Diazepam is among the most prescribed medications to treat things like anxiety, panic disorders, muscle spasms, sleep disorders, and seizures, and is even used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. It works on the brain by diminishing hyperactive function and relieving anxiety and stress. In other words, it makes your brain less sensitive to outside stimulation while simultaneously creating feelings of calmness and relaxation. Diazepam is a fast-acting and long-acting benzodiazepine and is only meant to be prescribed for a short amount of time. 
Diazepam Abuse Short-Term Side Effects
Just like with any medication out there, diazepam comes with a long list of negative side effects. Since it directly influences your central nervous system, this medication can come about in a number of different ways. Some common bad short-term side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Since your central nervous system is directly related to your muscle control, it can also lead to a decrease in muscle control or ataxia. These bad effects can vary in length of time and strength, so they can be very dangerous. In many cases, diazepam also has the capability to affect your memory impairment. It can actually cause you to do many things without any recollection such as talking, eating, driving, etc. This can lead to very risky behavior. Since diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, its effects can last much longer than others.
Diazepam Abuse Long-Term Side Effects
The worst long-term side effect associated with Diazepam use is the risk of developing and dependence on it. Even when you take the medication at its proper dosage exactly how it is prescribed, diazepam can create a physical and mental dependence only after 2 weeks of using it daily. This can easily lead to a diazepam addiction and lead to irreversible damage to your heart, liver, and even your brain. Over time, diazepam can also cause serious effects on your judgment, cognition, and memory all of which can be irreversible. Many people use this drug to treat issues such as anxiety and sleep disorders, however, when diazepam is misused it can actually make these psychiatric issues that much worse.
Diazepam Abuse and Addiction
The development of a chemical dependency and addiction are the 2 absolute worst things about diazepam, but unfortunately, it is very common. Once a dependency forms, the person will often be timed and have difficulty functioning normally without the drug in their system. This can be powerful enough to drive someone into a full-blown addiction before they know it. Other people out there will abuse this drug for the sole purpose of getting high without fully realizing the repercussions of their actions. Valium creates an intense calming sensation and euphoria, but this does not outweigh all of the bad that it also brings. It is often mistaken that since diazepam is legal and given by a doctor that it is safe, but this misconception has led many people down a dangerous road and even lead to overdose.
Diazepam Addiction Treatment
Treatment centers that specialize in drug addiction recovery can help lessen your withdrawal symptoms at the beginning with the help of a medically assisted detox. This also lessens the chances of a relapse occurring during this time. We also always recommend detox be followed up with intensive treatment. Addiction requires more than just getting the drugs out of your system. We can help you understand your addiction at its core and give you the best fighting chance at a sober and happy life.
