzodiazepine used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, from anxiety and muscle spasms to seizures and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It works by increasing the efficiency of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain which produces a calming effect on the nervous system. This mechanism of action makes it effective not only in alleviating anxiety and tension but also in controlling convulsions and encouraging muscle relaxation.

Despite its therapeutic benefits, however, diazepam’s potential for addiction and dependence generally limits its use to short-term medically supervised treatment in order to mitigate the risks of long-term consumption.

What is diazepam addiction?

Diazepam addiction is a common form of benzodiazepine addiction where a user loses control and begins using the drug compulsively. The condition develops when individuals become dependent on the drug to function normally, often following prolonged prescription use or recreational misuse. This dependency is marked by an inability to stop taking diazepam despite knowing the negative impacts on health and well-being.

Diazepam’s wide range of applications, from treating anxiety to muscle spasms, contributes to its potential for addiction, as users may begin to rely excessively on its calming effects. Once this reliance has been established, all other important aspects of life fall by the wayside, with an increasing amount of time and energy spent solely on obtaining and using diazepam.

Am I addicted to diazepam?

To determine if your use of diazepam has become problematic, it is crucial to identify diazepam addiction signs. This is not always easy, particularly if you were originally prescribed diazepam for a genuine medical condition. However, these questions can shine a light on the reality of your situation:

  • Have I been taking diazepam in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed?
  • Do I experience withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety or restlessness, when I haven’t taken diazepam?
  • Have I tried to stop or reduce my diazepam intake but couldn’t stick to it?
  • Is my day largely centred around obtaining, using or recovering from diazepam?
  • Has my diazepam use led to neglect of my family, work or educational responsibilities?
  • Do I continue to use diazepam even though it’s causing health issues or problems in my personal life?
  • Have I engaged in dangerous activities while under the influence of diazepam or in order to get it?
  • Do I rely on diazepam to manage everyday stress or to avoid dealing with my problems?

If these experiences resonate with you, they may point to diazepam addiction signs and the need for professional help.

Why is diazepam addictive?

While diazepam’s powerful effects contribute to its potential for misuse and dependency, diazepam addiction risk is heightened by several personal and situational factors:

Genetic makeup

The role of genetics in addiction has long been confirmed with research finding that individuals with a family history of substance abuse are more prone to developing an addiction. This genetic link can make certain people more sensitive to the effects of diazepam, leading to quicker development of tolerance, dependency and addiction.

Psychological vulnerability

For individuals struggling with mental health disorders or undergoing significant emotional distress, diazepam can become a relied-upon source of relief. This reliance not only masks the underlying problems but also significantly increases the risk of diazepam addiction as the individual comes to depend on the drug to manage their psychological struggles.

Environmental factors

Living in an environment that either directly or indirectly supports drug misuse, whether through the presence of other substance users or the normalisation of drug use for stress management, can significantly influence the likelihood of diazepam addiction.

Personal history of substance abuse

A history of substance abuse also indicates an increased risk for addiction to diazepam. This history suggests an established pattern of turning to substances to cope with life’s challenges, making the transition to abusing diazepam more likely if the drug is available.

Life stressors

Individuals facing chronic stress from work, relationships or financial issues may turn to diazepam as a means to manage their stress. This misuse as a stress relief tool can quickly evolve into a dependency, with the effects making the original issues worse.

Recognising these factors is essential for understanding and treating diazepam addiction because they are so wide-ranging, a holistic approach to recovery that addresses both physical dependence and psychological needs.

Short-term diazepam addiction effects

Short-term side effects of Diazepam addiction encompass a range of physical and mental health issues. While these can be unpleasant, they are further signs that professional help should be sought before the problem worsens:

  • Slurred speech and blurred vision: These impairments result from the physiological effects of diazepam and can affect communication, daily functioning and personal and professional life.
  • Lack of coordination: Difficulty in controlling movements and maintaining balance are also common with excessive diazepam use and can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Cognitive decline: Chronic diazepam consumption can lead to short-term memory loss and decreased attention span, which can disrupt learning and productivity.
  • Emotional and mood disturbances: Users may exhibit unusual emotional responses, including heightened irritability or sudden sadness.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: Even in the short term, users may experience withdrawal symptoms encouraging continued use to avoid discomfort.

Awareness of these side effects can aid in the early detection of diazepam misuse, which further emphasises the need for cautious use under medical supervision.

Long-term diazepam addiction effects

Chronic addiction to diazepam can have lasting effects on an individual’s health and life quality, which go far beyond the short-term issues. Some of the most serious diazepam addiction effects include:

  • Persistent cognitive dysfunction: Long-term diazepam use can lead to irreversible cognitive impairments, affecting memory, attention and problem-solving skills, which may persist even after cessation of use.
  • Mood disorders and emotional health: Extended misuse can exacerbate or trigger serious mental health issues, including major depression, heightened anxiety and increased risk of suicidal behaviour. The person may then end up using more diazepam to try and cope, cementing the cycle of addiction and abuse.
  • Physical health complications: Diazepam addiction can contribute to a variety of physical health problems, such as liver damage, gastrointestinal issues and a weakened immune system. This can make the body more susceptible to potentially life-changing diseases.
  • Social and professional repercussions: Diazepam addiction can lead to significant social isolation, relationship breakdowns, employment issues and financial difficulties, severely impacting social and economic stability.

Comprehensive long-term treatment and support are crucial for individuals struggling with diazepam addiction to navigate the complexities of recovery and rebuild a healthy, fulfilling life.

Diazepam addiction treatment

Diazepam addiction treatment requires a multi-stage process to deal with the complex causes and symptoms. This starts with a carefully monitored benzodiazepine detox to minimise withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety.

Benzodiazepine rehab, including individual counselling, group therapy and evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy, follows detox to help individuals understand and overcome the root causes of their addiction.

Ongoing aftercare and relapse prevention planning are then essential to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse once the initial stages of treatment are complete.

Get help for diazepam addiction today

Diazepam addiction requires expert intervention and Sanctuary Lodge is here to offer the support and treatment necessary for overcoming this challenge. Our recovery programmes are designed to treat both the symptoms and root causes of diazepam addiction, paving the way for lasting sobriety and improved quality of life. Contacting Sanctuary Lodge can be the most important decision you make, opening doors to a future free from diazepam addiction. Let us guide you through every step of the recovery process, ensuring a compassionate and supportive journey back to health.

Get help for diazepam addiction today

What are other names for diazepam?
Diazepam is most commonly known by its brand name, Valium. However, there are other names for diazepam, including Diastat, specifically formulated for rectal use, and Antenex, which are available in some countries. Regardless of the name, diazepam is used for a range of conditions, including anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures and requires strict medical supervision.
How much diazepam is considered addictive?
The potential for diazepam addiction cannot be tied to a specific dosage, as it varies based on individual susceptibility, duration of treatment and dosage. However, the risk of developing a dependency increases with prolonged use and at higher doses, which is why it is usually prescribed for short-term use only. If you are taking diazepam, it is important that you discuss the risks with your healthcare provider and alert them to any issues.

(Click here to see works cited)

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  • NHS. “Diazepam: medicine for anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam/. Accessed 29 March 2024.
  • UK Rehab. “Treatment For Diazepam Addiction.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/benzodiazepine-addiction/diazepam/. Accessed 29 March 2024.
  • Juergens, S. “Alprazolam and diazepam: addiction potential.” Journal of substance abuse treatment vol. 8,1-2 (1991): 43-51. doi:10.1016/0740-5472(91)90026-7