Snorting Valium | Effects & Dangers

Diazepam (brand name Valium) is a benzodiazepine prescription drug used for the treatment of certain anxiety disorders. Sometimes referred to as a “benzo,” this medication can also help treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Valium, much like Xanax, is a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has a high potential for abuse that can lead to psychological or physical dependence. 

Valium can lead to euphoric effects when abused, leading some to resort to smoking, injecting, snorting, or plugging the drug. When this occurs, the drug enters the bloodstream more quickly than oral consumption, creating a high.

Effects Of Snorting Valium

To snort Valium, a person must first crush the tablet into a fine powder. Once in powder form, it can be snorted with a straw or other form of paraphernalia. This causes the drug to immediately enter the bloodstream.

Snorting Valium increases the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and depresses the central nervous system (CNS), creating profound sedation quickly. 

The effects of Valium may range in severity depending on the period of time in which the substance abuse took place.

Increased Side Effects

Common side effects of Valium use, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may increase the when the drug is snorted:

• drowsiness
• muscle weakness
• fatigue
• constipation
• dry mouth
• nausea

Any of the above side effects can be heightened when prescription drug abuse occurs. In addition to this, those who snort Valium may experience more serious side effects, including:

• damage to the nasal passages
• chronic infections
• risk of disease
• withdrawal symptoms
• increased risk of Valium overdose

Dangers Of Snorting Valium

There are various dangers associated with snorting Valium, such as damage to the nasal passages. A sore throat and other side effects can also occur.

Additionally, drug interactions and other dangers can occur for those who abuse Valium. For instance, combining opioids or stimulants can lead to life-threatening health concerns.

Risk Of Disease

Those who have prescription drug addiction may snort Valium to achieve a greater high. To do this, they may use a form of paraphernalia such as straws to inhale the drug. 

Because of the sores which can be produced in the nasal cavity from frequent Valium insufflation, fluids may be swapped, potentially leading to infections such as HIV or hepatitis C.

Damage To Nasal Passages

Snorting Valium can cause damage to the nasal cavity. In fact, bacterial infections may develop, resulting in loss of nasal cartilage.

The nasal passages may show signs of sores and inflammation of the mucous membranes. Due to the irritation caused by this form of drug use, a frequent runny nose and persistent nosebleeds may take place.

Valium Withdrawal

Those who participate in Valium abuse via insufflation may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of Valium withdrawal can include:

• cravings for the drug
• ringing in ears
• muscle spasms
• memory problems
• mental health problems such as anxiety or depression

Valium Overdose

Those snorting Valium may ingest higher doses of the drug, which can lead to a risk of overdose.

Symptoms of a Valium overdose can include:

• fluctuations in heart rate
• low blood pressure
• seizures
• loss of consciousness
• death

If an overdose takes place, it requires immediate medical attention. Contact 911 if an overdose is suspected. Your risk of overdose increases if you mix Valium with opioids or alcohol.

Valium Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, consider finding treatment options available at Ohio Recovery Center.

At our treatment facility, we provide:

• inpatient treatment
• medical detox
• aftercare services
• evidence-based care
• behavioral therapy

To learn more about our treatment center, or how our specialized addiction treatment programs could work for you, please contact us today.