Librium Addiction Treatment That Actually Works

Librium is the brand name for the drug chlordiazepoxide. Belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (along with Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin), Librium may be prescribed for short-term management of conditions such as anxiety, panic, or sleep disorders. Librium may also be used to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Librium and other benzodiazepines affect the brain and nervous system by improving the ability of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to bind with receptors.

GABA is a neurotransmitter chemical responsible for the suppression of sensory excitation and communication between nerves in the brain and body. Increased receptivity reduces anxiety and tension and produces feelings of relaxation, calmness, and sleepiness – as well as loss of coordination and impaired judgment.

Besides changing the way GABA interacts with receptors, Librium also releases dopamine (one of the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals), which brings on feelings of euphoria. With chronic use, the body starts to build up a tolerance, meaning users need to take more and more to get the same effects. Over time, the brain will start to depend on the drug to release dopamine and allow for normal functioning.

As a result, when long-time Librium users suddenly stop taking it, their brains respond less strongly to normal GABA levels, and they no longer produce enough dopamine naturally. This causes the brain and nerves to become extremely sensitive and agitated, producing Librium withdrawal symptoms.

The physical and mental withdrawal symptoms typically set in within a few hours following the last dose. Factors such as duration and frequency of use, as well as dosage, mean that withdrawal symptoms will vary from user to user, but they typically include:

• Increased anxiety and nervousness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Panic
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Muscle spasms/tension
• Intense sweating
• Memory issues
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

The most effective way to treat Librium withdrawal is through a combination of medically supervised detox and psychological support to help users learn to cope with stress and anxiety naturally.

Medical detox for Librium involves carefully tapering down a patient’s dose under medical supervision. This gradual reduction in dose, as opposed to discontinuing it completely, allows the patient’s body to adjust to lower and lower levels without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physicians may also prescribe other medications, including longer-acting benzodiazepines like Valium, as well as aids such as antidepressants or beta-blockers that have been shown to alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms.

Librium is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, so its effects wear off fairly quickly, and withdrawal symptoms typically set in as soon as the drug is out of a user’s system – about 12-20 hours after the last dose.

The amount of time a person will experience withdrawal symptoms depends on individual factors like how long they’ve been taking it and at what dosage, but the typical timeline looks something like this:

Initial withdrawal phase (~1 – 7 days) – Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Acute withdrawal phase (~7 days – 3 weeks) – This phase is where most people experience the worst symptoms and are at risk for things like seizures that require close medical supervision.

Post-acute withdrawal phase (~3 weeks – months to years) – Duration and severity of post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary greatly, especially if there are underlying psychological issues such as anxiety or panic disorder.

Librium abuse can result in a number of unpleasant effects, including:

• Short-term memory loss
• Flashbacks
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Muscle pain
• Uncontrollable muscle twitches
• Migraines
• Seizures
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression

While Librium  addiction and overdose are the main concerns, one of the other dangers associated with benzodiazepine abuse is that many users combine them with other substances such as alcohol and opiates – which can greatly amplify the effects of both substances.

This polysubstance abuse can profoundly impair a user’s short-term memory, judgment, and coordination, increasing their chance for accidental injury and/or a potentially fatal overdose.

The exact signs and symptoms of chronic Librium abuse vary by the individual, but often include:

• Drowsiness
• Sleeping for long periods of time
• Impaired thinking and judgment
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Short-term memory loss
• Sluggishness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Delirium

Chronic Librium abuse may lead to changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and work performance. Users with anxiety/panic disorders often experience a rebound effect once the medication wears off, leading to extreme anxiety symptoms.

Overdosing on Librium is possible if taken in excess of the prescribed maximum dosage, and the likelihood of a severe or fatal overdose increases when it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

High doses of benzodiazepines can have serious side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Coma