All Benzodiazepines, including Valium, can produce both psychological and physical addiction. It is said that an addiction to this class of drug (benzodiazepine) can be considered one of the hardest prescription drug addictions to break. One reason people become addicted to Valium is because the drug can create a false sense of well-being. Over time, however, people addicted to Valium build a tolerance to it, meaning higher doses of the drug must be taken to produce the same effects.

Individuals who take "club drugs" such as ecstasy, meth, cocaine, or other uppers may also use benzodiazepines such as Valium to help bring them down from their high and induce sleep. However, combining other drugs and benzodiazepines can cause a life-threatening drug interaction, particularly if benzodiazepines are mixed with other sedatives such as alcohol or heroin. This practice of using one drug to stimulate and one to de-stimulate creates an addiction to multiple substances.

The consequences of handling a serious Valium addiction can ruin a life. Juggling trips to multiple doctors, frequent visits to the emergency room, and going to several pharmacies in different towns are just a few of the illegal activities that some who are addicted to Valium find themselves going through to get their pills. Those who have an addiction to Valium find that their bodies become adapted to the continuous supply of medication and expect it to continue. Their bodies have made the necessary adjustments concerning the heavy doses of Valium that the users supplies it. So, when the supply is stopped because the individual can no longer get their medication or recognizes the problem and discontinues on their own, the mind begins to race because the drug was slowing it down. This can cause high anxiety and even brain seizures.