What Is Librium?
Often prescribed for anxiety or insomnia, Librium belongs to a group of sedatives known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by increasing the effect of the human body’s natural neurotransmitters in your brain to produce the calming effect that can help some of the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
This calming effect generally takes place shortly after taking Librium, and can provide short-term relief for many symptoms associated with anxiety. In some cases, Librium can be prescribed to help treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Librium Dependence and Abuse
The potency of Librium, like other benzodiazepines, is compromised over periods of prolonged use. Because Librium works to increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters in the brain, the body will respond to this by producing less of that neurotransmitter to adapt to the change. This is known as tolerance. Tolerance can be a tell-tale sign of Librium abuse. This is the body’s way of responding to a constant input, causing each typical dose of Librium to become less effective and pushing the user into larger or more frequent doses.
Librium abuse occurs when a user feels a dependence on the drug. This dependence can feel innocent enough, something as simple as needing a dose to fall asleep after a stressful day is a good example of behavior that could turn into Librium abuse.
Is Librium Addictive?
Like other benzodiazepines, Librium can be a habit-forming drug. Even when used exactly as prescribed, it is possible to develop a dependence, or addiction, on Librium.
When Librium is linked to daily routines such as falling asleep or taking an extra dose to relax, it can become habit forming very quickly and can be difficult to break. Similar to other dependencies, such as alcohol dependence, one’s behavior surrounding the use of the drug can be the biggest giveaway that their ‘habit’ has crossed the line into an addiction.
It can become easy for someone who is prescribed Librium to make legitimate excuses as to why they are taking it. For example, a prescribed individual who takes their Librium dose in the morning may find it necessary to take an additional dose in the evening when they are feeling particularly anxious and finding it difficult to fall asleep.
This would be considered a dependence when the individual finds it difficult to fall asleep without taking an additional dose of Librium. If you or a loved one find it difficult or impossible to accomplish daily routines, such as falling asleep, without the assistance of Librium, then you may be suffering from a drug dependency.
Signs Of Librium Abuse
Librium abuse can present itself through different behaviors in users. While it can sometimes be easy to conceal, a shift from normal behaviors or routines can indicate drug abuse.
Individuals suffering from Librium abuse may find themselves searching for prescriptions from multiple doctors, also known as ‘doctor shopping,’ to avoid suspicion from their primary physician who typically prescribes their medications.
Librium abusers may also take higher doses than recommended on a regular basis in order to combat the tolerance their body has built up to the drug. As the abuse continues, these doses will need to continue to grow in order to feel the same effects as before.
Other signs of Librium abuse may include:
- Obtaining Librium illegally, or without a prescription
- Struggling to financially afford Librium
- Having a desire to quit Librium, but are unable to do so
- Needing Librium to get through a typical day
- Lying to friends or family regarding Librium use
- Using Librium as a coping mechanism
- Inability to perform routine tasks without Librium
Who Is At Risk For Librium Abuse?
Anyone can be a at risk for Librium abuse, however it can be more prevalent in some populations than others. Studies for Librium abuse alone are few and far between, however many studies have been done on benzodiazepine abuse and trends.
Overall, benzodiazepine use was almost twice as prevalent in women as it was in men. This could be due to a wider social acceptance of women speaking with a psychiatrist about emotional issues than men, however it could also be linked to other environmental factors.
A study performed on the LifeLink LRx Longitudinal Prescription database in 2008 showed that there was a correlating trend between increasing age and prevalence of benzodiazepine use. In other words, the older an individual was, the more likely they were to be prescribed a benzodiazepine.
When asked if their benzodiazepine use was long-term, more patients aged 65-80 years stated their use was chronic or long term as opposed to younger age groups. Across the board for all age groups, about 25% of benzodiazepine users stated their use was long-term – making them more at risk for benzodiazepine abuse.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one is suffering from Librium abuse or dependency, you don’t have to fight it alone. Our rehab centers offer personalized treatment plans to fit you specifically. Contact one of our compassionate treatment specialists today. All calls are 100% confidential.
For More Information Related to “Signs of Librium Abuse” Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:
- How To Detox From Benzodiazepines
- The Dangers Of Mixing Prescription Opiates And Benzodiazepines
- Using Benzos To Potentiate Opiates: A Deadly Combination
- The Most Addictive Prescription Sedatives
- What Kind of Drugs are Considered Depressants?
Sources
U.S. National Library of Medicine – Benzodiazepine Use In The United States
Mayo Clinic – Chlordiazepoxide And Metabolite, Serum
RX List – Drug Description: Librium
Web MD – Drugs & Medications: Librium Capsule
