Librium Addiction Treatment, Signs and Symptoms

What is Librium?

Generically known as chlordiazepoxide, Librium is primarily used to treat insomnia, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and muscle spasms. Because of its potency, Librium should be prescribed with more caution than other benzodiazepines, and its use for anxiety is largely reserved for short-term cases, such as debilitating anxiety. The drug also shares some of the depressant qualities of alcohol and is sometimes used to ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal during treatment.

Librium accomplishes all these tasks by influencing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the body to increase their effectiveness. Since GABA receptors help slow nerve activity in the brain, Librium’s effects force the body to relax. This decreases anxiety and muscle reactions and is beneficial in cases of sleep insomnia.

Used in a recreational setting, Librium is desired for the high that the drug produces. Due to its potency, when used in higher quantities, the risk of accidental overdose is greatly increased. Users often combine Librium with other substances in attempt to increase its effects but doing so also increases the risks. For instance, one of the most common substances mixed with Librium is alcohol. Since both drugs lead to sedative effects, it is possible for the combination to slow down a person’s central nervous system to the point of incapacity, killing the individual.

Librium is available only in a pill or capsule form and the dosage varies based on the patient and their diagnosis. In most situations, patients will start off taking a 5 mg dosage multiple times a day, although if they are suffering from particularly severe symptoms the recommendation may rise to 25 mg.

When used recreationally, it is common for users to crush the pill into a powder. This is done so they can snort or mix it with a liquid for IV use, allowing the drug to reach the bloodstream sooner, taking effect faster.

Possible street names that may be used for Librium include:

It is important to recognize that new names are constantly being developed as drug dealers and users seek to stay hidden. For this reason, just because someone is not using a nickname from this list, it does not necessarily mean that they are not abusing Librium.

How Addictive is Librium?

Although Librium has many important uses in medicine, it is easy to form an addiction to the drug if taken incorrectly. For this reason, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies Librium as a Schedule IV controlled substance. While not the highest risk category for an addictive drug, this status acknowledges its danger and ensures that Librium can only be legally purchased with a prescription.

What makes Librium so addictive is that a person does not need to be using it for recreational purposes to form a dependence on it. Since it is intended to help manage anxiety, it is common for people who have been prescribed the drug to break away from their doctor’s instructions to use it as a coping mechanism. This leads to them forming a psychological dependence before their body can become physically addicted. When this happens, the physical addiction is certain to follow.

In other cases, a person may be using it recreationally to experience a high or accidentally taking more than prescribed, eventually developing a physical dependence. Regardless of the circumstance, a physical dependence locks a person into addiction because it is the point where Librium has altered a person’s body and mind, so they feel as though they must use to survive. This happens because as they use the drug regularly, their body adapts and develops what is called a tolerance to it. Here, the drug begins to lose its effect at normal doses, and to continue experiencing the same euphoria, a person must begin taking more of the drug.

The larger quantities flood the central nervous system and spur an increased cycle of tolerance. At this point, continued drug use causes the body to become accustomed to Librium, relying on it to function normally. If a person stops using Librium they will be faced with symptoms of withdrawal as the body struggles to cope without the drug. Since withdrawal is an uncomfortable and often painful process, most users will do anything they can to use again in order to experience relief. This retrains the brain into relying on the drug, creating the cycle of addiction.

Signs & Symptoms of Librium Addiction 

There are many instances where a person may be addicted to Librium and either not realize it or attempt to hide it. This can happen for several reasons, such as a lack of understanding or because they are too afraid to acknowledge the dangers of their drug use. Regardless of why, learning the different symptoms of Librium use is a valuable way to help spot addiction, helping the person get help sooner.

Beyond the relaxing high, anxiety relief and other intended reactions, the side effects of Librium can include:

• Dry mouth

• Slurred speech

• Dizziness

• Poor coordination

• Mood swings

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Difficulty breathing

• Decreased blood pressure

• Trouble concentrating

• Impaired memory

• Emotional numbing

• Cognitive deterioration

• Depression

In the beginning, the symptoms of Librium abuse will usually be minor and can be difficult to recognize. However, as use continues, they will grow more pronounced and severe. It is important to act fast if these start to appear because with long term drug use, Librium can cause permanent damage.

Librium Statistics 

One way to see the additional risks that face a person that is prescribed Librium is to look at the statistics related to the drug. These can help to paint a clearer picture of the risks it presents and its prevalence in society.

Some extra facts about Librium worth being aware of are that:

• Women are more likely to use Librium than men

• Over 50 million prescriptions are written for benzodiazepines like Librium each year

• Librium is frequently mixed with alcohol, opioids, or cocaine, all of which greatly increase the overdose risk

• The effects of Librium can last for 5 hours to 30 hours because it is a long acting drug

• It takes around 4 days for most traces of Librium to disappear from a person’s system, though hair testing can detect its presence several months later

Treatment for Librium Abuse

Treatment for a Librium addiction should always be addressed by a qualified rehab center that specializes in substance use disorder treatment. This is to ensure that each patient’s case is thoroughly evaluated and handled with the utmost care and attention. The team of experienced and licensed professionals can properly supervise and mitigate potentially harmful side effects while providing essential therapeutic tools that are conducive to long-term sobriety.

When an individual enters inpatient rehab, treatment often begins with a process called detoxification, otherwise known as detox. During this phase of care, a medical team will work closely with the patient to carefully remove all harmful and addictive substances from their body. When this happens, it is likely the individual will experience symptoms of withdrawal that can present as painful and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the physician and nursing staff will use various medical interventions, including medication, holistic approaches and clinical practices to aid in this process.

Once a person has been medically cleared and has completed detox, they will transition into the residential portion of treatment. Here, they will participate in an array of therapeutic modalities that will allow them to address the underlying causes of their addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms to combat future cravings. During residential care, patients can also look forward to specialty programs that aid in ongoing recovery, such as family education programs, recreational therapy, holistic treatment, co-occurring disorder treatment, relapse prevention and aftercare programming.

Get Help for a Librium Addiction Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the time to get help is NOW!

Brookdale specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders, utilizing best practices in every aspect of our programming. Our trusted team of professionals will meet you with the care, compassion and respect you deserve, creating customized treatment plans tailored to fit your needs.

Through the proper treatment, a life…recovered is possible! For more information about Brookdale’s programming and services call us today at 855-575-1292.