Valium is the brand name for a benzodiazepine medication called diazepam. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, or the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.[1] While Valium can be useful in a medical setting, it is known to be addictive and habit-forming when abused.
Studies estimate that nearly 20% of all people using benzodiazepines like Valium were misusing the substances.[2]
Valium typically comes in pill form and is meant to be swallowed orally However, as an individual’s tolerance increases, they might look for ways to make the effects of diazepam more potent and begin snorting Valium.
Snorting Valium is dangerous to the mind and body and may increase the risk of an overdose. If you or a loved one are struggling with Valium addiction, please contact our team at Moving Mountains Recovery to discuss your treatment options.
Why Do People Snort Valium?
In large doses, Valium can cause a pleasurable, relaxing effect, so some people abuse it recreationally. The main reason an individual would begin snorting Valium is to increase the effects of the drug.
People may snort Valium for the following reasons:
- To increase the potency of the drug
- To experience the effects faster
- Because they are addicted to diazepam
- To overcome their tolerance for Valium
- To experiment with new methods of administration
If you begin snorting Valium, the effects will come on faster and be more potent because insufflation (snorting drugs) causes it to enter your bloodstream faster than swallowing it. However, snorting diazepam can lead to a variety of unwanted health effects, including increasing your risk of overdose.
Snorting Valium also increases your risk of developing an addiction. Snorting this substance will cause an increase in dopamine, making your brain associate it with pleasure and reward. You will begin to crave Valium because of the way it interacts with certain chemicals in your brain, resulting in repetitive use.
What Happens When You Snort Valium?
When you snort Valium, you will experience all of the same side effects that you would when you swallow it. However, these effects will occur faster and be more potent.
Side effects of snorting Valium include:[1]
- Weakness and dizziness
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset
- Changes in appetite
- Restlessness or agitation
- A rush of euphoria
You may experience side effects specific to snorting because insufflation can cause damage to your nose. Possible side effects include:
- Frequent runny nose
- Recurring nosebleeds
- Difficulty swallowing
- Impaired sense of smell
- Nasal infections
- Damage or erosion of nasal passages
You should never crush, snort, or sniff Valium, and you should only take it as it is prescribed to you. If you or a loved one are addicted to snorting Valium, you should seek drug addiction treatment immediately.
Can Snorting Valium Cause an Overdose?
Since snorting the substance increases drug potency, it increases the risk of overdose. Not only that but crushing Valium pills can make it difficult to tell what dose you are taking.
Symptoms of a diazepam overdose include:[3]
- Blurry or double vision
- Drowsiness and decreased alertness
- Slow, labored, or stopped breathing
- A bluish tint of nails or lips
- Low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat
- Confusion or excitement
- Hiccups and difficulty swallowing
- Rapid eye movement
- Respiratory depression
- Seizures
Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one display the above-mentioned symptoms of an overdose. Benzodiazepine overdose can quickly become fatal without medical assistance.
Find Help for Valium Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one snort benzodiazepines like Valium, you are most likely suffering from an addiction. Benzodiazepine addiction can be incredibly dangerous, affecting your physical, mental, and emotional health, but with the right treatment, anyone can recover.
At Moving Mountains Recovery Center, we offer Valium addiction treatment across multiple levels of care, embracing individually-tailored treatment plans and evidence-based care.
Moving Mountains takes a whole-person approach to recovery by offering a continuum of care, clinically proven treatments, and holistic healing. We work closely with you to identify your unique needs, facilitate individualized treatments, and help you establish a foundation upon which your recovery–and the rest of your life–can grow.
To learn more about our Valium rehab program, contact Moving Mountains Recovery Center today.
References:
- Medline Plus: Diazepam, Retrieved July 2023 From https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682047.html
- The National Library of Medicine: Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States, Retrieved July 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358464/
- The National Library of Medicine: Benzodiazepine Toxicity, Retrieved July 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482238/
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