Librium Addiction and Abuse

Librium Info

• Librium Addiction and Abuse
• Librium Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Librium Treatment and Rehab
• Librium Withdrawal and Detox

Most people begin abusing Librium by gradually increasing dosage contrary to their prescription or using the drug more frequently than they should in order to enjoy its pleasurable effects. Some combine the drug with other substances (such as alcohol) to enhance the effects of Librium, but such acts ultimately lead to addiction, withdrawal symptoms or harsher health complications.

Similar to most other benzodiazepines, Librium is a psychotropic drug that is habit-forming. Even though it is generally legitimately prescribed for the treatment of insomnia or anxiety, you can still develop a physical dependence or addiction whilst using it.

The longer you abuse Librium, the worse your addiction and resulting withdrawal symptoms will likely be. This is especially so if your tolerance for the drug has greatly increased. People with underlying mental health conditions are at an even greater risk of developing a Librium addiction.

Once addiction sets in, it becomes very difficult to quit Librium without professional medical help. This is because the chemical structure of your brain (as well as your body) has adapted to functioning with Librium in your system. In the absence of its influence, your body will find it difficult to cope and function normally. The withdrawal process which follows after you try quitting can be very uncomfortable and it’s best if you undergo a medically assisted detox in a specialised addiction facility.

What is Librium?

Librium is a benzodiazepine drug that is available in tablet form and used for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and drug/alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

It has a medium to long half-life and possesses anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, amnesic, sedative, hypnotic and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. Librium can be sourced illegally, sold under street names such as downers, tranqs, bennies, benzos, nerve pills and so on.

History of Librium addiction

Librium is classified as a Class C controlled substance in the UK, due to the highly addictive potential of the drug and in order to control its abuse.

Are Librium and chlordiazepoxide the same drug?

Yes. Librium and chlordiazepoxide are the same drug. Chlordiazepoxide is the generic name for the drug, whereas Librium is the brand or marketing name.

Causes and risk factors for Librium addiction and abuse

Because it’s generally prescribed for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders, people who use Librium might eventually abuse it to heighten the effects induced and in turn become addicted in time.

People with co-occurring disorders usually abuse anxiety drugs by self-medicating or combining them with other substances. Those who abuse the drug are often suffering from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, massive depressive disorder or sleeping disorders.

Professionals with very stressful jobs also have a high likelihood of abusing Librium, as they often suffer from work related anxiety, sleeplessness or physical stress. In truth, anyone who has been prescribed Librium is at risk of abusing it and becoming addicted, which is why the drug is only used to treat extreme cases or in instances where an alternative form of treatment is unavailable. Other risk factors that can result in Librium addiction include:

Librium drug interactions

Librium is not a medication that should be combined with other substances without the explicit instructions of your doctor. This is because there are a wide range of substances that, when consumed with Librium, can either increase its toxicity and render it poisonous, or enhance its potency and lead to an overdose.

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking Librium. Also, avoid combining Librium with cocaine, opioids, cold or allergy medicine, cough medicine, vitamins, herbal products, medicine for psychiatric disorders, sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicine, medicine for seizures or depression or muscle relaxants. Before taking Librium with any of these drugs (or any other substance), please inform your doctor in order to prevent a possibly dangerous interaction.

People who are addicted to Librium tend to be at greater risk of polydrug abuse (combining illicit drugs for greater effect) and possess a higher level of social and psychological disorders. Librium is commonly abused by individuals taking multiple drugs, including alcoholics and heroin addicts. However, in many cases, Librium is the primary substance of abuse.

Once addicted to Librium, if you try to quit suddenly, withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to intense in severity can take hold, thus making it very difficult to kick the habit on your own.

How Librium affects the mind and body

Librium is used in clinical medicine as an anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and sedative. It is mostly prescribed short-term to individuals with insomnia, or severe anxiety that leads to serious distress.
Librium functions by affecting your body’s release of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA is a brain neurotransmitter that can influence your system by causing a sedated or tranquilised effect, as well as inhibiting transmission of nerve signals. By increasing the effects of GABA on the brain, Librium will reduce the nerve signal transmissions and hyperactivity within the central nervous system. This will help put users of the drug at ease by causing a sedating effect and pleasurable sensations.

Signs, symptoms and effects of Librium abuse and addiction

Librium addiction can lead to a variety of health complications and is best treated as soon as possible. The best way to spot addiction before it fully takes hold is to be aware of the warning signs/symptoms, which can include:

If you are experiencing any of the above or have seen a loved one going through such changes, please contact an addiction helpline today for advice.

Short-term effects of Librium on the body

These effects can be induced fairly quickly and might lead to abuse, as people rely on the drug for quick relief. Other abusers use the drug to achieve a sedating ‘high’.

Long-term effects of using Librium

Librium and other benzodiazepines shouldn’t be used long-term, as this could potentially lead to physical dependence. Other long-term effects of chronic Librium abuse can include:

Psychological signs and symptoms of Librium abuse and addiction

Psychological signs of abuse and addiction can include:

Depending on the severity of your addiction, you could also experience a symptom known as delirium tremens (DT). DT is often characterised by a sudden change in your mental state that leaves you disoriented and confused. It can also be accompanied by extreme anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and decreased attention span.

Signs of Librium withdrawal and overdose

Going beyond the prescribed dose or frequency of use for Librium can lead to an overdose with potentially fatal consequences. Because a Librium overdose can kill, if you suspect somebody has overdosed, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

If you take too much Librium over a prolonged period, you put yourself at risk of withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit or reduce your dose. Librium withdrawal can lead to the manifestation of physical and psychological symptoms such as aggravated anxiety, psychosis, suicidal behaviour, seizures and chest pains.

Physical, emotional and social effects of Librium abuse and addiction

Even when using Librium as prescribed, physical and psychological side effects can still manifest. Misusing Librium only increases the risks of harmful effects associated with using the drug. Said harmful effects can include:

Physical side effects

Psychological side effects

Abuse of Librium can also result in mental and behavioural disorders that can manifest via the following symptoms:

Exhibiting any of the above can lead to violent or antisocial behaviours.

The social impacts of Librium

Aside from the health dangers, substance abuse also negatively impacts your social relationships and leaves you vulnerable in a variety of ways.

Long-term Librium abuse can severely impact the social aspects of your life in the following manner:

Therapy, treatment and rehab for Librium abuse and addiction

Professional treatment will significantly minimise the unpleasantness of physical symptoms, as well as provide emotional support throughout the process.

Such a facility will ensure you are closely monitored by addiction specialists for the duration of your withdrawal symptoms. Professional treatment will significantly minimise the unpleasantness of physical symptoms, as well as provide emotional support throughout the process.

A medically assisted detox will include gradually tapering your Librium dosage whilst monitoring withdrawal symptoms. This will be performed in a safe and controlled environment, free of the triggers and stressors which normally lead you to abuse drugs. Any underlying conditions or co-occurring disorders will also be cared for during treatment.
The following can also be provided to facilitate your recovery:

• A low-stress environment, where you can stay focused on long-term sobriety
• Anti-seizure medications like carbamazepine or valproate to minimise symptoms
• Antidepressants with sedative effects like trazodone or imipramine to minimise other symptoms

All the above can be combined with cognitive and behavioural therapies to ensure you make a full recovery.
Keep in mind that detox is just the first step on the path to recovery. Ongoing treatment (either via an inpatient or outpatient programme after detox is completed) will help you build the coping skills you need in order to continue with abstinence post-addiction treatment.

Depending on the severity of your Librium addiction, treatment can be received via an inpatient or residential programme for more severe cases, or partial hospitalisation and other outpatient treatment programmes for less serious instances.

Librium addiction treatment prices

The cost of treatment is often dependent on a variety of factors, such as the type of treatment programme, its duration, type of treatment centre and severity of your addiction. For instance, inpatient programmes often cost more than outpatient treatment. Also, a luxury inpatient facility or executive one will certainly cost more than regular inpatient treatment. Therefore, be sure to verify the affordability of the treatment facility you prefer before committing.

Individual counselling: During individual counselling, you’ll receive one-on-one treatment from an addiction specialist, who will talk to you about your condition and help identify the root cause of your substance abuse. You’ll also be taught about how to avoid the stressors and triggers that typically led you to abuse Librium, as well as healthy ways to cope in the outside world without having to abuse drugs.

Support groups: This is a highly effective form of drug rehabilitation that will provide help and support through group therapy. You’ll attend sessions with people who are going through exactly the same thing and attendees can help each other stay focused and committed to abstinence. Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step programmes are examples of such support groups.

Family therapy: Family is a very important support system for any recovering addict. In order for your family and loved ones to be able to help you stay clean long-term, it’s important that they receive necessary training on how to effectively support and help you remain Librium abuse-free.

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