Librium is the first type of Benzodiazepine to be introduced in the market and made available to people since the 1960s, way before the hazards of the drug were documented. This drug was first discovered by Leo Sternbach in 1955. During the 1960s Barbiturates gained popularity. After the introduction of Librium, it surpassed the Barbiturates and emerged as a powerful drug. So let us learn more about Librium addiction.

What is Librium?

The generic or brand name for Librium is Chlordiazepoxide. This drug has been approved to treat people with alcohol withdrawal and severe anxiety problems. This drug is known to be a Central Nervous System depressant as it can slow down the activity of the brain. It works through the mechanism of enhancing the neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This GABA is a natural calming agent for the nerves, which results in suppressing brain activity. GABA is also responsible for calming anxiety, relaxation of the muscles, and sleep induction. When one starts consuming the drug they tend to develop tolerance towards the drug and one cannot feel the effect of the drug. In such cases, people tend to consume the drug higher than the prescribed dosage which can lead to addiction without your knowledge. But when the drug is consumed in the given prescription it can give positive effects.

Popular street names of Librium drugs include Trans, Downers, Bennies, L, Benzos, Blue Bombs, Ruffies, Normies, Blues, and Nerve Pills. Chlordiazepoxide has various dosage forms. Librium possesses high potential risks when mixed with different drugs. Combining Librium with drugs like alcohol can risk your life to death. Librium and opioids combination is so dangerous that in 2016 16% of overdose drugs deaths involved opioids and Librium in their blood. This resulted in issuing a black box towards the usage of combinations of drugs.

Librium Addiction Symptoms

Chlordiazepoxide when used according to the prescription is totally safe and does not cause any adverse effects on your health. Librium is used for alcohol withdrawal in people who are trying to quit alcoholism. But when consumed in higher doses they can be addictive and can cause few severe side effects. They can cause physical and psychological side effects on your body. These side effects are both short and long-term.

Physical effects of Chlordiazepoxide include:

In few cases, people experience severe side effects including:

Psychological side effects of Chlordiazepoxide include confusion and changes in libido (a persons’ overall sexual desire and sexual activity).

Short Term effects of Chlordiazepoxide:

As previously explained Chlordiazepoxide is a CNS depressant. It slows down the activity of the brain. Short term effects of Chlordiazepoxide include:

• The feeling of excitement (euphoria) or state of calmness
• Troubled and Vivid dreams
• Amnesia
• Hostility
• Irritability

Long-term effects of Chlordiazepoxide begin after long-term abuse. Few effects associated with the drug are:

Physical dependence: Physical dependence can induce extreme changes in the brain. This is because your brain gets accustomed to the effects and the use of the drug. Few people start consuming the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Dependence is also seen in people who have not misused any drug, this is common after the use of any drugs. But this can be an initial symptom before the start of an addiction.

Tolerance: As the addiction years gradually increase, people, tend to require high amounts of Librium to achieve that state of euphoria. Few people may also consume alcohol and other drugs to reach a state of high or relaxation.

Addiction: People tend to get addicted to Librium due to the feeling of relaxation and euphoria it provides. This addiction can cause distress and impairment in the persons’ life.

People addicted to Librium can also have severe behavioral problems which include failing in fulfilling the regular commitments at school, home, or office. Overall performance on the career front may hit a rock. They may neglect their responsibilities including family. People under the influence of drugs can be involved in risky situations like rash driving. They also indulge in illegal activities like forging or stealing prescriptions. Despite being aware of the negative impact people still continue consumption of drugs leading to substance abuse.