Librium addiction
Did you know that Librium, a drug meant to calm anxiety, can become the very source of turmoil in your life? For people suffering from Librium addiction, this is precisely the case. There are various routes to Librium addiction but whatever your route, freeing yourself from its grip may seem like an impossible feat. However, it is crucial to understand that you’re not alone, and there is hope for recovery. Banbury Lodge has helped many people overcome Librium addiction and begin to repair the damage it’s caused.
What is Librium?
Librium, the most common brand name of chlordiazepoxide, is a prescription benzodiazepine drug that is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, help people relax before surgery and to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It works by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that produces a calming effect. However, like other drugs in its family, Librium can be abused for its sedative effects which can lead to various issues including Librium addiction.
Librium facts
- Librium is a controlled substance in the UK which is only available on prescription.
- Librium is available in tablet form, and its effects last for 6 to 8 hours.
- Librium can interact with alcohol and other drugs leading to severe side effects.
- Librium should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Librium is at the root of many cases of prescription drug addiction.
What is Librium addiction?
Librium addiction is a form of benzodiazepine addiction where you compulsively take Librium despite its negative consequences. It can develop in anyone who uses Librium, regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status but once you are addicted to Librium, it usually requires professional help to overcome the condition.
How does Librium addiction develop?
It is a chronic and progressive condition with both physical and psychological aspects.
On a physical level, When you first start taking Librium, it enhances the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter responsible for inhibiting nerve activity in the brain, producing a calming effect. As you continue to use the drug, your brain starts to adapt to the increased GABA levels caused by Librium and becomes less responsive to its effects. This requires you to take higher doses until, eventually, your body gets so used to the drug that it becomes physically dependent on it to function normally.
When you stop taking Librium after developing physical dependence, your brain struggles to re-establish balanced neurotransmitter levels, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, reflecting the brain’s attempts to recalibrate itself in the absence of the drug.
On a psychological level, Librium addiction stems from a combination of factors, including:
- Genetic predispositions
- Environmental influences
- Personal experiences
Some of the risk factors that increase the chances of Librium addiction include:
Using Librium to self-medicate for stress, trauma, emotional pain or mental health disorders
- A family history of addiction or previous addiction issues yourself
- Engaging in recreational Librium abuse either by taking the drug on its own for its pleasant, sedative effects or to enhance the effects of alcohol or other substances.
- Peer pressure or social influence leading to an increased chance of experimentation including Librium abuse
- Easy access to Librium through a friend or family member with a prescription or an illegal dealer
Whatever the underlying causes the psychological component of Librium addiction leads to compulsive drug-seeking behaviours, cravings and a loss of control over Librium use, despite it causing problems in your life.
Am I addicted to Librium?
Recognising the signs of Librium addiction is crucial for early intervention and successful recovery. However, identifying these signs can be challenging, especially if you were prescribed Librium for legitimate reasons.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself to determine if you may be addicted to Librium:
- Do I take more Librium than prescribed or intended?
- Have I tried to cut back on Librium use but failed?
- Do I experience withdrawal symptoms when I try to stop taking Librium?
- Do I spend a lot of time obtaining, using or recovering from Librium use?
- Do I neglect important activities, such as work or school, to use Librium?
- Do I continue to use Librium despite negative consequences, such as health problems or relationship issues?
- Have I given up social, occupational or recreational activities because of my Librium use?
- Do I use Librium to cope with stress or emotions?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a problem with Librium abuse and addiction and should seek help.
The effects of Librium addiction
The effects of Librium abuse and addiction can be devastating and far-reaching, affecting every aspect of your health, happiness and future prospects.
Here are some of the most common effects of Librium addiction:
- Physical health effects: Librium abuse can lead to physical health problems, such as respiratory depression, liver damage and heart problems.
- Mental health effects: Librium abuse and addiction can worsen existing mental health disorders or cause new ones, such as anxiety, depression or psychosis.
- Relationship problems: Librium addiction can strain relationships with family, friends and romantic partners, leading to conflict, mistrust and isolation (isolation is always addiction’s best friend because it can keep you trapped in a cycle of your own negative thoughts and behaviours).
- Job and education problems: Librium addiction can affect job and school performance and attendance leading to job loss or educational failure.
- Legal issues: Librium abuse can lead to legal problems, such as driving under the influence or possession of a controlled substance.
- Financial problems: Librium addiction can drain your financial resources due to the money you need to spend feeding your habit.
With such all-encompassing effects, seeking professional help for Librium addiction as soon as possible is critical for overcoming the condition before issues become irreparable.
What does Librium addiction treatment entail?
Librium addiction treatment typically involves two main components:
Librium detox: This is the process of safely and comfortably removing the drug from your body, under medical supervision. The duration of this process depends on the severity of your Librium addiction, the withdrawal symptoms you experience and your individual physical and mental health.
Librium rehab: This stage addresses the psychological and behavioural aspects of Librium addiction through therapy, counselling and support groups. It can last for several weeks to several months depending on your individual needs and progress.
What are the signs of Librium abuse?
It can be challenging to identify Librium abuse, especially if the person is trying to hide their Librium use or if they were originally prescribed Librium for a legitimate medical reason.
Here are some subtle signs of Librium abuse to look out for:
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Secretive or defensive behaviour
- Running out of their Librium prescription ahead of schedule
- Having multiple Librium prescriptions at any one time
- Clearly taking more Librium than you know they are supposed to
- Making unclear excuses for excess or prolonged use
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Social isolation or withdrawal
- Financial problems or borrowing money frequently
- Unexplained absences or missed appointments
Remember that some of these could be signs of a different issue so if you suspect your loved one may be abusing Librium, it’s essential to approach them with your concerns to find out what is really happening.
What to do if your loved one is addicted to Librium
If your loved one is addicted to Librium, providing the right support could be crucial in helping them overcome their addiction.
Here are some practical steps you can take to support them:
Talk to them about your concerns…
Let your loved one know that you’re worried about them and encourage them to seek help.
Educate yourself…
Learn as much as you can about Librium addiction so you can advise them from a place of knowledge.
Offer practical support…
Letting your loved one know that you’re there for them and willing to support them through the recovery process can be critical. For example, offering to take care of their home or children while they are getting help or so they are reassured they can take the time needed to get better.
Encourage treatment…
Suggest that your loved one seek professional help by showing them this page or explaining what you have learned about Librium addiction and recovery.
Set boundaries…
Be clear about your boundaries and expectations, such as not tolerating drug use, lending them any money or any other enabling behaviour.
Seek support…
Consider seeking support for yourself, such as counselling or support groups, to cope with the stress and challenges of helping a loved one with Librium addiction.
How to get help for Librium addiction
If you or your loved one is struggling with Librium addiction, know that there is help available and you don’t need to suffer alone. Contact Banbury Lodge today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and take the first step towards recovery.