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Snorting Valium—Effects, Overdose, and Addiction Treatment

Valium is a prescription sedative medication that falls into the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.1 Also available as generic diazepam, Valium is prescribed in pill form to treat anxiety and panic symptoms.1,2

When Valium is taken as prescribed, it can be a safe and effective drug for the management of anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. However, the pleasurable, relaxing effects of Valium may lead some to misuse the drug by:

  • Taking more than prescribed.
  • Taking the drug in ways other than as prescribed.
  • Seeking out multiple doctors for prescriptions.
  • Buying the drug illegally.

Some users may snort Valium in an attempt to intensify their high. Apart from the overdose risk that comes with abuse of drugs in this manner, there is a potentially pronounced risk of addiction development.2 People who repeatedly abuse Valium can develop physical dependence and may experience severe and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms when not using it, making it extremely hard to quit.

Snorting diazepam can result in drowsiness, low blood pressure, and delayed breathing,1 in addition to possible severe damage to the nose.3,4 While the effects of snorting Valium on the nose have not been well-studied, it may damage the nose in ways similar to cocaine.

Trying to quit benzodiazepines like Valium can be challenging. People addicted to snorting Valium may benefit from treatment programs to help them detox from the drug and receive continued support throughout the recovery process. To find help today, call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at . Rehab placement specialists are available to take your confidential phone call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.


Does Snorting Valium Cause a Faster High?

Valium users may assume that snorting the drug will result in a faster and better high, since in some cases snorting drugs can speed up and intensify their effects. However, it is unclear whether snorting Valium actually intensifies its effects more than ingesting it orally does.5

While there is no guarantee of any intensified high, there is a significant risk that the user will misjudge the amount they ingest, which may lead to a Valium overdose.

Snorting Valium may do nothing to increase the effects the user feels; instead, it introduces a slew of dangers, such as overdose and the development of addiction.


Side Effects of Valium Use

Valium misuse can subject the user to a variety of physical and mental side effects that can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Some side effects may improve once use of the drug is stopped, but others may persist for some time.

Common side effects that can occur while using Valium include:7

  • Weakness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Lethargy.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Stomach problems.
  • Appetite changes.
  • Feeling restless or agitated.

Other symptoms that may be dangerous or which may persist and need medical attention include:7

  • Shuffling walk.
  • Fever.
  • Rash.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Irregular heart rate.
  • Problems breathing.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Tremors.
  • Seizures.

Can Snorting Valium Cause Overdose?

Using Valium as prescribed by a doctor is generally safe. However, misusing it either unintentionally or on purpose may lead to an overdose.9 Certain factors may increase the risk of Valium overdose:

  • Taking more Valium than prescribed.
  • Using Valium without a prescription.
  • Mixing Valium with alcohol or other drugs.
  • Using Valium in ways other than as prescribed, such as by snorting it.

In some cases, overdosing on Valium can lead to death, and this risk is especially high when it is combined with alcohol or other depressants.8

Signs of a Valium overdose may include:9

  • Bluish fingernails and lips.
  • Blurry or double vision.
  • Disorientation.
  • Dizziness.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Depression.
  • Hiccups.
  • Rapid eye movements.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Tremor.
  • Lack of coordination.
  • Weakness.
  • Slowed or stopped breathing.
  • Coma.

In rare cases, a Valium overdose may be fatal. However, the risk for death by overdose increases significantly when Valium is combined with other central nervous system depressants (e.g. opioids, alcohol, other sedatives).

Valium overdoses are dangerous and should be properly treated in order to reduce the risk of serious medical complications and death. If you witness a Valium overdose, call 911 immediately and remain with the victim until medical attention arrives.


Signs That Someone Is Addicted to Valium

Recognizing that a loved one is addicted to Valium can be challenging, since someone who’s in active addiction may hide or minimize their drug use. Signs that a person is addicted to Valium include:10

  • Taking more Valium over time.
  • Unsuccessfully trying to cut down on use.
  • Spending a long time getting, using, or recovering from Valium.
  • Strong urges (cravings) to use.
  • Failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home.
  • Continuing to use Valium despite relationship problems.
  • Giving up important activities because of Valium.
  • Using Valium in dangerous or risky situations.
  • Continuing to use Valium even when physical or mental problems develop or worsen as a result.
  • Tolerance, or the need for more Valium to experience the same effects or experiencing less of an effect with the same amount.
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using Valium.

Other noticeable signs that a person is addicted to snorting Valium include:

  • Frequent sniffling or runny nose.
  • Paraphernalia such as empty pill bottles, straws, or razors.
  • “Doctor shopping,” where the person seeks out multiple doctors for prescriptions.

If you notice signs of Valium addiction in yourself or someone else, it may be time to consider Valium addiction treatment.


Getting Help for Valium Misuse

Making the decision to seek help for Valium addiction is the first step in the recovery process. Getting professional help when trying to quit is important, since the acute withdrawal syndrome often associated with quitting can pose serious risks and, in some cases, may result in potentially deadly seizures.8 The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends that use of drugs like Valium should not be abruptly discontinued without professional help.2

Several different types of treatments are available for Valium addiction:

  • Detox programs help people through the early stages of recovery by providing medical supervision of withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox programs are staffed with trained professionals who monitor symptoms, gradually taper people off of Valium, and provide seizure prophylaxis when needed to minimize any risk of serious complications. Typical detox stays last for a few days or more, depending on the severity of withdrawal.
  • Inpatient treatment programs offer daily therapy sessions and 24-hour care in a drug- and alcohol-free environment.
  • Outpatient treatment programs offer weekly therapy sessions without the requirement of living at the treatment center. Time outside of treatment is available for people to work, attend school, and participate in other activities.

Dual diagnosis treatment programs may be especially beneficial for some people recovering from Valium addictions. These programs target both addiction and mental health problems in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. Many people struggling with Valium addiction also experience anxiety and may have started taking Valium on a prescription basis, but have ended up misusing the drug. Treating the addiction without treating the underlying anxiety can increase the risk of a relapse. Dual diagnosis programs can help people to manage their underlying anxiety with non-addictive medications or with non-pharmacologic approaches.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also an effective approach for Valium addiction that focuses on changing negative thinking patterns that lead to negative behaviors like drug use.2 CBT also teaches people how to cope with stress and adjust to living a sober life.

For those seeking support in recovery, self-help groups—such as 12-step programs—are also available:

  • Narcotics Anonymous is a 12-step group for people struggling with drug addiction. Members are encouraged to admit they are powerless over their addictions and rely on a higher power (as defined by the individual) for the strength to stay sober.
  • Pills Anonymous is another 12-step group for people struggling with addictions to prescription drugs. Similar to Narcotics Anonymous, members learn to accept that they are powerless over their use of pills and use their relationships with their higher powers and other members of the group to stay sober.
  • SMART Recovery is a non 12-step program that uses tools and techniques from CBT to help people maintain motivation for sobriety, cope with urges, manage difficult thoughts and feelings, and maintain lifestyle balance.

There are numerous programs that can help you or someone you love recover from Valium addiction. American Addiction Centers (AAC) runs trusted rehab facilities across the country. For help finding the right choice, call us free today at .

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