Understanding Librium Addiction – Signs and Symptoms

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Librium is a brand name for the prescription medication, chlordiazepoxide. It’s used to treat withdrawal symptoms of alcohol as well as anxiety. It may also be given to patients who are about to go into surgery if they are having a lot of anxiety. It can also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Librium is considered a benzodiazepine like Xanax, Valium and Klonopin. This means that it is a depressant and slows down the activity of the brain. It also means that it can be addictive when misuesd.

Certain people are more prone to Librium addiction than others. For example, veterans who are prescribed Librium for PTSD may ultimately become addicted to the medication. People who have underlying mental illnesses are also more likely to become addicted to medication for anxiety.

The Effects of Librium on the Body

Librium slows down the activity in the brain, and it’s short-term effects may include:

  • Relaxation
  • Anxiety relief
  • Feelings of well being
  • Drowsiness

There may be phsyical and psychological side effects associated with using Librium such as:

  • Dry mouth
  • Weakness
  • Coordination problems
  • Uncontrolled eye movements
  • Upset stomach
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slowed breathing
  • Coma
  • Stupor
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Unsteady gait
  • Dizziness
  • Slurred speech
  • Depression
  • Emotional blunting
  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Difficulty concentrating

Long-Term Effects of Abusing Librium

There are many reasons people may begin abusing Librium. Whether they are trying to increase the effects of alcohol, self-manage symptoms of alcohol or opioid withdrawal, come down from a stimulant high or simply get addicted to Librium because they like the way it makes them feel, there are some long-term effects of Librium abuse that you need to be aware of:

  • Tolerance – requiring more amounts of Librium to acheive the same effect
  • Physical dependence – Librium use causes changes in the brain and the body becomes chemically dependent on the substance.
  • Polydrug abuse – In many cases, users who abuse Librium or other benzodiazepines are using these substances with other substances.

Librium Withdrawal Symptoms

In the event that a user stops Librium abruptly, there can be extremely dangerous and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms including:

  • Hand tremors
  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Rebound anxiety
  • Unintentional and repetitive movements
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Rebound insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli

In order to minimize withdrawal symptoms, it’s advised that patients detoxing from Librium seek medically-assisted detox that is available in detox centers as well as national treatment centers such as The Recovery Village Ridgefield.

Librium Addiction Treatment

If you are addicted to this substance, it’s important that you seek Librium treatment at a reliable treatment facility. The Recovery Village Ridgefield is one such facility that has helped many people acheive healing and recovery. With the medically-assisted detox programs we provide as well as treatment programs–residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient–we are dedicated to helping you find a path to long-term recovery.

Located close to Vancouver, Washington; Seattle, Washington; Tacoma, Washington; Portland, Oregon and Eugene, Oregon, our facility features highly skilled addiction experts that are committed to your recovery. Contact us today, and begin your journey.