Guide to Librium detox and withdrawal

11 Dec 2024

This article has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, who has over 30 years of experience helping individuals overcome various forms of addiction. Rehabs UK is a leading authority in addiction treatment and recovery and offers a range of connected services and support, including detox and rehabilitation programmes and therapy.

Librium otherwise known as chlordiazepoxide, is a medication that can often be prescribed to help manage anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While it can be effective in treating these conditions, extensive use can lead to dependence and addiction which is why it’s crucial for individuals to understand when and why they may need to detox from the drug.

1.5 million people are dealing with benzodiazepine and Librium addiction in the UK.

This article aims to shed light on the signs that indicate a need for detox, the detox process itself, and the risks associated with not addressing Librium dependence.

Signs you need to detox from Librium

It’s key to be able to recognise the signs of dependence on Librium as for some individuals it isn’t always clear.

Scott Ardley, Senior Treatment Advisor at Rehabs UK states: “its controlled use in alcohol detoxification and anxiety management may contribute to this. In contrast, Diazepam is prescribed for various conditions, increasing the risk of dependency with prolonged use.”

Recognising the signs makes it simpler to address and seek help. Here are some of the key indicators that you may need to detox:

Increased tolerance

If you find yourself needing to take larger doses of Librium to achieve the same effects, this could be a sign of developing a tolerance which will only continue to increase. In many cases, individuals end up consuming more of the drug than the prescribed amount.

Long-term use, often defined as longer than three months, increases the risk of dependence, with a 33% rate of continued long-term benzodiazepine use among those who start on these medications.

Withdrawal symptoms

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the medication is not taken can indicate dependence. Several symptoms may indicate your body has been accustomed to the drug such as anxiety, restlessness, or irritability. In these cases, it is important to contact a healthcare professional.

Difficulty cutting back

If someone has tried to reduce their intake of Librium with the guidance of a professional, but finds it challenging or impossible to cope without the higher dose, this struggle may highlight a deeper dependence on the medication.

In a study published by the National Institutes of Health, 17.1% of people who used benzodiazepines were considered at risk for developing misuse, which often leads to dependence.

Obsession with medication

In some cases, individuals may become obsessed with the drug. Constantly thinking about obtaining and using Librium even when it may no longer be needed is a concerning sign that there may be dependence issues.

2.1% of American adults have misused benzodiazepine at some point in their lives. Among people who are prescribed benzos, that number increases to 17.1%.

Neglecting responsibilities

As with many addictions, if Librium is interfering with personal, professional, or social responsibilities then it may be time to consider seeking help and detox.

The Librium detox process

Detoxing from any drug should be approached with care as the process can vary greatly from person to person. The steps below present an overview of the Librium detox process:

Step 1 - Assessment

The first step involves a thorough assessment by a medical professional to determine the severity of the dependence and create an individualised detox plan. At Rehabs UK, we work with a variety of highly regarded doctors who will go through the assessment with you and answer any questions you may have.

Scott Ardley, Senior Treatment Advisor at Rehabs UK states: “Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) is the most commonly prescribed medication for alcohol detoxification, used in rehabilitation centres and home detox programmes worldwide. Patients frequently request Librium due to prior experiences or information found online, which can provide a sense of comfort.”

He continues: “its key to work with an expert doctor in these cases. Rehabs UK doctors specialise in this area and provide a thorough assessment of the individual. They will ask a lot of questions about the quantity of Librium, the duration of it being taken and if you’re taking any other drugs. They will then decide the best treatment option.”

Step 2 - Tapering off

Most detox programmes will involve gradually reducing the dose of Librium over time, rather than stopping abruptly. Using the tapering-off process helps to minimise withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will advise you on the amount of Librium you should be taking at each stage.

Scott Ardley, Senior Treatment Advisor at Rehabs UK states: “As an addictive substance, Librium is typically prescribed at high doses that must be carefully tapered to reduce the risk of dependency. It is recommended for short-term use, usually lasting 7 to 10 days, to effectively manage withdrawal symptoms.”

Step 3 – Support and monitoring

Individuals who are successful in long-term recovery from Librium dependence will usually have continuous support and monitoring during the detox, as well as aftercare. Medical professionals will keep track of progress and be able to make adjustments to the detox plan if and when needed. By having support and check-ins the success rate of recovery is increased.

Scott Ardley comments, “the success stories we hear most about are those who continue to get the support for their detox. Those who continue to seek out check-ins or just talk to friends and family about how they’re feeling going through their recovery journey.”

The danger of not detoxing from Librium

If an individual fails to detox from Librium it can often lead to severe health risks, including persistent withdrawal symptoms, potential overdose, and the development of other mental health disorders.

As of 2016, in the US 4.4 out of every 100,000 adults died of an overdose involving a benzo. Many overdose deaths linked to benzodiazepines also involve other drugs like opioids: more than 30% of opioid overdoses also involve benzodiazepines.

To avoid these dangers, it’s important to recognise when help is needed. Remember that you are not alone and reaching out to a healthcare professional such as Rehabs UK is the first step in long-term recovery.

Can I detox from withdrawal at home?

While home detox may seem more convenient, it can be challenging and is not advisable for everyone. Individuals with severe dependence may require a medically supervised detox to ensure their safety and well-being.

At Rehabs UK we can provide connection to both home and inpatient detox our fully-trained Treatment advisors will be able to determine which detox would be better for the individual with a free assessment.

If you choose to detox at home, it’s essential to have a support system in place and to remain in contact with a healthcare professional.

Librium withdrawal: what you need to know

Librium, like other benzodiazepines, works by enhancing the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and induces a calming effect. With prolonged use, the brain adapts to the presence of Librium by reducing its natural GABA production and increasing the number of GABA receptors. This creates a dependency, as the brain comes to rely on the drug to regulate anxiety and maintain a sense of calm. When Librium is abruptly reduced or stopped, the brain struggles to adjust, leading to withdrawal symptoms as it attempts to regain a natural balance.

Scott Ardley, Senior Treatment Advisor at Rehabs UK states: “Withdrawal effects from both medications, Librium and diazepam if not managed properly, can include anxiety, agitation, tremors, confusion, and nausea. In severe cases, they may lead to seizures, hallucinations, or psychosis. Fortunately, detox programmes are designed to minimise these withdrawal symptoms, and clients typically report few issues upon completion.”

Symptoms of Librium withdrawal

Anxiety

Many individuals experience heightened anxiety during withdrawal, which can be distressing and overwhelming.

Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom, often exacerbating other withdrawal effects.

Tremors

Physical symptoms such as shaking or tremors can occur, indicating the body's struggle to adjust.

Nausea

Gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and vomiting, can also arise during the withdrawal period.

Sweating

Increased perspiration is a frequent symptom of withdrawal.

Mood Swings

Individuals may experience significant fluctuations in mood as they navigate the withdrawal process.

Librium Withdrawal Timeline

Understanding the timeline of withdrawal can help prepare individuals for what to expect it’s important to note that each individual can have a slightly different experience and to contact a medical professional before attempting detox.

Week 1

Withdrawal symptoms often peak during the first week, with anxiety and insomnia being particularly pronounced.

Weeks 2-3

Symptoms may begin to subside, but psychological symptoms can linger, including mood swings and cravings.

Week 4+

By the fourth week, many physical symptoms will have diminished; however, psychological symptoms may persist, requiring ongoing support.

What is the ‘rebound effect’ during Librium withdrawal?

The rebound effect refers to the resurgence of symptoms that Librium was initially prescribed to treat, such as anxiety or insomnia. This phenomenon can complicate withdrawal and requires careful management by healthcare professionals. For more information on this effect, consider reading this journal on Dependence, withdrawal and rebound of CNS drugs.

Protracted withdrawal, which involves ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, can occur in up to 15-30% of long-term users after cessation, making it difficult to discontinue use completely.

How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Librium Withdrawal

Supporting a loved one through Librium withdrawal can be challenging. Here are some tips for providing effective assistance:

Listen Without Judgment: Allow your loved one to express their feelings and experiences.
Encourage Professional Help: Urge them to seek medical assistance for a safe detox.
Be Patient: Recovery can take time, and it’s important to be supportive throughout the process.

Get in Touch Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with Librium dependence, the first step should always be to talk with medical professionals or a specialist like Rehabs UK. They can provide the necessary support and guidance through the detox process. Contact us today to get started.

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