Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to manage or treat health conditions. While most medical professionals agree that it is generally safe to use prescription medications as prescribed, some have the potential for misuse and dependence.
Valium is a commonly prescribed medication with a high risk for abuse and addiction. People who abuse prescription Valium or take it recreationally (without a prescription) are at risk of developing physical dependence and addiction.
This article will explore how long Valium stays in your system once you stop taking it. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of Valium abuse
- What happens during withdrawal from Valium
- How long Valium may show up on a drug test
- What treatment is available during Valium detox
- Where to find treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with Valium misuse or addiction, you must seek treatment as soon as possible. Valium abuse can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening problems.
Contact the specialists at The Living Room to learn about our treatment programs. You can schedule an appointment or ask questions by contacting our intake specialists today.
What is Valium?
Valium is a brand name for a drug called diazepam. Valium is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety, panic disorder, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.
Valium works by elevating the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA reduces central nervous system (CNS) activity. People who take Valium may experience feelings of sedation, calm, and relaxation.
Taking Valium can help people reduce the symptoms of panic and anxiety disorders. It can help to keep people safe and more comfortable during alcohol withdrawal. It can also reduce muscle spasms and seizure activity.
Understanding Valium Abuse and Addiction
People may like Valium’s side effects. They may feel relaxed and calm while taking it. These feelings can make people want to take more Valium than prescribed or misuse it in other ways.
Examples of Valium abuse include:
- Taking a larger dose of Valium than prescribed
- Taking Valium more often than prescribed
- Taking Valium differently than prescribed, such as ingesting it by crushing and snorting pills
- Using Valium for a longer period than prescribed
- Taking Valium recreationally (without a prescription)
People who abuse Valium may experience unwanted or dangerous side effects, including:
- Depression
- Loss of motivation
- Poor coordination
- Mood swings
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Aggressive or violent behaviors
Abusing Valium may also lead to physical dependence and risk of overdose. It is crucial to take Valium exactly as prescribed. Be aware of the risk of abuse and addiction and seek help if you recognize a problem.
Valium Withdrawal
When someone with Valium dependence stops taking it, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can last longer than it takes for the body to clear Valium from the system.
Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine. Withdrawal symptoms typically develop within 36 to 48 hours of a person’s last dose. Typical acute withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Cramps
- Mild fever
- Panic attacks
- Rapid heart rate
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Seizures
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
Many factors can affect the length of time people experience withdrawal symptoms. Their dosage, severity of the addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, and other conditions may impact their symptoms.
Typically, people experience acute withdrawal symptoms for up to two weeks after their final dose of Valium.
How Long Does Valium Show Up on a Drug Test?
The body begins to break down and eliminate Valium as soon as it reaches the bloodstream. However, Valium is a long-acting medication that may remain detectable in different bodily systems for various amounts of time.
The detection windows for drug tests may be longer than the effects of Valium last. Here is an overview of how long different drug tests can detect Valium.
Blood testing
Blood testing may detect Valium for up to 48 hours after your last dose.
Saliva testing
Saliva testing may detect Valium for up to 10 days after your last dose.
Urine testing
Urinalysis may detect Valium in urine for up to 7 days.
Hair testing
Hair testing has the longest detection window. This type of testing may detect Valium for up to 90 days after your last dose.
Several factors can affect the detection window for Valium. These include:
- Weight, body fat, and body composition
- AgeÂ
- General health
- Other types of drugs used at the same time
If you are concerned about how long Valium stays in the body, it may be a sign of substance use disorder (SUD). Seek treatment to address your substance abuse and begin to work toward the healthier future you choose.
Treatment for Valium addiction typically includes:
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Emotional support, including individual, group, and family counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapies
- Holistic therapies, like mindfulness, exercise, acupuncture, and nutrition support
- Aftercare planning
It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize Valium abuse. Getting the proper treatment and support can help you overcome addiction and move forward into a healthier future.
Find Treatment Now
Valium abuse can be very dangerous. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of addiction. Comprehensive detox and treatment can help you manage Valium withdrawal and begin to work toward lifelong recovery.
Contact the team at The Living Room to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support programs.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Diazepam
- NIH: Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Diazepam (Valium)
- NIH: Pharmacokinetics of Diazepam and Its Metabolites in Urine of Chinese Participants
- Oxford Academic Journal of Analytics Toxicology: The Urinary Elimination Profiles of Diazepam and Its Metabolites, Nordiazepam, Temazepam, and Oxazepam, in the Equine after a 10-mg Intramuscular Dose