Is Valium An Opioid?

Valium (diazepam) is a prescription medication that medical professionals use to treat anxiety disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms.[1] It can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, slowed heart rate, and euphoria. Because of its effects, you might find yourself asking whether it’s an opioid.

Even though Valium is a central nervous system depressant, it is not an opioid. Opioids are pain relievers prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Valium belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

While Valium is not an opioid, it still carries similar risks of addiction. When taken long-term or in higher doses than prescribed, Valium use can lead to the development of a substance use disorder. Some of the signs of Valium addiction include cravings, tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.

At the Mandala Healing Center, we can help you overcome Valium addiction using evidence-based and individualized treatment. Reach out to us today to learn more about our highly-rated benzodiazepine rehab center.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are opioids?
• Is Valium considered an opioid?
• Can you get addicted to Valium?

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat moderate to severe and chronic pain. Prescription opioids include drugs like oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, methadone, and more. There are also illegal opioids like heroin or illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF).

Because opioids have a euphoric and calming effect, they can lead to physical dependence. The more you use opioids, the higher your chance of developing an addiction. Unfortunately, opioid addiction increases your risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022.”[2]

If you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, you should seek help from a substance abuse treatment center. The Mandala Healing Center can help you overcome addiction to prescription drugs like hydrocodone or illegal opioids like heroin.

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Is Valium a Narcotic?

Opioids are also referred to as narcotics. Because Valium causes many similar effects to opioids, some people confuse it as one. However, Valium is considered a benzodiazepine, not an opioid.

To explain, benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that affect a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This produces a calming effect that can be highly beneficial for individuals with severe anxiety disorders. The way benzodiazepines calm the brain can also treat and prevent seizures among people with conditions like epilepsy.[3]

While benzodiazepines like Valium have legitimate medicinal uses, long-term use can lead to addiction. According to a study, 17.2% of all benzodiazepine use in the United States is considered substance abuse.[4]

If you abuse Valium, you might begin using it in large doses to experience a more intense high. Unfortunately, this puts you at risk of experiencing an overdose. If you consume Valium and experience symptoms like slurred speech, loss of consciousness, and shallow or slowed breathing, contact 911 for emergency medical services immediately.[5]

Can You Get Addicted to Valium?

Benzodiazepines like Valium can be highly addictive. These medications are only intended to be taken short-term or as needed, instead of daily. If you take Valium long-term, you will develop an addiction.

The signs of Valium addiction may include:

• Taking Valium for longer or in higher doses than you intended
• Wanting to cut back on or quit Valium use but being unsuccessful
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using Valium
• Experiencing urges or cravings to use Valium
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work because of Valium use
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to have more time to use Valium
• Using Valium even though it is causing social or relationship problems
• Continuing to take Valium despite facing adverse physical or mental health effects
• Using Valium in risky situations, such as while driving
• Needing to increase your dose of Valium to experience the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Valium

If you have dealt with two or more of these symptoms, you are struggling with a benzodiazepine use disorder. While overcoming addiction can be hard, professional help can make recovery easier to obtain. Addiction treatment programs like the Mandala Healing Center can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome Valium addiction.

Get Help for Valium Abuse and Addiction

Valium is a benzodiazepine that can lead to addiction when misused. If you or a loved one suffers from Valium addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer services like medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning to help you achieve long-term sobriety.

Why Choose The Mandala Healing Center? Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.

Contact us today for more information on our Valium rehab center.

References:

1. Medline Plus: Diazepam
2. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Overdose Deaths: Facts and Figures
3. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Benzodiazepine Drug Information
4. Psychiatry Online: Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States
5. BMJ Best Practice: Benzodiazepine Overdose