Valium is a legal, often-prescribed medication that is used to treat anxiety and sometimes seizures. The generic term for Valium is diazepam. Although Valium is helpful for those who struggle with severe anxiety, the drug can be dangerous as well. Valium abuse is common for individuals who take this medication on a regular basis.

If you are concerned about Valium abuse in someone you love, it’s essential to learn about this drug. The following article will first outline what Valium is and how it works in the body. We will then explain the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and how you can help a loved one who may be struggling with this substance abuse problem.

What Is Valium and How Does It Affect the Body and Brain?

Valium abuse starts with this little blue pill.As stated, Valium is an anti-anxiety drug. It is a form of benzodiazepine. Like other benzodiazepines or “benzos,” Valium works by amplifying a neurotransmitter in the brain. It decreases overall brain activity.

Valium also mainly affects the central nervous system. You may hear Valium referred to as “candy,” “blues,” “vallies,” “downers,” or “tranks.” These are street names used to refer to the drug.

Valium and all other benzodiazepine drugs are highly addictive. This is why doctors and other medical professionals should be wary of prescribing the medication. The reason that Valium is so addictive is mainly because of the way it makes the user feel. Initially, the user will feel a euphoric high or a sense of sedation.

Many users have also described feeling an overall reduction in anxiety. They may feel relaxed physically and mentally and a bit drowsy. Many users describe feeling intensely happy and content.

Of course, there are adverse side effects of Valium abuse as well. These may show up right away after taking the drug. These side effects include a headache, constipation, confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure, and nausea.

What Are the Long-Term Ramifications of Valium Abuse?

The side effects of constipation, low blood pressure, headaches, and nausea aren’t the only downside to taking this drug. It’s also important to remember that long-term health ramifications are likely. These include the following:

  • Dependence–This primarily occurs when the body becomes used to having Valium in its system and needs it to function in a normal state.
  • Tolerance–This happens at the same time as dependence. An increasing amount of Valium becomes necessary in the system as the body gets used to the drug being used consistently over time.
  • Withdrawal–As full-blown addiction approaches, withdrawal symptoms will appear if the individual attempts to stop using the drug.

How Can You Help Someone Struggling With Substance Abuse?

If you have a loved one who is struggling with Valium addiction or substance abuse of any kind, a professional drug and alcohol rehab treatment center in Jacksonville, Florida can help. Beaches Recovery offers state-of-the-art treatment facilities and the best addiction specialists and medical professionals in the industry.

What’s needed to recover from Valium abuse and addiction is an intensive treatment program of at least a few weeks or months. For those seeking help in Jacksonville, Florida, there are short inpatient programs available. But Beaches Recovery also has intensive outpatient opportunities for treatment as well.

In addition to providing full detox services for recovery from Valium abuse and addiction at Tides Edge, Beaches Recovery also offers the following:

To learn more about Beaches Recovery and to help your loved one get the help they need, contact us. One of our addiction specialists is here at all hours to answer your questions and concerns. We can help you figure out payment for detox and treatment. And we can also help define what the right program for your loved one will be.

Don’t wait to help your family member or friend recover from drug misuse problems. The time is now. Call Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532.