Plugging Valium | Rectal Diazepam Use And Abuse

Valium, also known by its generic name diazepam, is a prescription benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. When taken as prescribed in pill form, Valium provides legitimate medical benefits. However, this medication has significant potential for abuse because it produces sedating effects and can create feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Some people misuse Valium by taking it in ways their doctor never intended.

One dangerous method of Valium abuse is called plugging, also known as rectal administration or boofing. This practice involves inserting the drug directly into the rectum rather than swallowing it as a pill. People who plug Valium typically crush the pills and mix them with liquid to create a solution, then use a syringe or applicator to insert it rectally. The rectal tissue absorbs the drug quickly into the bloodstream, producing faster and potentially stronger effects than taking it by mouth. This method has higher bioavailability, meaning more of the drug enters the system compared to oral use.

Plugging Valium or other benzodiazepines like Xanax is extremely risky and can lead to serious health consequences. This method of abuse increases the likelihood of developing physical dependence and addiction. It also heightens the risk of overdose, rectal damage, and dangerous side effects.

Side Effects Of Plugging Valium

Valium works by slowing down brain activity through boosting a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When someone plugs Valium instead of taking it orally, the drug absorbs much more rapidly through rectal tissue. This fast absorption causes a sudden surge of the drug into the bloodstream, which can trigger a spike in dopamine and produce intense, uncomfortable, and dangerous side effects that wouldn’t occur with normal use.

Common side effects of plugging Valium include:

• extreme drowsiness and sedation
• dizziness and loss of coordination
• fatigue and muscle weakness
• headaches and nausea or vomiting
• dry mouth and blurred or double vision
• lowered blood pressure
• feelings of euphoria followed by depression
• confusion and slurred speech
• constipation or urinary problems
• uncontrollable tremors
• reduced sex drive or sexual dysfunction
• physical dependence and tolerance to the drug
• severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
• persistent depression and mood changes
• lost ability to control body movements

Chronic or recreational abuse of Valium through plugging leads to serious long-term health problems beyond immediate side effects. The body develops tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects. Physical dependence develops quickly, causing severe and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms when someone tries to stop using.

Physical Effects Of Plugging Valium

Valium is available in a rectal gel that is fast-acting as an anticonvulsant that helps to control seizures. This method of rectal administration according to good medical advice will include a sterile applicator and lubrication.

People that misuse pill-form drugs like Valium or by taking them rectally may not take the necessary steps or use the correct application method to ensure safe administration. Many people experience damage to rectal membranes and may have extensive tissue damage as a result.

People with conditions like poor blood flow, persistent diarrhea, low blood platelets, and anorectal disorder can have a particularly hard time with ill-advised drug plugging. These people may also experience diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and increase their risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.

Long-Term Effects Of Diazepam Substance Abuse

Sustained benzo abuse, especially through methods like plugging, can lead to both physical dependence and psychological dependence. Even when used as directed by a healthcare professional, people may develop a Valium tolerance, where it takes more of the drug to achieve the same effects.

This tolerance combined with fast-acting methods of ingestion, like plugging can increase the risk of an unintentional overdose. People that abuse diazepam and also use other CNS depressants like opioids or alcohol increase their risk of overdose. They might also use “uppers” like cocaine or amphetamines with benzos to help “smooth out” effects, but increase their risk of overwhelming vital systems.

Increased Risk Of Overdose By Plugging Diazepam

People who used to have a high tolerance for benzos and haven’t used the drug for a period of time may overdose when they plug diazepam at their old dosage.

Some signs of a Valium overdose include:

• coma
• weakness
• drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• lost coordination
• disorientation
• blurred vision or double vision
• slowed or stopped breathing
• blue fingernails and lips
• tremors
• rapid eye movement
• hiccups

Plugging drugs like Valium at high levels or with other CNS depressants may seriously slow down the heart and lungs to the point of failure.

Valium Addiction Treatment Options

The immediate and long-term effects of a substance use disorder involving benzos like Valium are dangerous. If you or a loved one is dependent on benzodiazepines to function normally, consider treatment.

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff