Valium Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Resources

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), addiction to benzodiazepines, such as Valium, falls under the category of sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic use disorder, a category of substance use disorders.[9]

An individual may be diagnosed with sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder if they meet at least 2 of the following criteria within 12 months:
Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

1. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use.
2. A great deal of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics.
3. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.
4. Recurrent sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use failing to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences from work or poor work performance related to sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use; sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household).
5. Continued sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics (e.g., arguments with a spouse about consequences of intoxication; physical fights).
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use.
7. Recurrent sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use).
8. Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.
9. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following;
   • A need for markedly increased amounts of the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
   • A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.
10. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
    • The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the stimulant (refer to Criteria A and B of the criteria set for withdrawal).
    • The stimulant (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.