What Does Valium Feel Like? - Garden State Treatment Center

Valium (the brand name for the drug diazepam) is a potent prescription sedative used to treat anxiety disorders and seizures. Valium is often frequently used to treat severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms in a medical detoxification setting. This specific medication has a high potential for abuse and is one of the most commonly abused prescription medications throughout the United States. It is essential to take Valium precisely as prescribed by a medical professional because it is highly habit-forming and can result in serious side effects when not taken properly. This specific drug is generally only prescribed for short periods; taking Valium long-term leads to tolerance, symptoms of withdrawal upon ceased use, and other health-related severe concerns. It is possible to overdose on this medication.

Diazepam

Diazepam-related overdoses can be fatal and are responsible for thousands of fatalities nationwide annually. If you or someone you love has been abusing Valium, professional medical help must be sought immediately. Garden State Treatment Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment services to those abusing prescription drugs of any kind. For more information on our recovery program, please feel free to reach out at any point in time. Our dedicated team of diverse, compassionate professionals is standing by to answer any questions you may have and to get you started on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

What Does Valium Feel Like?

Those who abuse Valium (take more than the recommended dose or take the prescription medication other than as prescribed) generally report similar experiences. Some of the short-term symptoms of Valium abuse include:

  • Slurred speech and an inability to form complete sentences.
  • A lack of coordination.
  • Dilated pupils.
  • Changes in appetite, usually a loss of appetite.
  • Mood swings, typically marked by agitation, irritability, and sadness.

The immediate effects of Valium abuse are similar to alcohol consumption – an individual who is high on Valium might appear to be intoxicated. Because the medication is generally used to treat anxiety, the “high” produced by the drug will somewhat resemble the “high” produced by heroin but significantly less intense. The user will feel relaxed, calm, and maybe even euphoric. Unfortunately, getting high off of prescription diazepam also results in serious side effects like respiratory depression, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Drowsiness, weakness, confusion, and extreme dizziness are also side effects of Valium abuse.

Those who use Valium regularly over an extended period are also at risk of developing permanent mental health disorders. This medication, which is most commonly used to treat anxiety, changes brain chemistry so that the brain cannot adequately regulate stress without it. Prolonged abuse can lead to anxiety-related disorders or worsening symptoms if an anxiety disorder is already present. Brain damage can also include long-term and lasting issues with memory and cognition. Those struggling with Valium abuse or addiction must seek help sooner rather than later to prevent severe and permanent damage to the brain and the body.

Valium Abuse and Addiction Recovery

Many people believe that medications prescribed by a medical professional do not pose the same risks as illicit substances, like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. The truth is that prescription medications are just as dangerous when abused. The abuse of prescription drugs like Valium is far more common than many illicit substances. It can be challenging to determine whether or not someone is abusing Valium because many prescription drug users hide their symptoms well. Fortunately, if you or your loved one is struggling with Valium abuse or addiction, Garden State Treatment Center is available to help.

However, there are several telltale signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for, including all of the characters listed above as well as a general lack of motivation, disinterest in activities and hobbies that were previously enjoyed, increased desire for privacy, and doctor shopping (attempting to obtain Valium from more than one source). For more information on our recovery program, give us a call today.

FAQ

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Published on: 2020-05-07
Updated on: 2024-10-08