Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) Symptoms And Warning Signs

Signs Of Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) Abuse

Librium is a long-acting prescription benzodiazepine with a high potential for abuse. Because the drug is habit-forming, it’s typically only recommended for short-term use. Librium is no longer available under the brand name but is available under its generic name, chlordiazepoxide.

Many people who abuse Librium do not realize they’re at risk for developing an addiction.

There are several different reasons why people start abusing chlordiazepoxide. A user who is prescribed chlordiazepoxide can develop tolerance, meaning they’ll no longer feel the drug’s full effects when taking their prescribed dosage, because their body has adjusted to the current dose. In an attempt to make the drug more effective again, the user may begin increasing their dosage without consulting their doctor.

Chlordiazepoxide, like many other benzodiazepines, causes euphoria and relaxation, and therefore, many people abuse this prescription medication to get high. Other causes of Librium abuse include:

• People may use it to boost the effects of other drugs, such as opioids or alcohol.
• Many central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as chlordiazepoxide, are misused to cope with past trauma or mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
• Some may misuse chlordiazepoxide to feel numb or escape their emotions.

Signs and symptoms of chlordiazepoxide abuse include:

Recognizing A Librium Addiction

Chlordiazepoxide addiction typically manifests in social, physical, and interpersonal problems. A tolerance to chlordiazepoxide can develop in as few as two weeks, and once a tolerance develops, the person is at risk of developing a dependence.

Dependence occurs because the brain and body become so accustomed to this substance that they need it to function normally. When a person who is dependent on chlordiazepoxide stops taking or abruptly reduces their dose, they will experience withdrawal signs, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Tolerance and dependence are signs of addiction. Addiction becomes present when the person is no longer able to stop taking chlordiazepoxide, despite the negative effects their addiction is having on their life. Users may start to neglect obligations at school, work, or home. At work and school, the user’s performance may suffer, and they may often show up late or be absent. At home, users may start neglecting their family or household responsibilities.

People who are addicted to chlordiazepoxide may also engage in risky behavior, like driving a car or operating machinery while under the influence of the drug. Legal problems, like getting arrested for driving under the influence or prescription fraud, are also common.

Compulsively abusing chlordiazepoxide despite the negative impact it’s having on the user’s interpersonal relationships—as well as their life in general—is another sign of addiction.

Other behavioral and physiological signs of chlordiazepoxide addiction include:

• Obsessive thoughts and behaviors related to chlordiazepoxide
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable and important to the user
• Increased tolerance to the drug, resulting in higher and more frequent dosing
• Presence of chlordiazepoxide withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit
• Doctor shopping to get more chlordiazepoxide prescriptions
• Misusing the drug by taking higher dosages than recommended
• Resorting to illegal methods to obtain the drug, such as forging prescriptions
• Making chlordiazepoxide the focus of their day
• Neglecting normal responsibilities or relationships
• Struggling financially due to the cost of getting chlordiazepoxide

Care That's Covered by Insurance

Explore rehabs that accept your insurance today! Start your recovery journey with peace of mind, knowing your care is covered.

Find Rehab by Insurance Provider

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Signs That Someone Is Abusing Chlordiazepoxide

If your loved one is abusing chlordiazepoxide, it may be difficult to tell, as many of the signs can be subtle, and it is not always easy to admit to prescription drug abuse. Your loved one can be in denial and may be doing everything in their power to hide their substance abuse from others. The following are signs that your loved one is abusing chlordiazepoxide:

• Changes in mood and behavior
• Social withdrawal
• Increase in sleep
• Lying about their whereabouts
• Becoming more secretive in how they are spending their time
• New financial struggles despite no change in their income
• Decrease in motivation
• Having multiple doctor appointments (a sign of “doctor shopping”)
• Slurred speech and confusion
• Engage in erratic and dangerous behaviors, such as driving under the influence.

Risks And Dangers Of Abusing Chlordiazepoxide

Chlordiazepoxide is a CNS depressant that works on GABA receptors in the brain to slow down an overactive nervous system. When taken exactly as prescribed, it causes relaxation and is used to treat anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, and alcohol withdrawal. However, when misused or abused, it can cause dangerous side effects such as:

• Liver toxicity
• Blackouts
• Short-term memory loss
• Addiction
• Unconsciousness
• Decrease in inhibitions leading to dangerous behaviors
• Overdose, especially when combined with other benzos, alcohol, or opioids
• Withdrawal when abruptly stopping chlordiazepoxide

Explore These Featured Centers

How Do I Help A Loved One Who Is Abusing Chlordiazepoxide?

If you have a loved one who is abusing chlordiazepoxide, it is important to try to get them to seek help. Having an open and honest conversation with them about why you are concerned and letting them know that you care for them is a good way to start. You can help your loved one in the following ways:

• Learn about the dangers of chlordiazepoxide, so you can come into the conversation educated
• Offer to attend support meetings or therapy with your loved ones
• Provide your loved one with information about medical detox programs
• Make sure that your loved one knows you are there for them
• Offer to run errands or be of support when your loved one is having a hard day
• Set healthy boundaries with your loved one
• Take care of yourself so you are in a good place to take care of your loved one when the time comes.

Should I Hold An Intervention?

If you have tried discussing your concerns with your loved one about their chlordiazepoxide abuse and they are in denial or did not take the conversation well, an intervention may be a good next step.

An intervention may help your loved one acknowledge the seriousness of their actions, especially if they are in denial, are defensive about their addiction, or refuse to have any conversation about the dangers associated with their chlordiazepoxide use. A skilled interventionist can help loved ones get through to the person abusing chlordiazepoxide by guiding an effective intervention.

When staging an intervention, interventionists will guide and educate family and friends on how best to approach their loved one about their chlordiazepoxide addiction. Since the immediate goal is a safe detoxification under medical supervision, this is usually the first topic of conversation during an intervention. The interventionist also prepares the family for all possible outcomes, including what to do if the intervention is unsuccessful. They’ll help the user’s loved ones practice beforehand to ensure their thoughts and feelings are expressed clearly. The interventionist will be present during the intervention and will step in as needed to help guide the conversation.

Chlordiazepoxide Detox, Withdrawal, And Treatment

When seeking addiction treatment for chlordiazepoxide, it is not safe to stop taking the drug “cold turkey”, especially for those with a long history of drug abuse. Abruptly quitting could cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, making it difficult to stay the course. Instead, a gradual tapering of the drug is recommended. A medical detox program is the best way to manage this process.

After detox, an outpatient or inpatient treatment program can be very effective in guiding the individual toward a sustained recovery. These programs can help chlordiazepoxide users break their psychological addiction to the drug through the use of various therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy.

If you or your loved one is struggling with chlordiazepoxide addiction, act now. Contact a treatment provider or explore our rehab directory today for more information on recovering from a chlordiazepoxide addiction.