Librium, a brand name for chlordiazepoxide, is a prescription drug from the benzos (benzodiazepine) family known for its calming effects. It's used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms by boosting GABA, a brain chemical that helps calm nerve activity. Introduced in the 1960s, Librium quickly became a popular treatment for anxiety and alcohol dependence.
Some street names for Librium include:
- Libs
- Bennies
- Downers
- Tranqs
- Normies
- L
- Blue Bombs
Librium can be helpful but also has a high risk of addiction and abuse. Long-term or improper use can lead to dependence, so it's important to know the risks. If you or a loved one suffer from Librium addiction, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
Is Librium Addictive?
You may be wondering, “Can you get addicted to Librium?” Yes, Librium, whose generic name is chlordiazepoxide, can be highly addictive, particularly when used for an extended period or at higher doses than prescribed. Librium is a benzodiazepine that calms the brain by boosting GABA, a chemical that reduces nerve activity. This helps treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal but can also cause dependency.
Benzodiazepines, including Librium, are known for their potential to cause physical and psychological dependence, especially when taken for longer than recommended. Over time, the body can develop tolerance to Librium, meaning that the same dose no longer produces the desired effects. As tolerance builds, users may take higher or more frequent doses, which increases the risk of addiction.
Psychological dependence can also develop as individuals become reliant on the calming effects of Librium to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. This dependence can create a cycle where the person feels they need the drug to function normally, leading to misuse.
What Are Librium Addiction Signs?
These are some Librium addiction signs:
Doctor Shopping: Individuals abusing Librium may visit multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain extra prescriptions. This tactic, known as "doctor shopping," is a red flag for substance abuse.
Increasing Dosage Without Medical Approval: Abusers often begin increasing their dosage without consulting their doctor, as the body builds tolerance to the drug’s effects.
Preoccupation with the Drug: A person abusing Librium may become fixated on acquiring and using the drug, neglecting other aspects of life such as work, relationships, and hobbies.
Neglect of Responsibilities: As the addiction progresses, individuals often neglect important responsibilities at work, school, or home. This may manifest as missed deadlines, poor performance, or an inability to complete everyday tasks.
Engaging in Risky Behaviors: People abusing Librium may take dangerous risks, such as driving while under the influence or using other illicit substances in conjunction with the drug to enhance its effects.
Anxiety and Agitation: While Librium is meant to treat anxiety, abusing it can paradoxically cause increased feelings of anxiety or restlessness, particularly when the drug starts to wear off or if a dose is missed.
Depression: Long-term misuse of Librium can lead to mood disturbances, including depressive symptoms. This is especially common when the individual becomes physically dependent and feels trapped by their addiction.
Isolation: The person may withdraw from friends, family, and social activities, preferring to spend time alone or with others who misuse drugs.
Financial Problems: Abusing Librium can become costly, especially when individuals need to purchase the drug illegally. This may lead to unexplained financial difficulties or borrowing money frequently.
Memory Problems: Chronic Librium abuse can impair cognitive functions, particularly memory. This may lead to frequent forgetfulness or confusion about events that occurred while under the influence of the drug.
Irritability or Mood Swings: Those abusing Librium may experience rapid mood changes, swinging between euphoria while high and irritability or anger when they are not using the drug.
Withdrawal Symptoms: One of the most telling signs of Librium abuse is the onset of withdrawal symptoms when the individual tries to reduce or stop taking the drug. These symptoms can include sweating, tremors, nausea, vomiting, and even seizures.
Librium Side Effects
These are some of the Librium side effects:
Drowsiness or Fatigue: One of the most common side effects of Librium is sedation. People abusing the drug often experience excessive drowsiness, fatigue, and a sluggish demeanor.
Coordination and Motor Problems: Abusing Librium can result in difficulty walking, clumsiness, or an unsteady gait, making the person more prone to accidents or falls.
Blurred Vision: Chronic misuse of Librium can impair vision, causing the individual to experience frequent episodes of blurred or double vision.
Slurred Speech: As Librium slows brain function, speech may become slurred or slowed, especially at higher doses.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Regular abuse can cause dizziness or vertigo, which often worsens with increasing dosages.
Breathing Problems: In severe cases of abuse, Librium can suppress the respiratory system, leading to shallow or labored breathing, especially when taken in combination with other depressants like alcohol or opioids.
Librium Abuse Statistics
Approximately 2.1% of American adults have misused benzodiazepines at some point in their lives. Among those who have been prescribed benzodiazepines, the rate of misuse rises to 17.1% It is believed that 80% of benzodiazepine misuse is connected to a broader cycle of polydrug abuse.
Librium Drug Combinations
Librium is often abused in combination with other substances, which increases the risk of overdose, breathing problems and death. One of the most dangerous combinations is using Librium with opioids or alcohol. Both Librium and these substances suppress the central nervous system, leading to potentially life-threatening breathing problems. Other common drug combinations include Librium with cocaine or other stimulants, as users attempt to balance the "high" of stimulants with the calming effects of Librium with potentially deadly results.
Librium’s Classification
Librium is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. This classification means that while Librium has accepted medical uses, it also has a potential for abuse and addiction, though the risk is considered lower than drugs classified under Schedules I, II, or III.
Treatment for Librium Abuse and Addiction
Overcoming Librium addiction requires a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of dependence. The first step in treatment is usually a medically supervised detox. Because withdrawal from Librium can be dangerous and even life-threatening in severe cases, it is essential to undergo detox under medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms may include seizures, hallucinations, and extreme anxiety.
Following detox, individuals typically enter a rehab program, which can be either inpatient or outpatient. These programs involve therapy, counseling, and support groups to help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction and develop strategies for staying sober. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common approach used to treat benzodiazepine addiction, as it helps individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with drug use.
In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Medications such as antidepressants or non-addictive anti-anxiety drugs might be prescribed to help manage the underlying conditions that led to Librium use in the first place.
Overcome Librium Addiction at Avenues Recovery
If you or a loved one suffers from Librium abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Our expert staff have helped over 40,000 individuals transform their lives, and they can help you too! We provide cutting-edge treatment, using a wide array of therapeutic modalities, combined with a highly personalized approach. Contact us today to join our warm and supportive recovery community, and begin your journey to the healthier, happier, and addiction-free future you deserve.