Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) Addiction Treatment in New Hampshire

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Librium is a prescription medication that your doctor might recommend to try to address serious health conditions. While many people benefit from using this drug, the downside is that Librium is also known to be habit-forming. Taking a look at how an addiction to Librium develops and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of a problem ensures that you can get the help you need for a healthy recovery.

Why Do Doctors Prescribe Librium?

Librium falls into the category of medications called Benzodiazepines and is a schedule IV regulated drug as classified by the Controlled Substances Act. Drugs that fall within this category are known for their calming effects on the nervous system. Doctors typically prescribe Librium for short-term use to address health conditions such as anxiety disorders and insomnia.

In some cases, a doctor might also prescribe this drug to help people through acute alcohol withdrawal. The sedative effects of Librium is known to also help with treating seizures, irritable bowel disorders and muscle tension. While most people do fine taking the medication according to their prescription, others may be susceptible to misusing the drug to achieve stronger effects over time.

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Taking This Medication?

Librium, previously the brand name for the benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide, slows down brain activity by acting as a central nervous system depressant. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter in the body. Similar to other Benzos, Librium can reduce feelings of anxiety and generate a deep sense of relaxation and positive well-being. Some people feel drowsy on the medication, which is why it sometimes gets misused by people who are dealing with high levels of stress or insomnia.

What Is Drug Tolerance?

The effects of using Librium can diminish over time as the body develops tolerance to the drug. Tolerance simply means that the body has physically adjusted to the effects of the drug, which typically requires someone to use more of the medication to achieve the desired feeling of well-being.

Naturally, taking higher doses of Librium without a doctor’s approval increases the risk of overdose. Some people may also mix Librium with other drugs or alcohol to generate intenser effects, which also raises the risk of addiction along with negative health effects that require hospitalization.

What Are the Signs of Librium Addiction?

Needing to take more of the drug is a clear sign that you or someone you love might be developing an addiction to Librium. You might also notice the following side effects of librium use that are more likely to occur when someone is misusing the drug.

• slowed speech
• excessive sleepiness
• delayed reactions
• dizziness
• loss of coordination
• confusion
• depression

If someone is using more of the drug than their prescription allows for, then it is possible that they may begin doctor shopping in an attempt to get additional prescriptions. Or, they might try to tell their doctor they lost their pills. Turning to buying drugs on the street is another behavior that may occur if a person struggles to meet the needs of their addiction.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that taking Librium in frequent or high doses can sometimes cause what is called paradoxical disinhibition. In this case, a person might experience the opposite effects that you would expect from the drug. Aggression, hostility and impulsive behavioral health conditions can also occur. These behaviors could be from Librium alone or the result of mixing other drugs with the medication.

Can You Develop an Addiction to Multiple Drugs?

People who already struggle with an addiction to another type of drug sometimes try to use Librium to alleviate their withdrawal symptoms from opiates or alcohol. While physicians may prescribe Librium for this use, you never want to attempt to use the medication to address another addiction on your own.

You can also develop physical dependence and addiction to other drugs that you use along with Librium to intensify its effects. People who are prone to addiction tend to combine drugs, and becoming addicted to one type indicates that you could easily develop a dependency on another. If you worry about being addicted to multiple substances at once, then it helps to know that you can treat them all at once.

Professional addiction treatment centers frequently help people with multiple addictions. Your treatment team can even help you manage any coexisting mental health conditions that influence your need to use multiple drugs and alcohol at the same time.

What Are the Symptoms of an Overdose?

As upsetting as it may be, it is also important to take a realistic look at the worst effects that misusing Librium can lead to. Since the medication depresses the central nervous system, taking too much or combining it with other drugs can lead to an overdose.

The primary symptoms of an overdose tend to include respiratory distress, extreme drowsiness, blacking out or low blood pressure. If someone becomes unresponsive or shows signs of an overdose, then it is important to seek emergency medical attention immediately. Once the person’s condition stabilizes, they can then work with their treatment team to begin a safe recovery.

Can You Stop Taking Librium On Your Own?

Librium abuse withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. Similar to alcohol withdrawal, it is possible to develop seizures and delirium tremens that can become life-threatening. Typically, it is best to begin your recovery under the supervision of an addiction treatment professional.

When you first contact a treatment center, you’ll undergo a physical and mental health assessment that can determine if you’ll benefit from a supervised medical detox program that helps you through the first days of quitting the drug.

What Are Common Withdrawal Symptoms?

Most of the acute librium withdrawal symptoms that you might experience after quitting happen in the first few hours or days. Knowing about these symptoms can help you to prepare for making it through your first days of recovery.

• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Hand tremors
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensory sensitivity
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Intense cravings
• Anxiety and/or depression

What Types of Treatment Are Available?

Dealing with withdrawal effects is a temporary challenge that is better overcome with compassionate health care. You’ll find several different options for Librium addiction treatment that are all research-proven to be effective in giving people a stronger chance of enjoying a long-term recovery. Many of the treatment options can even be combined to give you an even higher chance of success.

The majority of people who develop an addiction to Librium will need to first go through a detox treatment program. During detox, trained medical professionals will monitor your health and offer strategies to help your body physically adjust to no longer having the substances in your system.

Once you work through the first days of recovery, you’ll then begin other forms of treatment to address the underlying reasons why you misuse Librium. Some people might need a non-habit-forming prescription medication to manage a coexisting mental health condition such as anxiety. Most people will need individual counseling to work through their personal challenges in addiction recovery. You might also benefit from group and family therapy where you’ll learn how to cope with your addiction as you transition back to your life at home.

How Do You Talk To Your Loved One About Addiction?

When you suspect that a loved one has an addiction, it can be hard to know how to bring up the topic in a way that leads to them admitting that they need help. Talking to an addiction treatment professional about how to plan an intervention can give you tools to use for this important conversation.

When you’re ready to talk to your loved one, it’s important to do so with a non-judgmental tone. Mentioning behaviors that you’ve witnessed is one way to stick to the facts. You might also mention that you are worried about them having an overdose or mixing too many of the wrong types of substances or prescription drugs.

If you suspect that you might have an addiction yourself, then it is important to be honest. Letting someone else know that you are struggling with Librium misuse gives you the support you need to begin recovering.

Get Professional Help With Overcoming Your Librium Addiction

Admitting that you have a problem is never easy, but moving forward with your recovery can give you a renewed opportunity to live a life that is free from the constraints that you experience in active addiction. Reach out to a member of our caring team at Live Free Recovery Services today. We’ll help you begin the process of determining which types of treatment plans you need to end your reliance on Librium and begin building a life that you enjoy in recovery.