Librium addiction

Librium, also known as ‘chlordiazepoxide’, is a benzodiazepine drug usually prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and muscle pains. Librium addiction can develop in anyone who takes the drug for an extended period of time as the calming effect of Librium, paired with its interaction with the brain’s neurotransmitters, means that a habit can quickly form with frequent use.

If you are worried that you or a loved one may be addicted to Librium, it is important to know that you are not alone. Reach out to Primrose Lodge today if you would like help in overcoming Librium addiction.

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How does Librium addiction develop?

Librium affects the brain by interacting with neurotransmitters – these are the chemicals that send messages between nerve cells. Librium increases the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission. This action results in the calming, sedative effect for which Librium is prescribed, and triggers the brain’s reward system.

With frequent use, your brain becomes accustomed to the effects of Librium and the increased levels of GABA. As your Librium use progresses, you may need to take it just to feel normal, and you could experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to reduce or stop taking the drug.

Eventually, you’ll find yourself requiring more and more Librium to feel the same effects. This is known as tolerance and is a key sign that you may be developing a Librium addiction.

Signs and symptoms of Librium addiction

Using Librium brings with it a range of unpleasant physical and psychological ramifications, manifesting in both long and short-term side effects. Some of these side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Muscle weakness
  • Slow reflexes
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Confusion
  • Skin problems
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Low blood pressure
  • Changes in libido
  • Liver problems, including jaundice
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations

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Combining Librium with other substances, such as alcohol or illicit drugs like cocaine or heroin, increases the risk of respiratory problems, coma, and overdose, and can be fatal. If you are experiencing any of the above side effects, it is important to speak with a medical professional and get the help you need to defeat your Librium addiction.

Who is at risk of developing Librium addiction?

Anyone who takes Librium for an extended period of time is at risk of developing a Librium addiction, however, there are some factors that may increase your risk. These include:

  • A family history of addiction: according to studies, genetics play a large role in whether you develop an addiction.
  • Those suffering from co-occurring mental health issues: individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues may take Librium as a way to self-medicate.
  • Using Librium at a young age: studies suggest that drug users under the age of 25 are more likely to develop an addiction.
  • Those who have experienced previous trauma: experiencing traumatic past events can lead individuals to use Librium as a way to cope.

While Librium addiction can impact anyone, at any time, if you fall into one of these categories you are at an exceptionally higher risk of developing an addiction.

Am I addicted to Librium?

Librium is a legal prescription drug, meaning that misuse can often go unnoticed; it is easy to think that, because it is prescribed by a doctor, no harm can come from its use. Often, users will deny they have a problem, and it is possible that the dangers of abusing this drug will not even be considered.

If you are wondering whether you are addicted to Librium, it is important to be honest with yourself. Take our quick quiz to find out if you could be addicted to Librium:

  • Do you use Librium more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed?
  • Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Librium, such as anxiety, tremors, sweating and nausea?
  • Do you crave Librium or think about it often?
  • Have you developed a tolerance to Librium, and need more of the drug to feel its effects?
  • Have you neglected work, school, or family responsibilities in order to use Librium?
  • Do you continue to use Librium despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems or financial difficulties?

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If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, it is likely you have an addiction to Librium. While this can be difficult to overcome on your own, recovery is possible with the right treatment programme.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss Librium addiction treatment options, contact us today. Don’t wait until your Librium addiction is out of control – the earlier you seek help, the easier your recovery will be.

What are the negative impacts of Librium addiction?

Librium addiction can have a number of negative consequences, both for the individual suffering from addiction and their loved ones. These include:

Physical health problems
Librium addiction can lead to a number of long-term physical health problems, including liver damage. Chronic Librium use puts a great deal of strain on the liver as it has to work hard to metabolise the drug. On top of this, you may experience muscle weakness and tremors with prolonged use.

As with any addiction, your need for consumption will overtake everything else in your life. Ensuring a healthy diet and regular exercise will not be a priority for most addicted to Librium and your physical health will suffer as a result.

Psychological health problems
Those suffering from Librium addiction are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. With regular use, you may notice other side effects, including confusion, mood swings, agitation and memory loss. As your Librium addiction takes hold, the more intense these symptoms will be, and in extreme cases, you may become the victim of psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia and delusions.

The vicious cycle of Librium abuse often continues as users try to quell worsening mental health issues with higher doses of the drug.

Relationship problems
Librium addiction can cause tension in personal relationships, and may even lead to divorce or estrangement from family members. Watching a loved one battle Librium addiction can be extremely tough, and without professional help, it is very easy to say and do the wrong things. Unfortunately, under such enormous strain, relationships can often break.
Financial problems
Librium addiction can grow to be expensive and may lead to financial difficulties such as debt or bankruptcy. As you find yourself needing increasingly larger doses of Librium, costs begin to add up.

Librium addiction can also result in lost productivity at work, and may eventually lead to job loss, which only adds to the financial burden. The stress of financial problems can often prompt the user to turn to Librium as a way of coping.

Despite the devastating and seemingly overwhelming consequences Librium has on your life, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The good news is that all of these issues are fixable – with the right support, you can repair your physical and mental health, rebuild relationships, and get your career back on track.

Primrose Lodge can offer you the vital resources you need to overcome Librium addiction and start your journey to a happier, healthier life.

Helping someone with Librium addiction: what not to do

It can be very difficult to watch a loved one suffer from Librium addiction, but it is important to remember that their condition does not define them. They most likely need your support now more than ever, and having someone to talk openly to could mean the world of difference in their recovery.

It is, however, crucial to avoid any actions that could inadvertently enable their Librium addiction. Families often try to help their loved one but do not realise that their efforts are in fact prolonging the drug abuse. Some things you should avoid doing include:

  • Making excuses for their behaviour
  • Covering up their Librium use
  • Lying to others on their behalf
  • Taking on their responsibilities
  • Doing things for them that they should be doing for themselves
  • Allowing them to use your home as a place to abuse Librium
  • Giving them money when you know it will be spent on Librium

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If you are worried about a loved one’s Librium abuse, the best thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional help. Be open and honest with them about your feelings, and actively listen and acknowledge their response.

If you need help broaching the subject of Librium addiction with your loved one, the Primrose Lodge team can offer advice and guidance, as well as family support.

Can Librium addiction be overcome?

If you are ready and willing to make a change, Librium addiction can certainly be overcome. With the right treatment, it is possible to live a happy and healthy life without the need to use Librium.

At Primrose Lodge, we offer a comprehensive rehabilitation programme that includes detox, a range of therapies, and aftercare planning. Our team of experts will work closely with you to ensure that you have the best possible chance of achieving long-term sobriety.

Next steps

The road to recovery may seem daunting but with the right guidance and support, you can live a life free from the chains of Librium addiction. Our team of experienced addiction specialists can provide you with the information and resources you need to get clean and stay clean.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be at ‘rock bottom’ before I get help for Librium addiction?
It’s a common misconception that someone needs to hit ‘rock bottom’ before they can get help for Librium addiction. The truth is, there is no single ‘right’ time to seek treatment. Some people may wait until they’ve lost everything before getting help, but others may decide to seek treatment sooner. The important thing is that you reach out for help when you’re ready. However, it is important to remember Librium addiction is a progressive disease, which means it will continue to get worse without treatment. Waiting to get help until things are at their worst can be dangerous.
Does Primrose Lodge treat co-occurring disorders during Librium rehab?
Primrose Lodge provides a variety of therapy techniques that not only treat Librium addiction, but also support co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. Our programme aims to treat you as a whole, focusing on the root causes of your drug use. As addiction often comes hand in hand with mental health disorders, this is vital to ensure you stay clean long-term.
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Calls and contact requests are answered by admissions at

UK Addiction Treatment Group.

We look forward to helping you take your first step.

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