Valium is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. It is a long-acting benzodiazepine and has highly addictive qualities as a nervous system depressant similar to alcohol. Valium was once heavily overprescribed as a cure-all for any number of ailments, and as of today millions of Americans continue to battle a life-threatening drug dependency to this dangerous substance.

The longer someone takes Valium the harder it becomes to stop because it alters brain functions such as memory and behavioral control. Side effects include relaxation and sedation, which make it severely unsafe over long-term use. Once someone’s brain chemistry has adjusted to a Valium dependency, he or she will endure extreme physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Gradually, overuse significantly increases the chances of overdose.

The following are signs of unsafe Valium consumption and addiction:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Incontinence
• Elevated blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Hallucinations
• Grand mal seizures

Unfortunately, valium is often taken in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol and the combination of these unsafe substances is deadly.