Librium addiction

It is easy to see why the use of benzodiazepines like Librium can lead to addiction – typically prescribed to treat anxiety, the pleasant, calming effects of these drugs can turn into a vice that is not easily escapable. In fact, studies have shown that 7.7% of the UK population have misused benzodiazepines like Librium. If you struggle to control your Librium use and want to get help for Librium addiction, Oasis Runcorn can offer the guidance and support you need.

Librium addiction: quick facts

• Librium is the brand name for chlordiazepoxide – this is only available on prescription in the UK, however, many people obtain the drug illegally and develop addiction.
• If you are caught in possession of Librium without a prescription, you could face up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
• Librium addiction develops when the drug frequently interacts with gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) – a neurotransmitter responsible for blocking signals in your central nervous system.
• Librium has a half-life of 24 to 48 hours, which means that 50% of the drug will be eliminated from your body’s system during this time.
• If you are addicted to Librium, it can be incredibly difficult to quit without professional help.

Who is at risk of Librium addiction?

Anyone who takes Librium is sadly at risk of becoming addicted, whether it is consumed recreationally or for a genuine medical need. There are some risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a Librium addiction, however. These include:

• Suffering from a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or PTSD
• Experiencing trauma, neglect or other negative life events
• Struggling to cope with stress and difficult situations
• Having a family history of addiction – addiction is largely influenced by genetics
• Taking Librium from a young age – the developing brain is more susceptible to its events

If you fall into one of these risk categories, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about Librium addiction and take proactive steps to prevent dependency from taking hold.

The path to Librium addiction

The path to Librium addiction can begin through recreational use (when the drug is taken in order to get ‘high’) or through a legitimate prescription. Either way, you will typically experience the same stages of addiction. The stages of Librium addiction include:

• Initial use: You take Librium for the first time and experience its positive effects – you will likely feel calm, relaxed and less-anxious. It is possible that any racing thoughts will be stilled and you may even feel a pleasant sense of relief.
• Regular use: You continue to take Librium regularly and a pattern of use emerges. Librium will become present in your day-to-day life.
• Risky use: In this stage, you will start to use Librium more frequently, outside of the ways in which it was prescribed. You may start to engage in risky behaviours while taking Librium, for example, mixing it with other substances or driving while under the influence.
• Dependence: Your tolerance builds and you need to take higher doses of Librium to feel its effects. You may start to experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit.
• Addiction to Librium: Dependency quickly turns into addiction – at this stage, you may feel like you need Librium just to get through the day.

Regardless of what stage you are at right now, if you feel your Librium use is escalating, we advise you to seek professional guidance on how to stop prescription drug addiction in its tracks.

Signs that you could be addicted to Librium

Are you concerned that your Librium use is getting out of control? Are you finding it difficult to get through the day without your regular dose? If so, you could have an addiction to Librium. It is important to look out for the signs of a developing Librium addiction and get help if you need it. Some of these signs include:

• Taking more Librium than prescribed or taking it more frequently than prescribed
• Experiencing cravings for Librium when not using
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you try to reduce or stop taking Librium
• Needing increasingly higher doses of Librium to feel the same effects
• Neglecting work, school or other responsibilities in favour of taking Librium
• Experiencing problems in your relationships as a result of Librium
• Continuing to use Librium despite any negative consequences

If any of the above scenarios apply to you, it is possible that you have an addiction to Librium. If this is the case, Oasis Runcorn can offer you the helping hand you need to overcome it.

The impact of Librium addiction

Although Librium can be beneficial when taken for legitimate medical reasons, the misuse of this drug can have devastating consequences to your health and well being.

Some of the physical health problems associated with Librium addiction include:

• Drowsiness and sedation
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Problems with vision
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness and slow reflexes
• Tremors
• Low blood pressure
• Liver damage

Due to the sedative effects of Librium, taking too much or combining it with other depressants can have dangerous consequences, including respiratory depression and death.

Librium addiction can also impact your mental health. You may experience:

• Depression
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Memory issues
• Rebound anxiety

On top of the implications to your health, Librium addiction can also affect your work and personal life too. The constant need to consume Librium can take over your whole life, putting a strain on your relationships, causing arguments and tension.

You may also experience an inability to perform at work, often being late or missing shifts altogether, and eventually this could lead to job loss. This, coupled with the expense of your Librium addiction, can leave you in financial ruin.

The good news is that these problems can be fixed. With the help of the Oasis Runcorn team, you can get your life back on track.

How can I tell if a loved one is addicted to Librium?

Recognising a Librium addiction in someone else can be particularly challenging, especially if they were prescribed the drug for a genuine medical need. It is possible that even they will not see a problem with their Librium use straight away. However, there are several warning signs that can indicate a developing issue. Some of these include:

• Attending multiple doctors’ appointments in order to get a Librium prescription
• Lying or exaggerating symptoms in order to get more Librium
• A preoccupation with obtaining and taking Librium
• Complaining that they cannot get any Librium
• Buying Librium illegally, either online or from the streets
• Neglecting responsibilities and commitments
• Losing interest in formerly enjoyed hobbies
• Changes in behaviour and sleep patterns

If you have observed any of the above signs in a loved one, it is important to approach the situation with care and concern. Let them know you are there to support them, and refrain from blaming them or making judgemental statements about their Librium use.

Librium addiction: help is on the horizon

Oasis Runcorn offers Librium addiction treatment in the tranquillity of our rehab centre, providing holistic and compassionate care to all of our clients. Our team of experts can guide you through the challenges of detox when you stop taking Librium and help you to manage your withdrawal symptoms safely.

We also offer a broad range of effective therapies designed to tackle any psychological or emotional wounds that may be exacerbating your Librium addiction. Our highly skilled therapists will help you to delve into the root causes of your Librium use, pinpoint your triggers and teach you coping mechanisms and relapse prevention techniques to take forward.

If you are ready to take back control and quit Librium for good, Oasis Runcorn is here to help. Don’t let your Librium addiction do any more damage – it’s time to get the support you need.

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