Librium Withdrawal and Detox

People addicted to Librium may experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using the drug. Medical detox is the safest way to enter recovery.

Though Librium (chlordiazepoxide) can help with anxiety and recovery from alcohol addiction, the drug can become highly addictive itself if misused or taken for extended periods of time. People who gain a physical dependence on Librium may experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using the drug. Undergoing detox under medical supervision is the safest way to enter recovery from Librium.

What Was Librium?

Librium was the former brand name of a generic, anti-anxiety prescription drug called chlordiazepoxide. This medication was usually given to people who struggle with anxiety and people experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Classified as a benzodiazepine, Librium was the kind of drug that impacts the brain by slowing down brain activity. The drug was intended for short-term use, but the relaxation and sense of euphoria it may bring can lead to an addiction.

What Is Librium Withdrawal?

Librium withdrawal occurs when a body that’s dependent on Librium begins to rid itself of the drug. When someone takes Librium, it acts on their brain’s GABA receptors. The GABA neurotransmitter is responsible for calming the nerve activity in the brain and keeping it balanced. During withdrawal, the brain becomes overexcited as it is now trying to function on its own without the Librium.

Signs and Symptoms of Librium Withdrawal

Going through withdrawal can be an uncomfortable process, but it’s one that is manageable with the right support and resources. Throughout withdrawal, a person may experience:

• Sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Hand tremor
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Seizures

While a person may not encounter every symptom, experiencing multiple symptoms is possible depending on how intense the withdrawal is. The severity of the addiction is what determines the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. There are also additional factors that can affect the withdrawal intensity. Some factors include:

• Length of time using Librium
• Dosage taken
• How often taken
• Physical health
• Psychological health

Librium Withdrawal Timeline and Detox Duration

While it may take some people only a few weeks to complete their detox, others may take longer to complete the process. Librium withdrawal typically begins two to seven days after the last dose and can last eight weeks or longer. Symptoms can fluctuate and worsen after they start to get better.

Everyone progresses through recovery at their own pace. Recovery isn’t a race. Withdrawal and detox durations vary and depend on a person’s particular situation and a chemical makeup. Do not become discouraged if the recovery process is not identical to the aforementioned timeline – instead, be proud that you’re working toward a drug-free life.

Librium Withdrawal Treatment Options

For a successful detox process, consult with a medical professional before attempting to wean off Librium. Working with a doctor or licensed treatment facility is often the safest and most effective way to detox.

Some people may attempt to detox on their own through various methods like quitting “cold turkey” or tapering without a doctor’s help. Even though these methods have the possibility of being successful, they are still not recommended. Multiple Librium withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous or life-threatening. The severity of symptoms may also discourage a person from continuing their detox without medical help and support, leading to relapse.

Librium Detox

The best way to detox from Librium is in a professional rehab facility. At a rehab center, clients have the opportunity to work with medical professionals that devise a personalized treatment plan based on individual needs. The Recovery Village offers various programs to help people recover, such as inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and intensive outpatient rehab.

Librium Taper

One way to slowly detox off Librium is through a Librium taper. Tapering is a process in which physicians create a schedule for their client that slowly lowers the dosage of the drug until they stop entirely. The overall schedule depends on the length of time that the drug has been used, the usual dosage and the severity of the addiction. This method lets the body safely rid itself of Librium and return to its original state.

Tapering will often lessen the amount and severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Usually, the dosage is decreased by 25% for each week in detox, but the exact amount varies per client. Tapering should only ever be done with a doctor’s medical supervision and support.

Detoxification Process for Librium

The detox process for Librium is similar to many other drugs in its class, albeit longer. At The Recovery Village, detox is the first step in a full continuum of care and includes these steps:

• Evaluation: Medical professionals take note of individual symptoms and the person’s history of Librium use to determine the best kind of treatment plan.
• Detox: The person stops taking Librium, and the body rids itself of the drug over time. This is when a person experiences withdrawal symptoms. Patience is key during this step.
• Rehabilitation: Rehab involves intensive therapy to explore why a person began relying on Librium in the first place. Clients also learn coping skills for how to live a Librium-free life after rehab.
• Aftercare: Clients take the skills they learned during treatment and apply them to life in their community. While Librium has completely left the system, there may still be a psychological urge to use the substance. Clients receive relapse prevention plans and ongoing support during aftercare to bolster recovery.

Detox Programs and Centers for Librium Detox

The Recovery Village has a variety of facilities that are located around the country to help you on your journey to a drug-free life. With locations in Colorado, Ohio, New Jersey, Washington and Florida, each center is there to help you through every step of the detoxification process. Our licensed clinicians and therapists can teach you the necessary tools for a sober, healthier lifestyle. Contact us to begin your recovery today.

Editor – Melissa Carmona

Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more