Librium addiction

In the UK, Librium abuse and addiction is a serious issue which has been growing worse over recent years. Librium (the brand name for chlordiazepoxide) is a Benzodiazepine prescribed for conditions like anxiety and depression but Librium addiction makes up many of the country’s cases of Benzo addiction. Librium addiction can seem like a hole that is impossible to get out of but Librium detox and rehab centres like Liberty House have helped many get their lives back on track and we can help you too.

How does Librium addiction develop?

Librium addiction means compulsively using Librium even though it’s causing problems in your life.

Librium is a central nervous system depressant which slows down the body’s functions. This can lead to feelings of relaxation and calm, which is why it is both a good medication for anxiety and depression and is also abused as a recreational drug. However, what starts out as taking Librium occasionally (either as prescribed or for recreation) can quickly develop into addiction.

Using Librium regularly changes the brain chemistry and how the body functions. The body becomes used to having Librium in its system and starts to depend on it. This is why people who are addicted to Librium find it difficult to stop using the drug and often experience Librium withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.

Who is most at risk of Librium addiction?

There are a number of underlying causes which can make someone more vulnerable to developing an addiction, such as:

• A history of substance abuse or addiction
• A family history of addiction
• Mental health issues like anxiety and depression
• Trauma or abuse
• Continuous stress

Do I have a Librium addiction?

It can be difficult to recognise when you have a prescription drug addiction as it will try to convince you that you need medicine like Librium for a legitimate reason. If you are struggling to tell if you have developed an addiction to Librium, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you take Librium more frequently or in larger doses than prescribed?
• Do you feel that you need Librium in order to get through the day?
• Do you continue to engage in Librium abuse even though it is having a negative impact on your life?
• Do you spend a lot of time thinking about Librium or obtaining Librium?
• Do you lie to your loved ones about your Librium abuse?
• Have you experienced financial problems as a result of your Librium use?
• Has Librium damaged your relationships with family and friends?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it is likely that you have developed an addiction to Librium and should seek professional help as soon as possible. At Liberty House, we can help you to overcome your Librium addiction with our comprehensive treatment programmes.

The health effects of Librium abuse and addiction

Librium addiction can have both short- and long-term effects on health.

In the short term, Librium abuse and addiction can lead to a number of physical effects including:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Impaired coordination

Long-term physical effects of Librium addiction may include:

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Overdose

Librium addiction can also have mental health consequences, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Psychosis

The impact of Librium addiction on life

Librium addiction can have a profound and negative impact on almost every aspect of a person’s life. For example, Librium abuse can lead to absenteeism from school or work, as well as financial difficulties and legal problems.

In addition, Librium addiction can damage relationships with friends and family members and lead to social isolation as you may lie to your loved ones about your Librium abuse or withdraw yourself so that nobody can talk to you about the issue.

Librium detox and withdrawal

Librium detox is a process of ridding the body of the Librium that has built up. This is an important step in Librium addiction treatment because it allows the body to start to heal and repair the damage that has been done.

Librium withdrawal is a difficult and often uncomfortable process as the body starts to adjust to life without Librium. Librium withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Seizures

Undergoing Librium detox at a reputable detox facility such as Liberty House is both secure and safe, as we offer round-the-clock medical observation and assistance. Our team of addiction specialists will monitor your progress and make sure you are comfortable and safe throughout the entire process. Librium withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to cope with, but our team will help you through every step of the way.

How long does Librium withdrawal last?

The timeline of Librium withdrawal varies from person to person, depending on factors such as the severity of the addiction, length of time abusing Librium, and whether any other substances were abused at the same time.

Most people will start to experience Librium withdrawal symptoms within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after their last dose. For some, Librium withdrawal may last for a few weeks, while for others it may take several months, as benzodiazepine addiction disorders have some of the longest withdrawal periods. If you are still experiencing Librium withdrawal symptoms after leaving Liberty House, we will connect with your GP to ensure you get the support you need.

Librium rehab

While Librium detox takes care of your physical dependence, addiction is mainly a psychological condition so detoxing is only a short-term fix. In addition to detox, rehab treatment is required to help you overcome the psychological side of Librium addiction. The aim of Librium rehab is to provide you with the tools you need to manage your Librium addiction and to teach you how to live a healthy and balanced life. This is done by teaching you to recognise your triggers and the underlying causes of your Librium addiction and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Librium rehab programmes can be either inpatient or outpatient, but Liberty House offers only inpatient Librium rehab. We believe that this provides the best chance for recovery as in an inpatient setting, you are shielded from your everyday environment and any access to Librium which allows you to focus solely on your recovery, without distractions or temptation. The holistic recovery environment at Liberty House also offers clients the chance to bond with other residents and staff who have been in their shoes, and to learn from each other’s experiences.

Our inpatient Librium rehab programme includes a number of different addiction therapies and treatments, including:

• 12 step therapy
• Individual and group therapy
• DBT – Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• Meditation
• Gong bath therapy
• Yoga therapy
• Sound therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Family therapy

These evidence-based approaches have been proven to be effective in helping people to recover from Librium addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with Librium addiction and want to know more about our Librium rehab programmes, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Librium aftercare

Once you have completed a Librium detox and rehab programme, it is important to make sure you have a solid support system in place to prevent relapse. At Liberty House, we offer an aftercare programme which involves weekly group therapy sessions. During these, you will have the opportunity to share your experiences with others in recovery and to learn from their experiences.

Tips for preventing Librium relapse

It is important to understand that relapse is common in Librium addiction recovery and that it is not a sign of failure. In fact, 40-60% of people in addiction recovery relapse at least once so it is nothing to be ashamed or disheartened about. You can use relapse as a chance to improve each time until you are finally completely free from the grip of Librium addiction. However, there are a number of things you can do to prevent relapse, such as:

• Identifying your triggers and avoiding them
• Attending regular support groups
• Staying connected with your therapists
• Being an active member of UKAT’s Alumni Network
• Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet
• Practising meditation or mindfulness
• Avoiding people who are still using Librium
• Removing all Librium from your home

If you follow all these steps, you will be in a much better position to prevent Librium addiction relapse and maintain your sobriety in the long term. Just remember that one little slip-up doesn’t constitute failure. If you do relapse, don’t be too hard on yourself, just pick yourself up and carry on with your journey to Librium addiction recovery.

What to do next

If you or someone you know is struggling with Librium addiction, Liberty House can help. We offer a comprehensive Librium detox and rehab programme with one year’s free aftercare to help you after you leave our clinic. Get in touch with us today and our admissions team will help you get started.

Frequently asked questions