Dangers of Valium Abuse
When it comes to understanding the dangers of Valium misuse, it’s important to know what the drug is used for. It’s also helpful to understand the side effects and risks associated with abusing the drug. Valium misuse can have devastating effects on the body and should not be taken lightly. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of Valium misuse, how it affects the body, and how to recognize the symptoms of abuse.
What Is Valium?
Valium is an antidepressant drug commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. It’s prescribed to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Migraine headaches
It’s also used in anesthesia as a sedative, to help calm people before surgery. It’s a controlled substance that’s typically used for treating anxiety and other conditions.
How Valium Works
Like other antidepressants, Valium works by improving the way the brain processes and uses serotonin. One of the functions of serotonin is to help regulate mood. When there aren’t enough of these mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, you might experience depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
When taken, Valium acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which means it stops the brain from absorbing serotonin and sends more of it back out into the system. This, in turn, leads to brain chemicals being used more efficiently and regulating mood.
This is why Valium is prescribed as an antidepressant. It’s also prescribed to treat other conditions, such as insomnia, panic attacks, and agoraphobia.
Is Valium Addictive?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Valium is a sedative-hypnotic drug with a high potential for dependence. This means that it can be habit-forming. When it’s taken regularly, the brain can become dependent on the drug to function properly. However, like many medications, it’s possible to withdraw from Valium without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.
Most people can safely withdraw from Valium after taking the drug for a number of weeks, but the drug can be slowly weaned off if the withdrawal symptoms are mild or manageable.
It’s important to note that Valium is a controlled substance, which means it can only be prescribed by a doctor. If you take it without a prescription, it’s considered a criminal offense.
Signs of Valium Abuse
Since Valium has a multitude of conditions it can be used for, there are a variety of signs of Valium abuse. The most common sign of Valium abuse is that the person has suddenly become agitated and agitated, even agitated and anxious.
Another sign of Valium abuse is the person having trouble sleeping, which is often an indication they’re using the drug too frequently. Additionally, Valium abusers might also show signs of being withdrawn and sleepy. Other signs of Valium abuse include having an increased appetite and weight gain.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, it’s important to seek help immediately. Some of the dangers of Valium include:
- Increased risk for heart disease
- Increased risk for high blood pressure
- Increased risk for stroke
- Increased risk for seizures
- Decreased inhibitions
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Memory loss
- Behavioral changes
The biggest danger of Valium abuse is the risk of death. Users of this drug are at a higher risk for sudden death, which can be caused by a number of factors. Another danger of Valium abuse is that it carries a high risk of dependency. The brain can become dependent on the drug to function properly.
Overdosing on Valium
When it comes to risks associated with Valium use, one of the biggest dangers is overindulging in the drug. Overdosing on Valium is a serious risk and can cause a number of life-threatening symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms of Valium abuse over the long term are:
- Lethargy
- Depressed mood
- Feeling sad or empty
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in eating habits
- Abnormal behavior
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
- Completing suicide
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek help immediately. This is one of the dangers of using Valium.
Final words: Is It Worth It?
If you’re using Valium, you should know that it carries a variety of risks, including increased risk for heart disease, increased risk for high blood pressure, increased risk for stroke, increased risk for seizures, decreased inhibitions, difficulty achieving orgasm, memory loss, behavioral changes, and sudden death.
This drug is also associated with increased appetite and weight gain, which can lead to serious health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease. You should also know that it’s possible to experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Valium.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to seek help immediately. The biggest danger of Valium abuse is the risk of death. This is why it’s so important to understand the dangers of Valium.
Oasis Recovery Can Help
If you feel that you or a loved one may be struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. Substance abuse and addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.
Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
- Aftercare Services
Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.
