Librium Addiction and Abuse

Librium, the brand name of Chlordiazepoxide, is the first benzodiazepine to be synthesized in the 1950s. Librium is classified by the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule IV regulated drug and is used primarily as a short-term remedy for anxiety disorders. It is also used extensively to treat symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal and to calm patients before surgeries. Like most benzos, Librium can also be used to treat insomnia, muscle tension, seizures, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Librium is a white, crystalline substance that is available in multi-colored capsules of strengths 5mg, 10mg, and 25mg. The capsules are typically swallowed, although some users may snort the contents of the capsule or mix it in water and inject it.

The half-life of Librium is around 5-30 hours, making it fall in between intermediate to long-acting benzos. It usually takes several hours to feel the full effects of Librium.

Some of the street names of Librium are Bennies, Benzos, L, Tranqs, Blue bombs, Normies, and Downers.

Due to the high potential of abuse and addiction for Librium, doctors only prescribe it for short-term use.

When taken in higher doses, Librium can produce a high that is equivalent to alcohol intoxication. Taking Librium in higher or more frequent doses than prescribed or consuming it without a prescription are all considered as Librium abuse.

Librium is generally abused due to its calming and relaxing sensation when consumed. Individuals who are suffering from insomnia or anxiety disorders, abuse Librium to enjoy its calming effects. Individuals who take Librium for recreational purposes do so with the intent of enjoying euphoric highs. These individuals usually procure Librium from the streets, online, or through doctor shopping.

Misusing Librium for extended periods increases the chance of addiction to a greater extent. Since Librium is a habit-forming, psychotropic drug, like most benzos, even patients who consume this medication under prescription for health conditions such as anxiety and insomnia can develop a dependence upon it. Patients with other underlying mental health disorders are also at a higher risk of developing addictions to Librium.

The typical behavioral Signs of Librium addiction are:

• Abusing the medicine by taking higher doses than recommended
• Resorting to illegal means to obtain the drug, such as forging prescriptions
• Neglecting day-to-day responsibilities or relationships
• Lying to family and friends about Librium use
• Struggling financially due to the costs of Librium abuse
• Confusion
• Making Librium use their priority
• Restlessness
• Wanting to quit taking Librium, but being unable to do so
• Irritability
• Requiring higher doses due to the development of tolerance
• Experiencing profuse sweating, tremors, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms when trying to quit the drug (withdrawal)
• Doctor shopping to obtain more and more Librium prescriptions

The majority of users who take Librium are genuinely unaware of its addictive nature and misuse the drug in hopes of attaining the desired effects. However, excessive and prolonged use of any drug is detrimental to one’s health in the long-run.

Some of the symptoms of Librium abuse are:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Mood swings
• Slowed heartbeat
• Impaired co-ordination
• Nausea
• Decreased libido
• Muscle spasms
• Sleep disturbances
• Mixing Librium with other drugs
• Taking more Librium than prescribed
• Obtaining Librium illegally
• Running into financial issues due to Librium use
• Lying about Librium use
• Using Librium as a coping mechanism
• Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence of the drug

Taking Librium despite its negative outcomes, such as issues at work and home, is a strong indicator of a growing dependence on the drug.

Librium is a central nervous system depressant. Long-term use of Librium can result in severe health complications such as impaired physical and cognitive functions, including a substantial drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Certain Librium users had also experienced seizures when Librium was consumed in high doses.

Some of the other dangerous side effects of Librium include:

• Mood swings
• Shallow breath
• Jaundice
• Blackouts
• Liver dysfunction
• Anxiety

Polydrug use is the simultaneous use of various drugs. Statistics show that over 80 percent of benzodiazepine abuse is part of a dangerous polydrug abuse cycle.

Librium is generally combined with alcohol, cocaine, and opioids. Individuals tend to mix alcohol with Librium during the build-up of tolerance. However, when both alcohol and Librium are combined, the depressive effects of both the substances intensify, resulting in deep sedation, stupor, and in worse cases, overdose.

Many consume benzos with opioids, such as heroin, to enhance the euphoric effects of opioids. Some may even consume Librium with cocaine to suppress the effects of the stimulant, whereas others consume Librium to sober up from the cocaine high.

However, combining Librium with multiple substances in this manner can cause severe side effects, such as extreme sedation, blackouts, respiratory depression, and fatal overdose.

Some of the symptoms of Librium overdose are:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Slowed reflexes
• Coma
• Blackouts

Librium is a highly addictive benzo that can shape our addiction and dependence within a few weeks of continued use. Similar to most benzos, Librium increases the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in our brain, resulting in extreme relaxation and calmness. With prolonged use, the brain becomes dependent on Libriums effects.

Abrupt cessation of Librium after the development of dependence, tolerance, or addiction will lead to the appearance of withdrawal as the brain struggles to balance and cope with the deprivation. The longer the use of Librium, the more intense the withdrawal symptoms may be.

Librium withdrawal symptoms include:

• Increased heart rate
• Sensory hypersensitivity
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Elevated blood pressure
• Agitation
• Depression
• Drug cravings
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Psychosis
• Memory loss
• Anxiety

Librium withdrawal symptoms can range from moderate to severe, depending on factors such as the amount taken, length of use, and the method of administration. If left untreated, seizures caused by Librium withdrawal may worsen and potentially turn lethal.

Librium withdrawal usually comprises of an intense rebound effect. This refers to the re-emergence of symptoms that were being controlled by Librium intakes, such as anxiety and insomnia. The rebound symptoms during this period tend to be much severe than they were before Librium treatment.

Patients may sometimes experience psychological symptoms of Librium withdrawal even months after cessation. This is referred to as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).

PAWS is generally experienced by those with severe addiction and tend to last about 18-24 months. Addiction treatment programs and ongoing therapy can help users overcome PAWS successfully.

The duration of withdrawal depends on various factors, such as:

• The amount of Librium consumed.
• Length or duration of Librium abuse.
• The method of administration.

Since the half-life of Librium is between 5-30 hours, the onset of acute withdrawal will be delayed by several days to weeks. The withdrawal timeline for elderly users may increase as it takes much longer to eliminate the drug from their body during detoxification.

Individuals who consume a short-acting version of Librium may experience withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of discontinuation. However, their withdrawal symptoms tend to be much severe than others. Acute withdrawal symptoms for Librium addiction may typically remain for a couple of weeks to months, whereas PAWS may last for several months or years.

Overcoming Librium addiction can be a difficult process, but seeking help from treatment specialists can make the process much easier and safer. Medical detox and inpatient or outpatient rehab programs can help Librium users overcome their physical and psychological addiction to the drug. After the completion of inpatient or outpatient treatment, patients can receive further treatment through ongoing recovery programs such as therapy, relapse prevention education, and support groups.

The tapering down method is the most preferred treatment approach for controlling benzo withdrawal. This process involves gradually lowering Librium doses over a certain period to help minimize withdrawal symptoms while gradually giving the body time to get accustomed to the changes. This process can take several weeks to complete.

During the detox process, doctors may swap Librium with another benzo with a longer half-life, such as Diazepam (Valium), to suppress rebound symptoms. This medication is also a great alternative to manage severe acute withdrawal symptoms such as psychosis.

Other non-benzodiazepine medications, such as Clonidine, Propanolol, Melatonin, Vistaril, and Eszopiclone, can also be utilized during the detox process to curb rebound symptoms and insomnia.

Inpatient rehabs typically last between 28-90 days. However, some patients may stay longer, depending on the severity of their addiction. Inpatient treatment centers are an ideal choice for those diagnosed with a severe addiction as they offer the most comprehensive treatment programs. The controlled environment of inpatient rehabs keeps patients safe and secure at all times.

Most rehabs are well-structured with robust treatment components, such as:

Outpatient treatment is usually provided through hospitals, clinics, or private doctors’ offices. Most treatment centers also provide outpatient treatment as part of their aftercare programs.

Outpatient treatment is the best choice for individuals with a mild addiction to Librium as they require minimal supervision during detox and withdrawal. Outpatient rehabs are also the only option available for individuals with unavoidable obligations and responsibilities at home and work. However, it is vital to be accessed by an addiction specialist to help determine the best course of treatment for your addiction.

Outpatient treatment requires patients to meet up with treatment professionals for several hours a day. Patients are encouraged to participate in individual and group therapy sessions and attend classes on meditation, relaxation, relapse prevention, and coping skills. The patient is then allowed to return back home or to sober living homes after receiving treatment. Certain outpatient rehabs also offer medically-assisted detox and withdrawal services.

Continuing to meet a therapist after the completion of inpatient or outpatient treatment seed a sense of accountability in newly sober individuals while providing the support they require. A reliable support system is vital to preventing relapses in the initial weeks and months after treatment.

Other tips on preventing relapses are: