Diazepam (Valium): Uses, Side-Effects & Addiction Treatment

Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine often used to treat various conditions, including anxiety disorders, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal.1 Anxiety disorders can commonly co-occur with addiction.2 While diazepam has been used to treat these conditions and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but it is not one of the FDA-approved maintenance medications used to treat alcohol use disorder.1,3 

Learn more about diazepam uses, side effects, addiction potential, and more below or contact our Kansas City recovery facility to start treatment for diazepam addiction.

What Is Diazepam (Valium)?

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of CNS depressants.1 It’s available in tablet and liquid (solution or concentrate) forms.4 Diazepam is also available in other formulations, including a nasal spray.5 Diazepam is the generic name of the drug, but it’s also known by the following brand names:

• Valium1
• Diazepam Intensol4
• Valrelease4
• Valtoco5

This prescription is listed as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This means it is thought to have a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to higher schedules.6

What Is Diazepam (Valium) Used for?

There are several diazepam uses, including:

• Anxiety: This drug is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, short-term, severe anxiety, preoperative anxiety, and panic attacks, which is one of its most common uses.1,7
• Nerve disorder symptoms: Diazepam can be prescribed as a supplemental treatment to relieve muscle stiffness and spasms caused by certain nerve disorders, such as cerebral palsy, athetosis, and stiff-man syndrome.1
• Seizures: This drug may also be used as a supportive treatment for the acute management of convulsive disorders.1
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms: Valium can be useful in managing acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, tremors, delirium tremens, and hallucinations.1

How Does Diazepam Work?

Diazepam works by calming overactivity in the brain.4 This fast-acting benzodiazepine is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, meaning it slows brain activity.1 It’s also long-acting, and its active metabolites can remain in the body for several days after use.1

To understand how Valium works, you must first look at how it affects the brain to produce its calming effects. This drug binds to benzodiazepine sites to enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.1,7 GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, responsible for reducing nerve cell activity and calming the nervous system.1,7 This mechanism of action results in sedative, anxiety-reducing, muscle-relaxing, anticonvulsant, and memory impairment effects.1,7

Effects of Diazepam (Valium)

Like all medications, there are general diazepam side effects. The side effects of diazepam are typically mild and harmless for most when using the medication as prescribed. Drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination are the most commonly reported side effects of Valium. Other effects of diazepam may include1:

• Confusion
• Depression
• Headache
• Slurred speech
• Vertigo
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Hypotension
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Urinary retention
• Skin reactions
• Changes in salivation (i.e., dry mouth, hypersalivation)

These Valium side effects can increase when you misuse or abuse it. Valium abuse can also lead to the following additional adverse effects1:

• Abdominal pain
• Amnesia
• Anorexia
• Disorientation
• Impaired concentration and memory
• Indigestion
• Muscle pain
• Delirium
• Paranoia
• Suicidal ideation and behavior
• Seizures
• Coma
• Breathing difficulty
• Death

Is Diazepam Addictive?

Yes, diazepam can be addictive. Even when used as prescribed, taking Valium can lead to physical dependency, which may increase the risk of addiction. While physical dependence can occur with repeated diazepam use, addiction involves compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.1,8

Your body adapts to repeated diazepam use and begins to rely on it, producing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the drug suddenly or significantly reduce Valium dosage. The likelihood of dependence and withdrawal becomes greater with higher daily doses and longer treatment duration. Diazepam misuse can further increase the risk of physical dependence and substance use disorder (SUD).1

While someone who isn’t misusing their prescription can still become dependent, it’s not the same as addiction. Addiction is a chronic condition where a person compulsively seeks and uses a substance despite harmful consequences.1,8 Signs of Valium addiction may include:

• Having a strong desire to take diazepam1
• Difficulties controlling diazepam use (i.e., continuing use despite harmful consequences)1
• Prioritizing diazepam use over other activities and obligations1
• Developing a tolerance1
• Using diazepam in higher doses or for longer periods than intended9
• Expressing desire or making unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop diazepam use9
• Spending a lot of time and effort obtaining, using, or recovering from diazepam9

Is Diazepam Safe?

Yes, diazepam is safe when taken exactly as prescribed. Failure to follow the proper diazepam dosage recommended by your provider can increase the chances of adverse reactions, physical dependence, and addiction. Valium may not be safe and effective for use beyond 4 months. Furthermore, taking it with other drugs, such as those mentioned below, can greatly heighten your risk of adverse effects and diazepam overdose.1

Diazepam Drug Interactions

Mixing diazepam with certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions. Some may increase or strengthen the effects of diazepam, producing severe adverse reactions. Here are some substances you should avoid while using Valium1:

• Opioids
• Alcohol
• Phenothiazines
• Antipsychotics
• Anxiolytics/sedatives
• Hypnotics
• Anticonvulsants
• Narcotic analgesics
• Anesthetics
• Sedative antihistamines
• Narcotics
• Barbiturates
• MAO inhibitors
• Antidepressants

Taking diazepam with any of these drugs can produce severe adverse side effects, including overdose and death.1 Always speak with your prescriber if you have any concerns about potential interactions with other medications or supplements.

Can I Overdose on Diazepam (Valium)?

Yes, it’s possible to overdose on diazepam.1 This likelihood greatly increases when you abuse, misuse, or become addicted to the drug.1 Taking higher doses than recommended can heighten the chance of overdose.1 Mixing Valium with other medications, illicit substances, or alcohol can also significantly increase the risk of serious adverse outcomes.1 Diazepam overdose symptoms may include4:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Slowed breathing and heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect someone is experiencing a Valium overdose or has Valium overdose symptoms, call 911 immediately and stay with them until help arrives.

Diazepam Withdrawal and Detox Protocol

Diazepam can produce withdrawal symptoms when stopping use abruptly or rapidly decreasing dosage. The risks of experiencing withdrawal increase with higher daily doses and longer treatment durations. Some symptoms of diazepam withdrawal include1:

• Abnormal involuntary movements
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Depression
• Gastrointestinal adverse reactions (i.e., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss)
• Panic attacks
• Convulsions
• Delirium tremens
• Hallucinations
• Mania
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Suicidality

Diazepam withdrawal symptoms can be safely managed in a medical detox program.10 Since some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, detoxing from benzodiazepines alone isn’t recommended.1 Your provider can work with you to create a personalized plan with a gradual taper to reduce withdrawal symptoms.1

How Is Diazepam Addiction Treated?

Diazepam addiction treatment often starts with completing medical detox. After this, most people are recommended to enter a treatment program. Several types of rehab programs are available to meet you where you are in recovery, including inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), standard outpatient care (OP), and aftercare.10

Inpatient treatment can be beneficial if you need a secure living environment with continuous support and monitoring. Outpatient care allows you to live at home while focusing on recovery. In treatment, you’ll participate in various proven approaches to get to the root of addiction.10

These programs typically offer therapy, group sessions, MAT (when applicable), treatment for co-occurring disorders, and more. You’ll learn to recognize and change the behaviors that influence addiction while addressing any mental health conditions that may be contributing to your challenges.10

Diazepam Addiction Treatment in Kansas City

Overcoming diazepam addiction is possible with help from dedicated professionals. We’re here to offer ongoing support at Empowered Recovery Kansas City. For many, Valium addiction treatment starts with detox before transitioning to an inpatient or outpatient program.

Our premier Kansas City facility offers several levels of addiction treatment to meet your unique needs. You can access personalized care in our partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient tracks, and standard outpatient rehab. We’ll work with you to explore your options and choose the best fit.

Our admissions team can answer any questions you may have about going to rehab, including paying for addiction treatment. From using insurance for rehab to private payment options, we can help you choose an appropriate plan for your situation. Contact us or verify your insurance benefits online to take the first step.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Waylis Therapeutics LLC: Valium. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/013263Orig1s100lbl.pdf
2. Iqbal, M., Levin, C., & Levin, F. (2019). Treatment for Substance Use Disorder With Co-Occurring Mental Illness. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6526999/
3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions: Searching for Alcohol Treatment. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs-searching-alcohol-treatment#topic-what-medications-treat-aud
4. MedlinePlus. (2025). Diazepam. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682047.html#side-effects
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=211635
6. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Drug Scheduling. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
7. Dhaliwal, J., Rosani, A., & Saadabadi, A. (2023). Diazepam. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/
8. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Drug Misuse and Addiction. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
9. McNeely, J., Hamilton, L., Whitley, S., et al. (2024). Substance Use Screening, Risk Assessment, and Use Disorder Diagnosis in Adults [Internet]. Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565474/table/table-3/
10. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved on April 13, 2026, from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-3rdEd-508.pdf