Benzodiazepines are a widely prescribed class of drugs across the U.S. Among the most common benzos that are FDA-approved are Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam).
Statistically speaking, around 12.5% of American adults are given benzodiazepines as prescription medication. Roughly about 2.1% of those adults end up misusing the drug and a total of 0.2% develop a benzo substance abuse disorder.
In this guide, we’ll explore the effects of a particular benzo, namely Librium. You’ll learn how it works, what makes it addictive, and what the signs of abusing it look like. Read along to also learn how our Garden State Treatment Center can help you or a loved one recover from Librium addiction.
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What Is Librium?
Librium is the brand name for the medication Chlordiazepoxide. It’s a prescription drug used to treat a multitude of disorders that increase brain activity, such as anxiety and insomnia.
Doctors can also use Librium on patients with preoperative jitters who can be as young as six years old if necessary. Another useful application of Librium is its ability to counteract acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms in those going through alcohol detoxification.
How Does Librium Work?
As mentioned, Librium is a benzodiazepine. This class of drugs is known for being central nervous system (CNS) depressants that work by enhancing the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA in our brain.
In the case of Librium, the drug is considered a habit-forming hypnotic sedative that doctors only prescribe over a short term. Additionally, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) classified Librium as a Schedule IV controlled substance and a regulated drug.
Is Librium Addictive?
Indeed, Librium can be highly addictive. Not only does the drug have an extended half-life (it can stay in the body for up to 30 hours), but Librium also produces highly calming effects in the patient’s mind.
As a result, the patient can quickly develop an intense physical dependence on the drug and might take more than what’s prescribed for them. If the patient has a history of substance abuse—whether personal or familial—the risk of overdose or a Librium addiction skyrockets.
What Are the Physical Side Effects of Librium Addiction?
Taking higher doses of Librium puts your body in a compromised position physically. Here are the common side effects to watch out for:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Lack of proper balance
- Low heart rate and blood pressure
- Unclear, blurry vision
- Slurred speech
In extreme cases, patients may experience changes in sex drive or notice their urine is a dark color. They might also note skin blisters and females could go through unprecedented menstrual changes.
What Are the Mental Side Effects of Librium Abuse?
Over a period of time, Librium abuse will also start affecting the drug user’s mental health. Drastic changes will occur, some of which are life-threatening. Those typically include the following:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Mood swings and disorders
- Concentration problems
- Memory problems
- Aggression, irritability, or restlessness
- Depression
- Hypersensitivity to external stimuli
- Insomnia
Clearly, drug abuse wreaks havoc on a patient’s behavioral health. Without the proper intervention, patients lose their work, family, and friends. Their life as they know it crumbles because they can only think of their intense cravings for the drug.
If you suspect a loved one is battling the effects of Librium addiction, seek the medical advice of addiction treatment specialists right away.
What Does Librium Withdrawal Look Like?
Withdrawal is the hardest thing those suffering from substance use disorders can go through.
For that reason, we advise against quitting Librium cold turkey alone or attempting to withdraw the drug without the assistance of healthcare providers.
See for yourself how intense Librium withdrawal symptoms can be to better understand why you shouldn’t go through it alone:
- Psychosis
- Severe paranoia
- Rebound insomnia
- Panic attacks and heightened levels of anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Hyperventilation
- Loss of memory
- Frequent vomiting
- Muscle tremors
- Excessive sweating
Note that not all patients experience withdrawal the same. The bottom line is if they’re used to high doses of Librium and have used it more frequently, their withdrawal would likely put a strain on their bodies.
Addiction Treatment Options for Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)
Treatment for Librium addiction starts with you. Our treatment center in New Jersey, for starters, has the necessary means to help you with your recovery journey.
Our team of medical professionals will sit you down and explain what a treatment plan catered to your needs would look like. Here’s what you can expect it to include:
Detox
Medical detox is mandatory when handling a Librium addiction. Patients should be eased off the drug gradually, and with medically assisted detoxification the process is less harmful.
Typically when dealing with a Librium detox, healthcare specialists prescribe benzodiazepine antagonists to counteract withdrawal symptoms. They’ll also be present the whole time to monitor the patient in case complications arise.
Inpatient (Residential) Treatment
Inpatient or residential rehab programs allow you the privacy you may seek while you deal with your Librium addiction. You might want to take a step back from your stressful work life or certain family members who trigger you.
Either way, with inpatient treatment, you get the chance to work on your substance use away from life’s stressors. In this controlled environment, you’re provided with food and lodging, and you get to interact with others who suffer from and understand drug addiction as well.
As such, inpatient treatment programs are excellent for those who need some stability and structure while they recover. With specialists being on hand and readily available, relapse becomes harder.
Outpatient Programs
Once a patient is ready to go back into the world, they might enroll in an outpatient program to keep them on their feet as they explore sober life. Attending regular daily or weekly sessions can help patients navigate life without drug use.
Outpatient programs are also a great choice for patients with only a mild Librium addiction or personal responsibilities that they can’t afford to step away from. After all, this treatment option offers a level of flexibility that inpatient treatment doesn’t have.
Individual Therapy
Therapy is a mandatory part of addiction treatment because most substance use disorders stem from certain triggers and thought processes. Identifying them helps patients better understand their addiction and as a result, find the suitable coping mechanisms to handle such stressors.
That said, individual therapy will include one or more approved therapies. Among them is CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In it, therapists work with patients to trace back the origin of their triggers and address them in a healthy way.
DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) follows a similar strategy with the add-on that patients learn to self-reflect on their actions and learn to be more self-aware.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is essential in building a sense of community in patients. Often drug abusers feel alone and that they won’t be able to live without Librium use. Group therapy works on demystifying that. Patients listen to the stories of others who are living soberly and relate to their struggles.
Recovery Is Possible at Garden State Treatment Center
At Garden State Treatment Center recovery is more than a possible feat—it’s inevitable.
Click here to virtually meet our team and learn more about how each specialist can help you or your loved one on your recovery journey. Take a virtual tour of our facilities too if you like.
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