Valium Use with Alcohol

Valium (diazepam) is a prescription medication that is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms and seizures (in conjunction with other seizure medications).

When taken as prescribed for reasons like using Valium for migraines, most people respond to Valium with few side effects; the most common of which include drowsiness, fatigue and minor issues with coordination.

Both alcohol and Valium depress the central nervous system, therefore, drinking alcohol while taking Valium may increase the risk of serious reactions. Studies have demonstrated that the combined use of alcohol and Valium caused memory problems and erratic behaviors in some people.

Further, since Valium is sometimes prescribed to assist with alcohol withdrawal, combining alcohol and Valium would be counterproductive of the goal to withdrawal from alcohol. In fact, when alcohol and Valium are combined, a person may be more sensitive than usual to the effects of the alcohol.

When combined with alcohol, other potential Valium side effects include:

• Confusion
• Double or blurred vision
• Headaches
• Bladder or bowel control problems
• Changes in sex drive
• Nausea
• Salivation changes
• Slurred speech
• Shakiness (tremors)
• Difficulty passing urine
• Vertigo

Valium Abuse

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Valium is a benzodiazepine and a controlled substance (Schedule IV in the United States). It is a potent sedative – hypnotic (CNS depressant), and is one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. It is also one of the top five most abused benzodiazepines, and misuse can lead to both psychological dependence and/or physical addiction.

Risks of Valium/Alcohol Interaction

Valium depresses the nervous system much like alcohol and is abused by all segments of society. Valium is both physically and psychologically addicting and when adding alcohol to this cycle, it is considered one of the toughest addictions to break.

Both Valium and alcohol have the potential to cause severe emotional and physical dependence in some patients and these individuals may find it exceedingly difficult to stop using.

Statistics show that a single dose of Valium in combination with alcohol can be fatal. Symptoms of a combined alcohol/Valium condition include:

• Lethargy
• Somnolence
• Confusion
• Decreased reflexes
• Coma

Immediate medical attention is required to assist a person who is experiencing any of these Valium/alcohol symptoms.

Get Help for Valium Abuse

Effectively managing Valium use is often difficult without proper medical supervision and support. If you or someone you know is addicted to Valium and require Valium abuse help, call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5703. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about Valium addiction treatment. We are here to help. take a look at this Valium addiction video.