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  • Smoking Valium | Dangers & Effects Of Diazepam Abuse

    Smoking Valium | Dangers & Effects Of Diazepam Abuse

    Valium (diazepam) is a prescription medication classified as a benzodiazepine or benzo. Benzos such as Valium primarily help those suffering from seizures, panic attacks, and other anxiety disorders.

    As one becomes more addicted to Valium, they may try to administer the drug in numerous ways, including trying to smoke it. Smoking Valium is not recommended as it is likely less effective and can lead to more serious side effects.

    Does Smoking Valium Work?

    Valium can technically be smoked, but smoking Valium heats up the chemicals in the pills, causing changes. When the temperature rises from the diazepam being heated, the ingredient that makes you high will likely be ineffective.

    Diazepam pills can be crushed and snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Valium produces a calming effect in patients and is likely prescribed orally. 

    The sedative nature of diazepam targets the central nervous system like other benzodiazepines such as Ativan (lorazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Klonopin (clonazepam). These drugs are frequently abused.

    Side Effects Of Smoking Valium

    Smoking Valium can be dangerous and may produce unwanted and harmful side effects, including withdrawal symptoms when you stop using. With any prescription drug, there will be some side effects. 

    When smoking Valium, however, these side effects can become drastic and lead to life-threatening issues, especially if you consume higher doses than recommended. 

    Some of the side effects of abuse you might experience include:

    • impaired coordination
    • headache 
    • low blood pressure
    • drowsiness and fatigue
    • trouble with concentration
    • dizziness 

    Dangers Of Smoking Valium

    If you smoke Valium, you’re using the drug as directed. As a result, the following can make the side effects worse and may result in loss of life:

    • combining Valium with other drugs such as opioids and other benzos
    • how often you take diazepam
    • taking higher doses of the drug
    • mixing alcohol with the Valium
    • taking Valium in any other way than the oral route

    The drug interactions that occur when combining Valium with other medications can be dangerous. Always speak to your healthcare provider when taking any medication. 

    For those suffering from substance abuse, you should know that overdoses can occur if Valium continues to be abused or smoked.

    Accidental Valium Overdose

    By abusing diazepam and engaging in risky behaviors such as smoking your benzo, the chances of an overdose increase which may require immediate medical attention. 

    Some of the serious signs to look out for with a Valium overdose include:

    • slow reflexes
    • irritability 
    • fluctuations in heart rate
    • memory loss
    • confusion 
    • coma 

    These side effects are similar to some of the common effects of benzodiazepine use. This makes Valium abuse even more dangerous as the line between side effects and overdose can become blurry.

    Valium Addiction Treatment

    If you or a loved one struggles with drug abuse, know that help is available. We have a variety of treatment facilities that can assist you on your road to recovery. 

    Our healthcare professionals will discuss your specific needs to determine which treatment center is right for you. To learn more, please call our helpline today.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    Genetic Science Learning Center - Drug Delivery Methods
    National Alliance on Mental Illness - Benzodiazepine-Associated Risks
    National Alliance on Mental Illness - Diazepam (Valium)
    National Institute on Drug Abuse - Benzodiazepines and Opioids
    US Food and Drug Administration - Valium
    US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health - Chasing the Bean: Prescription Drug Smoking Among Socially Active Youth

    Medically Reviewed by
    Kimberly Langdon M.D.
    on July 19, 2022
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