Diazepam tends to have a sedative effect and is often used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While many patients find it useful for this purpose, some become addicted to it after using it for just a few days. The addiction to this drug can be both physical and psychological. Physical signs of diazepam addiction often include drowsiness, slower breathing and trouble walking and talking, while psychological symptoms tend to include drug-seeking behavior and disinterest in normal activities. Those who quit suddenly may experience withdrawal symptoms that can include sweating, appetite loss and convulsions.
The point of diazepam is to depress the nervous system so patients can feel relaxed, so it is rather normal for them to be noticeably calmer than usual. Those with a diazepam addiction, however, may portray some extreme symptoms that do not seem normal, because they are often using too much of the drug at once. For example, some signs of abuse include constant drowsiness, confusion and depression. Uncoordinated movements and slurred speech also may occur, along with slower breathing and reduced blood pressure.
Aside from physical symptoms of diazepam addiction, there are behavioral signs that may occur, signaling that a patient feels he constantly has to have more of this drug. The more a patient takes, the more he has to take to get the same feeling, which may result in drug-seeking behavior that tends to include frequent doctor visits in an attempt to get a prescription. Patients whose doctors stop giving them this drug may forge prescriptions or attempt to buy the drug from a country that does not require a doctor's permission for purchase. Additionally, patients with a diazepam addiction may stop showing interest in normal hobbies, spend a lot of time trying to get more of this drug, and sleeping as a result of its role as a depressant. Many patients also stop going to work or school and neglect paying their bills, because they need the money to buy more diazepam.
Patients who suddenly stop taking diazepam tend to get withdrawal symptoms, some of which include a fast heartbeat, blurry vision and sweating. Other physical symptoms of withdrawal from this drug tend to include diarrhea, sensitivity to lights and appetite loss. Those with a diazepam addiction may feel irritable, anxious, and unable to concentrate when they suddenly stop taking this drug. In severe cases, patients may vomit and go into convulsions; this is why it is usually recommended that they gradually stop taking the medication, with the help of a doctor, if necessary.