Research shows more than 5 million people misuse benzodiazepine medications. Librium is one example of this often-abused class, and misuse of the drug can involve considerable side effects and withdrawal risks. Fortunately, treatments are available to help people overcome Librium addiction.
What Is Librium?
Librium is a brand name for the drug chlordiazepoxide. Like other benzodiazepines, the medication works by slowing down the activities of the central nervous system. Health care providers commonly prescribe Librium for anxiety, to relax patients prior to surgical procedures and to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Not everyone who takes Librium uses the medication as directed. Some people may take more than the dosage recommended by their health care provider to increase the sedative effects of the drug. Others purchase the drug illegally and use it to get high or self-medicate symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as anxiety.
Is Librium Addictive?
Librium has the potential to cause physical and mental dependence, so health care providers classify it as an addictive drug. The risk of Librium addiction increases with long-term usage and high doses of the medication. As a result, health care providers typically prescribe it for only a few days or weeks at the lowest dose possible to achieve the desired results for patients.
Signs you or a loved one may be suffering from Librium addiction or dependence include:
- Intentionally taking more of the drug than prescribed or using it for longer or more frequently than a health care provider recommends
- Not being able to carry out personal, work or school responsibilities due to the effects of the drug
- Continuing to purchase and use the drug even when it causes financial hardship
- Experiencing problems in professional or personal relationships due to Librium use
- Withdrawing from social and recreational activities
- Onset of strong cravings or unpleasant symptoms when not using the drug
Librium Side Effect Risks and Dangers
Even when taken as directed by a health care provider, Librium can pose side effect risks. The most common side effects include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of balance
Additional side effects and risks of the drug include:
- Agitation
- Allergic reactions, which may be life-threatening in some cases
- Blood disorders
- Changes in libido
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Constipation
- Depression, which may lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Hallucinations
- Liver problems
- Uncontrollable muscle movements
Librium and other benzodiazepines can also cause central nervous system depression, resulting in shortness of breath, difficulty staying awake, loss of consciousness and even death. Central nervous system depression is the primary symptom of benzodiazepine overdoses, which can occur when a person takes too much Librium.
Benzodiazepine overdose rates are on the rise. From 2019 to 2020 alone, the number of overdose deaths due to illicit benzodiazepine use increased by 519.6%. During that time period, the number of deaths among people taking benzodiazepine with a prescription also rose by 21.8%.
Withdrawal From Librium Addiction
Once the body becomes physically dependent on Librium, discontinuing use of the drug can result in withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Irritability and agitation
- Memory problems
- Psychosis
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Sensitivity to smell
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Vomiting and nausea
While some people may experience only mild symptoms, Librium withdrawal can be fatal in other cases. As a result, health care providers typically advise against suddenly discontinuing use of Librium. Instead, doctors will typically recommend a stepped approach, with patients gradually taking less and less of the drug.
Among people who misuse the drug, Librium withdrawal can drive the cycle of abuse. Someone who’s dependent on the drug may continue taking it only to avoid withdrawal symptoms and continue with their daily life.
Treatment Options for Librium Abuse
Although Librium addiction can have devastating effects on a person’s health, career and personal relationships, it’s possible to overcome dependence through treatment. Treatment options for Librium misuse include the following.
Detox
Often the first step in Librium addiction treatment, detox is the process of discontinuing use of the drug in a safe, controlled environment. Medical professionals closely monitor the person throughout the detox process and are ready to intervene if dangerous symptoms arise. During detox, a person may receive medications and other treatments to reduce withdrawal symptoms. After detox, the person then usually proceeds to inpatient or outpatient rehab.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab is an intensive treatment option where a person remains at a rehab center around the clock for a short period. Lengths of programs vary, but most are 30, 60 or 90 days long. During the program, the person explores what led to their Librium addiction and learns coping strategies to avoid misusing the drug in the future through a combination of individual and group therapy sessions.
Outpatient Rehab
Like inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab helps a person understand their addiction and adopt strategies to avoid future misuse. The main difference is that the person doesn’t live at the rehab center. Instead, they visit a few times per week for group and individual therapy sessions, leaving them free to continue their everyday lives.
When to Call
If you or a loved one is struggling with Librium addiction, National Rehab Hotline is here to help. Trained counselors staff our free, confidential hotline 24 hours per day every day of the year and can provide information, guidance and support. They can also help you explore treatment options for Librium misuse and introduce you to resources, rehab centers and outpatient addiction treatment programs in your area. Give us a call now.