Which Is More Addictive: Valium or Xanax?

When a drug’s effects are felt quickly and leave rapidly, it can cause you to experience intense relief followed by a harsh withdrawal. If you’re comparing Valium vs. Xanax, Xanax is considered more addictive due to its speedy onset and short duration. In smaller doses, Xanax is more powerful than Valium and is more likely to cause you to develop a tolerance or dependence on the substance.

Table of Contents

What Are Valium and Xanax Used For?
How Do Valium and Xanax Differ in Strength and Duration?
What Are the Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
What our customers are saying
How Does Withdrawal Differ Between Valium and Xanax?
Key Takeaways on Valium vs. Xanax
Resources

What Are Valium and Xanax Used For?

You may choose to take Valium or Xanax to address anxiety or another condition related to the nervous system. However, both drugs have different approved uses. Valium is typically used to treat:

• Anxiety Disorders: To help reduce the range of symptoms associated with anxiety, including restlessness and tension, a doctor may prescribe valium. This drug is available in an extended-release form and is suitable for managing symptoms for extended periods.
• Muscle Spasms: Valium is often prescribed to relieve involuntary muscle contractions because it acts as a muscle relaxant in your body. This drug can calm your overactive nerve signals after an injury or in response to inflammation or neurological issues.
• Seizures: Doctors may prescribe you Valium to control your seizures, including status epilepticus. Valium is fast-acting, and its sedative properties can quickly stabilize brain activity.
• Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: Valium can help manage agitation, tremors, and the risk of seizures during alcohol withdrawal. The drug’s calming effect can ease your transition and be provided in most detox facilities.
• Sedation Before Medical Procedures: Your doctors may use Valium to help you relax before invasive procedures because it can effectively reduce your anxiety. Valium can induce mild sedation if you or your doctor decides full anesthesia is not right for you.

Xanax is commonly used for:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Xanax can be used to relieve the restlessness and tension associated with GAD. The drug calms your central nervous system and may help decrease persistent, anxious thoughts.
• Panic Disorder: Your doctor may prescribe Xanax to treat intense episodes of panic. If you experience panic attacks frequently, Xanax can help by slowing your brain activity and making you feel less afraid.
• Short-Term Relief of Acute Anxiety: Xanax can be taken on an as-needed basis for anxiety. If you are triggered by specific events or stressors, Xanax can provide quick relief. However, Xanax is not ideal for long-term use because it is very addictive.

How Do Valium and Xanax Differ in Strength and Duration?

When comparing Valium vs. Xanax, you will find that each substance has a unique strength and duration. Xanax begins working in as little as fifteen minutes, and the effects typically last between four and six hours. This is considered a brief duration for an anti-anxiety medication. For this reason, many medical providers only prescribe Xanax for individuals needing short-term, immediate relief.

It takes longer for you to feel the effects of Valium, with an average onset time of thirty to sixty minutes. The drug can impact the way you feel for twelve to twenty-four hours after you take the initial dose. It has a long half-life that gradually increases its presence in your body with repeated use. As a result, many doctors see Valium as a longer-term solution for anxiety-related issues, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.

What Are the Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction?

Valium and Xanax are both classified as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine addiction can present in many different ways, depending on the person, dosage, and duration of use. However, there are usually several common symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction to watch for, including:

• Increased Tolerance: Your body may become less responsive to benzodiazepines over time. To feel the same calming effect you felt when you first started taking the drug, you will be required to increase your dose. This can lead to more frequent use and put you at a greater risk of overdose.
• Cravings: If you are experiencing a strong urge to take benzodiazepines when it’s not medically necessary, it can interfere with your day-to-day life. Intense cravings can affect decision-making and make accomplishing everyday tasks much more challenging.
• Doctor Shopping: If you are visitingmultiple healthcare providers to obtain extra prescriptions, you may be dependent on a benzodiazepine. Doctor shopping is often a red flag for addiction that you can spot in yourself and others.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: The effects of benzodiazepines, as well as the time spent obtaining them, can impact your work, school, or family. If your relationship with this drug is out of control, you may end up losing your job, having to leave school, or damaging personal relationships.
• Loss of Control: If you feel unable to cut back on or quit taking benzodiazepines, you may be addicted. You may know the risks or want to stop, but you may find that you are not in control of your behaviors regarding the substance.
• Using Without a Prescription: If you aretaking benzodiazepines recreationally or procuring them outside of a medical center, this is a sign of misuse. Using without a prescription puts you at a greater risk of developing a physical dependence and psychological addiction to benzodiazepines.
• Mood and behavior changes: Sudden irritability, depression, or social withdrawal may emerge as benzodiazepine use increases. Individuals may also become secretive or defensive when questioned about their behavior.

What our customers are saying

How Does Withdrawal Differ Between Valium and Xanax?

If you stop taking Xanax, you are likely to feel significant withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and irritability. This drug leaves your body very quickly due to its short half-life. Your nervous system reacts very strongly to a depleting, potent dose of Xanax, and can even put you at risk of having a seizure. A medical team often supervises Xanax withdrawals to ensure you experience the least amount of side effects possible as you detoxify your body.

Valium withdrawal is different from Xanax withdrawal for a few reasons. Valium has a long half-life, meaning it stays in your body longer and remains at a higher dosage than Xanax. Symptoms of withdrawal from Valium are considered to be milder as well. If you choose to stop taking valium, you may experience some anxiety, sleep disturbances, or muscle tension. Valium is used in many detox centers because it can provide you with a more controlled and manageable withdrawal process under careful medical supervision.

Key Takeaways on Valium vs. Xanax

• Rapid Release: Xanax has fast-acting, short-lived effects that increase the risk of you becoming dependent on the substance. Its high potency can also make for a difficult withdrawal.
• Long-Lasting: Valium takes longer to take effect but stays in your body longer. Doctors prescribe this medication to address ongoing anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.
• Quick Relief: Xanax is more commonly prescribed for acute anxiety and panic attacks because you are more likely to become addicted to its rapid effects. With caution, this medication can be used safely for short periods.
• Withdrawal Intensity: Xanax withdrawal can be more abrupt and severe than Valium withdrawal due to the differences in the drugs’ half-lives. Valium withdrawal is typically more pleasant.
• Signs of Addiction – If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be addicted to Xanax or Valium, you can check for signs such as intense cravings and dramatic mood changes.

When you compare Valium vs. Xanax, you can see the major differences in their effectiveness on your body’s nervous system, as well as the likelihood of experiencing difficult withdrawal or addiction symptoms. At Muse Treatment, we understand that anxiety disorders and other conditions may lead you to take Valium or Xanax. If you feel like your benzodiazepine use is negatively impacting your life, we can help. Our compassionate team members are available to take your call at 800-426-1818.

Resources

• Medical News Today – What’s the difference between Valium and Xanax?
• ScienceDirect – Alprazolam and diazepam: Addiction potential 
• GoodRx – How Long Does Valium Last In The Body?