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Valium Addiction Statistics

Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. As a central nervous system depressant, it can provide short-term relief but poses significant risks for side effects and complications with extended use or high doses. It’s important to understand the potential for Valium addiction and misuse, as it has a widespread impact in the U.S.

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How Many People Are Addicted to Valium in the U.S.?

Valium (diazepam) is a muscle relaxant commonly misused as part of a larger issue with benzodiazepine addiction. In the U.S., approximately 30.6 million adults report using benzodiazepines, with 5.3 million of them engaging in misuse.

Among those who misuse benzodiazepines, about 20.5% report using Valium.

Valium Addiction Rates in the U.S. vs. Other Nations

Valium misuse rates vary around the world. In the U.S. alone, about 1.4% of the population, or around 3.9 million people, reported misusing benzos like Valium in the past year.

Globally, Israel, Western Europe, Japan, North America, and parts of Latin America lead in per capita benzodiazepine prescriptions. France ranks among the top countries for benzodiazepine use, while Italy reported high consumption of alprazolam (another benzodiazepine) in 2022.

Lower rates of Valium use are reported in countries such as Russia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Africa, and the Philippines.

Statistics on Valium Use

Data collected over the past two decades shows the following trends in Valium use:

  • Overall increase: Between 1996 and 2013, benzodiazepine prescriptions, including Valium, increased by 67%.
  • High prescription rates: In 2012, U.S. prescribers issued 37.6 benzodiazepine prescriptions per 100 people.
  • Varied use cases: Millions rely on Valium for anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.

Statistics on Valium Abuse

Valium’s calming effects can lead to misuse as people seek relief from anxiety, insomnia, or stress beyond prescribed limits. Misuse can include taking someone else’s prescription, taking Valium in higher doses than prescribed, and trying to get multiple prescriptions for Valium.

Statistics on Valium drug abuse show:

  • Prevalence of misuse: Misuse accounts for nearly 20% of overall benzodiazepine use.
  • Risk of overdose: Nearly 14% of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved benzodiazepines.
  • Combination risk: Valium misuse is particularly dangerous when combined with other substances, such as alcohol and opioids, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.
  • Diversion of medication: Many people who misuse Valium obtain it from friends or relatives.

Valium Addiction Statistics by Demographic

There are notable differences in Valium addiction rates by demographic. Gender, age, race, and socioeconomic status each play a significant role.

Gender and Valium Use

Valium, like other benzodiazepines such as Xanax, is prescribed more often to women than men. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, which increases their chances of being prescribed Valium.

In fact, women are twice as likely to use benzodiazepines compared to men and experience stronger cravings. Women are more likely to receive Valium through a legitimate prescription, while men may acquire it illegally.

Age and Valium Use

Valium use and misuse differ across age groups. Studies show that younger adults, particularly those between ages 18 and 35, are the largest group of Valium abusers.

Older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, have the highest rates of prescribed Valium use.

From 2014 to 2016, 91% of benzodiazepine prescriptions for people over 65 were renewals, not new prescriptions. Older adults may engage in long-term use, often for sleep issues or anxiety.

Race and Valium Use

Specific data on Valium use across racial and ethnic groups is hard to find, but studies show that white adults are more likely to receive benzodiazepine prescriptions and are at greater risk of misuse.

Notable benzodiazepine statistics between different racial groups include: 

  • White adults report the highest rates of Valium misuse, with 6% for tranquilizers and 0.6% for sedatives.
  • Black/African American adults show lower rates, with 3% for tranquilizers and 0.2% for sedatives.
  • Asian adults report the lowest misuse rates: 7% for tranquilizers and 0.2% for sedatives.
  • American Indian/Alaska Native adults have tranquilizer misuse rates at 8%, with sedative misuse slightly higher at 0.4%.
  • Multiracial adults have the highest overall misuse, with 1% for tranquilizers and 0.9% for sedatives.

Socioeconomic Factors and Valium Use

People from lower-income areas are less likely to receive prescriptions for medications like Valium, even if they have conditions like anxiety or insomnia.

However, when they do receive Valium, those from lower-income areas are more likely to use it for longer periods than those from higher-income ones. A lower income can mean reduced access to alternative treatments like therapy and fewer healthcare resources in the locality.

Valium Overdose Rates

In the U.S., overdose data is typically collected for all benzodiazepines combined rather than for specific drugs like Valium. While the use of Valium contributes to the overall benzodiazepine overdose crisis, it’s difficult to find unique data on its specific impact.

In 2021, approximately 12,499 people died from overdoses involving benzodiazepines, increasing from 1,135 deaths in 1999—a rise of nearly 917% over the past two decades.

Benzodiazepines, including Valium, are often involved in overdoses with other substances, especially opioids like fentanyl. These increase the risk of heart rate and respiratory depression when co-ingested, increasing the overdose risk.

The numbers slightly decreased to 10,964 deaths in 2022, but benzodiazepines remain a significant concern due to their widespread use and high risk when combined with other drugs.

Statistics on Effects of Valium Misuse

Valium abuse greatly affects the neurotransmitters in the brain and affects the body. Initial effects include drowsiness, increased blood pressure and heart rate, confusion, and fatigue.

With time and continued abuse, Valium can lead to both risks and complications: 

  • Addiction: Valium misuse can quickly lead to dependence, with nearly 17.2% of benzodiazepine users developing an addiction due to misuse.
  • Pregnancy:9% of pregnant women worldwide report using benzodiazepines, including Valium.
  • Cognitive impairment: Extended Valium use can cause long-term cognitive issues such as memory loss and trouble concentrating. Full recovery is uncommon.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: Valium withdrawal can bring symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures. These often require medical supervision for safe management.
  • Overdose risk: Combining Valium with other depressants dramatically raises overdose risk. In 2021, 12,499 overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines, including Valium.
  • Medical emergencies: Between 2004 and 2011, the number of emergency room visits involving benzodiazepines such as Valium increased by 149%.

Find Supportive Resources for Valium Addiction Now

If you or a loved one is struggling with Valium addiction, professional help is crucial. Many addiction centers offer a variety of treatment options, including both inpatient and outpatient programs, tailored to your specific needs.

Effective Valium addiction treatment often includes detox under medical supervision or hospitalization, followed by behavioral therapy. This helps to address underlying issues related to substance abuse.

Whether you’re evaluating different substance abuse treatment programs or looking for someone else, reach out to us today. We can suggest qualified treatment centers near you where you can get the medical advice and help you need to break free from drug addiction and minimize the risk of life-threatening complications.

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. is a founder of Addiction HelpReviewed by:Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Chief Medical Officer & Co-Founder

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.

Jessica Miller is the Content Manager of Addiction HelpWritten by:

Editorial Director

Jessica Miller is the Editorial Director of Addiction Help. Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

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