Librium – Recreational Use

Librium belongs to a group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which have sedative and hypnotic properties. Librium’s generic name is chlordiazepoxide. In medicine, Librium is used to treat seizures, acute anxiety, skeletal muscle tension and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Librium was the very first benzodiazepine drug ever created, and since it was released on the market in the early 1960s, the drug has commonly been misused and abused. Librium and other similar benzodiazepine drugs are often referred to as “benzos.”

Librium as a Recreational Drug

Librium is most often used in combination with other drugs. By itself, the high from Librium is described as similar to being drunk. Mild euphoria, sedation, reduced cognitive ability and impaired motor function are all common effects experienced during a Librium high. Librium is either taken directly in pill form, crushed up and snorted (intranasal) or turned into liquid form and injected (intravenous).

The effects of Librium are mild compared to many other drugs. For many people, the high from Librium is not enough. Often, people mix Librium with other drugs. When combined with alcohol, marijuana or opioids, Librium can amplify the effects of the other drugs or enhance the high. People who use cocaine and amphetamine will sometimes use Librium or other benzodiazepines to help them “come down” or mitigate some of the stimulating effects from the other drugs.

Risk of Dependence on Librium

Librium is dangerous due to its high risk of dependence. The human body builds up a tolerance to the drug very quickly. People who use Librium regularly will need to take more and more Librium over time to get the same effects. The cycle of taking higher and higher doses can lead people down a dangerous road, putting them at risk of overdose. Usually, people addicted to Librium require intensive detoxification and treatment to recover from their addiction and dependence on the drug.

Librium Overdose

Fatal overdoses associated with Librium typically involve other drugs. People can still overdose on just Librium, though. During an overdose, breathing may slow down to the point of even stopping completely. This is known as hypoventilation. Blood pressure may drop to dangerous levels. Someone overdosing on Librium may completely lose control over their motor functions and find it almost impossible to stay awake, leading to coma or even death.

Librium Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms related to Librium dependence can be severe. In most cases, they closely resemble the symptoms that Librium and other benzodiazepine drugs are designed to treat. Withdrawal symptoms include:

● Insomnia
● Irritability
● Anxiety and panic attacks
● Shaking and sweating
● Confusion
● Headache and nausea
● Body aches and pains
● Amnesia or short-term memory difficulty
● Weight loss
● Hallucinations
● Seizures
● Suicidal thoughts or actions

Getting Treatment

Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious condition that usually requires professional medical treatment. If you or a loved one has been misusing Librium or any other benzodiazepine drug and has become addicted or dependent, getting an assessment at a drug treatment facility and starting a treatment plan is vital. A detoxification program will be used in many cases to help ease patients through the withdrawal process. After detox, treatment involves one or more types of therapy to help patients through any issues that may have led to them misusing the drug. With an intelligent treatment protocol, benzodiazepine addiction can be successfully treated and managed.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Librium Addiction

Signs, Symptoms, & Side Effects

Withdrawal & Detox

Addiction Treatment & Rehab