Valium Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Treatment

Valium is a name-brand benzodiazepine medication that can help with a number of physical and mental health conditions.¹ Like other benzodiazepines, Valium has the potential for both misuse and dependence and can be dangerous when used alongside other substances.^1,2 Benzodiazepines like Valium continue to be some of the most widely misused prescription drugs in the United States, with nearly 5 million people misusing prescription tranquilizers, including benzodiazepines, in 2023 alone.²

The following article will explore what Valium is, how it works in your body, the potential dangers of Valium misuse, and where to get help for Valium misuse or addiction.

What is Valium?

Valium is the brand name for the generic diazepam, which is a benzodiazepine typically prescribed for treating certain anxiety disorders, short-term anxiety symptoms, and insomnia.^1,2,3 It can also be administered to help ease anxiety before a medical operation.¹ Valium is available as a white or yellow tablet, while diazepam can be administered in tablets, injections, intravenously, or rectally.^1,4

Diazepam is considered a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 due to its potential for misuse and the possibility to cause physical dependence.³

How Does Valium Work?

Valium, like other benzodiazepines (or “benzos”) including Xanax and Ativan, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which works by inhibiting or calming down an over-excited nervous system.¹ Benzos interact with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, which are inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and found throughout the brain and body.^1,4 When benzos and GABA interact together, GABA works more efficiently to inhibit signals of excitation.

Valium acts quickly once administered and has a longer duration of action that other shorter-acting benzos, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or temazepam (Restoril).^1,4

Effects of Valium

CNS depressants like alcohol, opioids, and Valium have an overall calming effect on the body.¹ However, taking too much Valium can have potentially dangerous effects, particularly when combined with other CNS depressants like opioids or alcohol.⁴ Short-term effects of benzodiazepines like Valium can include, but are not limited to, the following:^1,5

• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Poor concentration
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Issues with movement and memory
• Slowed breathing

Some of the more serious effects of Valium can include the following:¹

• Extremely slowed breathing
• Suicidal thoughts
• Increased risk of misuse
• Development of dependency
• Dangerous withdrawal symptoms
• Complete dysfunction of the heart and circulatory system
• Dangerously slow heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting

Is Valium Addictive?

Valium and other benzodiazepines carry the potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.⁶ Even when Valium is prescribed by a doctor, people can become dependent on it, which is why it is recommended for short-term use only.⁴

Dependence occurs when the body makes physiological adaptations to a substance, such as Valium. As the body grows accustomed to the presence of Valium in the system, a person can experience withdrawal symptoms when they reduce their usual dose or quit Valium entirely. Physiological dependence often causes a person to continue to compulsively use Valium or other drugs to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.^3,4,5

Though the amount of benzodiazepine prescriptions written nationally have decreased since 2018, the widespread legal use of benzodiazepines can make it easier for those who are not prescribed to gain access to them.⁶ About 80% of people who misuse benzodiazepines receive them from friends or relatives, while 20% misuse benzodiazepines prescribed to them by their doctor.⁵

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Valium withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who is physically dependent on the drug stops using it abruptly or decreases their usual dose.⁷ Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and potentially fatal.¹ Therefore, once benzo dependence develops, it can be immensely difficult to stop using them without medical and/or professional assistance.

Withdrawal symptoms for benzos like Valium can include the following:^1,4

• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Changes in sense of perception
• General feelings of unease
• Psychosis
• Increased agitation or irritation
• Feeling restless
• Sweating
• Headache
• Confusion
• Muscle and body aches
• Digestive disturbances and vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

While they are less common, seizures during benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening. A longer history of Valium use, Valium use at higher doses, and abrupt cessation of taking Valium can increase the chances of experiencing withdrawal seizures and other dangerous symptoms.^1,4

Valium Overdose

If you think that someone has overdosed on Valium or another substance, call 9-1-1 to get help immediately. Making this call may be the difference between life and death.

Though it is possible to overdose on benzodiazepines alone, the majority of benzodiazepine deaths occur when other substances are being simultaneously consumed.⁶ Specifically, combining Valium with alcohol, opioids, or other benzodiazepines significantly increases a person’s risk of overdose.^1,8

In 2020, 91.4% of benzodiazepine overdose deaths involved opioids.⁹ Opioids and benzodiazepines can have similar effects and slow down the body’s basic functions.^1,8 For example, a person taking Valium with opioids may experience slowed respiratory and/or heart rates, which can quickly lead to coma or even death.^1,4,8

Treatment for Valium Addiction

When a person has a Valium addiction or is misusing benzodiazepines, it is important to know that there are several treatment options available.

While each person has different needs, it is often recommended that those who have been on a benzodiazepine for a significant period of time should participate in medical detox for their own safety. Medical professionals can implement and oversee a Valium taper, helping to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and the likelihood of more severe symptoms.¹⁰ Valium detox can occasionally involve the use of other benzos, or a drug called phenobarbital, during the tapering process.¹⁰ 

Inpatient treatment requires people to stay overnight in the facility during treatment to receive around-the-clock care.¹¹ This level of care is often best suited for those who have severe substance use disorders or who have made several unsuccessful attempts at recovery.

Outpatient treatment can range in intensity, with some programs only requiring a few hours of participation a week while others may require a full-time commitment. Patients receive the same types of interventions and assessments that are available in inpatient treatment, but they can return home at the end of the day.¹¹

Find Valium Addiction Treatment

If you or your loved one is struggling with Valium addiction or misuse, contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) at to speak with our caring admissions team. AAC offers treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders at locations across the United States. We’re here to help you find the right treatment, check your insurance coverage, and assist you in beginning a new path.