The Dangers of Snorting Valium

Valium is a prescription drug that, when used as directed, can help with anxiety, muscle spasms, and other health issues. But when it’s crushed and then snorted, it can quickly become dangerous. Many people snort Valium to feel its effects faster, but doing so can lead to nasal damage, addiction, and even overdose. While it may feel like a quick fix, the long-term consequences aren’t worth the risk.

In this article, we’ll go over:

• What Valium is
• Why people misuse it
• What happens when you snort Valium
• The side effects of Valium misuse
• How to recognize the signs of addiction
• What treatment and recovery look like
• Where to get support for drug addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to a drug like Valium, help is available. Our team at Mandala Healing Center understands how overwhelming addiction can feel, and we’re here to support you in taking the first step toward recovery. Call us at any time to learn more about our treatment programs or to verify what your insurance plan will cover.

What Is Valium?

Valium, also known by its generic name, diazepam, is a benzodiazepine. This type of medication is often prescribed to treat a range of health concerns, including:

• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Twitches
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Insomnia

Valium helps calm the brain and body by slowing down the central nervous system. It does this by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain, a chemical that helps you feel more relaxed and less anxious. When taken as prescribed, Valium can be incredibly helpful, but when misused, it can come with serious side effects and risks.

Why Do People Snort Valium?

Some people snort Valium because they think it will make the drug work faster or make the effects stronger. Instead of swallowing a pill like they’re supposed to, they crush it into a powder and breathe it in through their nose. Some other reasons for snorting Valium include:

• To avoid swallowing pills
• Because of growing tolerance and dependence on the drug
• To avoid withdrawal symptoms
• To combine it with alcohol or other drugs, intensifying the effects of each
• Looking for a quick solution for anxiety or other emotional pain

Even though people may snort Valium to feel better right away, this kind of misuse often creates bigger problems, outweighing the short-term effects.

What Are the Dangers of Snorting Valium?

Crushing and snorting Valium changes how the body absorbs the drug. Instead of going into the stomach, it bypasses it altogether, heading straight into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. This can cause a lot of different issues, such as:

• Nasal damage: Snorting Valium can cause the nasal passages to erode. It can also result in frequent runny nose, recurring nosebleeds, nasal infections, and an impaired sense of smell.
• Increased risk of overdose: Snorting the drug makes it harder to control your intake. This increases your chances of overdose, especially if you’re also consuming other substances.
• Lung and throat problems: When you snort Valium, the small particles from the crushed pills can travel into your lungs, leading to coughing, irritation, or infections.
• Withdrawal symptoms: If you become dependent on Valium and ever decide to stop, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.
• Addiction: Snorting Valium makes the drug hit your brain faster, which can cause dependence and addiction.

Some of these health problems can be difficult to reverse, making it important to closely monitor your use of the drug, noting any changes to your physical or mental well-being.

Side Effects of Misusing Valium

Some of the unpleasant side effects you might experience when misusing Valium include:

• Weakness
• Confusion
• Stomach problems
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Drowsiness
• Appetite changes
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Nightmares

More serious, potentially life-threatening side effects include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Seizures
• Problems swallowing
• Irregular heart rate
• Fever
• Rash
• Blurry vision
• Hallucinations

It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, as they may worsen over time.

Mandala Healing Center accepts the following insurance providers

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Signs of an Addiction to Valium

Not everyone who uses Valium gets addicted. However, if you’re using it in ways that aren’t prescribed, it could mean that you have an unhealthy relationship with the drug. Some common signs of Valium addiction include:

• Needing more of the drug to feel the same effects
• Using the drug even when it harms your health, relationships, or finances
• Combining Valium with alcohol or other substances
• Losing interest in your usual hobbies, relationships, or job
• Hiding your Valium use or lying about how often you’re using it
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms whenever you’re not using the drug
• Feeling unable to cut back or stop taking Valium
• Having legal troubles related to your use of the drug
• Using Valium to cope with stress, anxiety, or other physical or mental health concerns

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to ask yourself whether you’re addicted to Valium. Recognizing your dependence on the drug is often the first step toward recovery.

Valium Addiction Treatment

With the right support and treatment, it’s possible to recover from Valium addiction. Since withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be dangerous, it’s important to seek help from a facility that offers regular medical supervision. Look for treatment programs that include:

• Medical detox: A supervised process that helps you safely stop using Valium while keeping you comfortable through withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient care: A program that allows you to live on-site and provides 24/7 medical and therapeutic support in a safe, structured environment.
• Outpatient programs: A flexible treatment option allowing you to continue living at home while attending regular therapy and other support sessions each week.
• Therapy: One-on-one or group counseling can help you understand what led you to misuse Valium and equip you with healthier coping skills to maintain sobriety.
• Dual diagnosis care: This type of treatment addresses substance use disorders and mental health conditions like depression or anxiety simultaneously.

With the right treatment, many people are able to overcome their addiction and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Heal from Addiction in a Supportive Setting

Misusing Valium can leave you feeling out of control of your life, but no matter how long you’ve been struggling, healing is possible. Mandala Healing Center offers a safe, welcoming space to start the recovery process. We provide medical care, therapy, and evidence-based treatments to help you reclaim your life. We’re here to answer your questions, help you choose the best program for you, and walk with you through each step of recovery.

Resources:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Valium diazepam tablets
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Snorting benzodiazepines
3. NIH: Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review