How Valium Addiction affects us

Doctors commonly prescribe strong medication such as opiates and tranquilisers for conditions such as chronic pain and sleep disorders. Those who have trouble sleeping or are suffering chronic anxiety may be prescribed medication such as Valium. Valium is a tranquiliser that makes the user feel relaxed and calm, and which can help the individual to sleep. This is a medication that is only available from a pharmacy with a prescription. While Valium is safe to take when used as directed by a doctor, it can be addictive. Unfortunately, this is a drug that is commonly abused and, as a result, many people develop a Valium addiction that can threaten to spiral out of control if left untreated.

Denial

The problem with Valium addiction is that most of those affected by it cannot comprehend the fact that they could be addicted. The reason for this is that the vast majority of people assume drug addiction only relates to illegal drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth, or heroin. They are unable to see that prescription medication could be dangerous or addictive as a doctor has prescribed them their pills.

The reality is that certain medications are only available from a physician because of the dangers and risks associated with them. While they are safe to take as directed by a doctor and over a short period of time, they carry certain risks when abused or taken for longer than necessary.

Denial is a common characteristic of addiction and, in particular, prescription drug addiction. The profile that most have of a drug addict is not one they would typically associate with themselves, which makes them unable or unwilling to see themselves in the same category as someone with heroin or cocaine addiction, for example.

However, the reality is that prescription drugs can be very addictive, and Valium addiction is one addiction that is a growing problem here in the UK.

Are You Affected by Valium Addiction?

If a doctor has prescribed you Valium for a legitimate condition, you will likely have no reason to think that it could be dangerous. Nevertheless, if you find that you are now taking more of the drug than you did when you were first prescribed it, it could be that you have become tolerant to its effects.

Many individuals do not realise that over time, their body becomes used to the presence of chemical substances such as Valium. The first time he or she takes this sedative drug, his/her body will have responded by ‘speeding up’. After a while, the brain reaches a happy medium with the drug by adapting when it arrives in the system, so the effects of the drug start to be diminished. This can mean that the user is not getting the relief he or she once did.

When the drug stops providing the same relief as before, the automatic response in most people is to up the dose. They assume this will be okay because they already know that the drug does not cause any adverse effects as they have been taking it for a while.

What these individuals do not realise is that their tolerance to the drug is increasing every time they take it. As they take more of the drug, their body will become dependent on it and will then expect regular doses. If these doses do not arrive, the body will go into overdrive trying to get back to normal. This can result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, shaking, and sweating. Many people do not realise that they have developed a Valium addiction until they actually stop taking the drug.

If you are taking more Valium than before, are becoming anxious at the thoughts of your tablets running out, and are spending less time on activities than you once did, you could very well have the beginnings of a Valium addiction.

The Consequences of a Valium Addiction

Dependence on drugs such as Valium is common today. It is easy to abuse prescription medication without even realising. These drugs are highly addictive and should only be used for a short period of time. Prolonged use can lead to addiction, even if taken exactly as directed by your GP.

Those who become addicted to Valium face a number of adverse consequences. It is likely that they suffer withdrawal symptoms should they try to stop taking the drug; these include tremors, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, vomiting, headaches and poor concentration. In extreme cases, fatal seizures can occur.

An addiction to Valium can cause individuals to lose interest in other areas of their lives. They may stop spending time with their loved ones and could neglect activities once enjoyed. Valium addiction can result in drowsiness, meaning that sufferers are unable to work, which could lead to financial problems. This can then have a knock-on effect on their ability to provide for the family, which can put a tremendous strain on relationships.

When a Valium addiction spirals out of control, the addict may become desperate to source the drug, starting to doctor-shop. This means visiting a number of different doctors in order to be prescribed the drug. If this fails, the individual in question might turn to other street drugs, or else try to buy Valium online instead. There have been a number of cases where people have purchased fake Valium from the internet with fatal consequences.

There is just no way to tell what is in a pill by looking at it, and many of the drugs sold online contain dangerous chemicals that can be deadly.

Getting Help

It is important that you reach out for help as soon as you suspect you could have a Valium addiction. It is a progressive illness that will not go away by itself. Here at Recovery.org.uk, we understand that Valium addiction is an illness that can affect anyone. There is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed, as this is something that many individuals deal with every day. Let us help you by putting you in touch with an organisation from which you can get the help you need to overcome this illness. Contact us today for more information.