Valium Abuse Facts and Statistics
Valium abuse facts and statistics provide useful information on how Valium addiction impacts different groups of people. According to results published in the American Journal of Public Health, benzodiazepine overdoses increased from 0.58 to 3.07 per 100,000 between 1996 and 2013. Some vital Valium statistics from the 2015 and 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health include:
- Over 12.6% of adults in the US used benzodiazepines such as Valium in the past year, and prescription drug misuse accounted for more than 17% of overall use
- Young adults aged 18 to 25 reported the highest rate of benzodiazepine misuse
- Women were more likely than men to report using benzodiazepine such as Valium, while men were more likely than women to report misuse
- Benzodiazepine misuse is strongly associated with the misuse of other substances such as prescription opioids or stimulants
Valium Abuse and Treatment Trends in South Florida
Valium addiction and misuse is a problem both nationally and in Florida. According to a report from the Florida Medical Examiners, which investigated drugs present in deceased persons in 2016, 183 deaths were caused by diazepam. The occurrence of diazepam in deceased persons also increased by 10% from 2015 to 2016. According to Florida Health’s 2016-2017 Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Annual Report, nearly 3500 hospital discharges were recorded for benzodiazepine poisoning in 2016. Benzodiazepine use, including Valium use, was highest in those aged 65 and over according to this report.
To help combat drug misuse, newly created community drug take-back programs allow people to bring unused drugs, including Valium, to a central location for safe disposal. Pharmacists, local law enforcement departments or trash and recycling services can provide information on available take-back programs.