NHS criticises linking of Valium addictiveness to heroin

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by Change | 12 Feb 2010

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NHS choices has criticised media reports linking the addictiveness of Valium with heroin.

Reports that users of Valium could be at an increased risk of requiring addiction help in the future are unfounded.

This is according to NHS choices, which criticised the media for suggesting that Valium can be as addictive as heroin.

Dependence is a known side effect of Valium, but the NHS believes that the Daily Mail's comparison between it and the class A drug are "tenuous".

A recent study found that Valium boosts the actions of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is also affected by the taking of illegal substances.

However, NHS choices said, the research's intention was not to focus on the more complicated issues surrounding drug misuse.

"Media comparisons to heroin addiction seems to be quite alarmist," a statement said.

"This research has concentrated on identifying neurological processes in mice and not the complex factors involved in substance abuse or drug addiction."

NHS choices also said that Valium users should not be concerned by the way the study has been reported, and that the report's findings will be useful to those designing drug addiction medications.

Valium is part of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines and is used to treat individuals suffering from anxiety.

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