How To Tell Someone Is Abusing Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

May 10, 2019

Librium, the brand name for chlordiazepoxide, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety-related disorders. It may also be prescribed for sleep problems and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Librium is part of the benzodiazepine family. Benzodiazepines are drugs that work as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants slow down activity in the brain and produce an overall calming effect in the brain and body.

Benzodiazepines like Librium can also elicit feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and euphoria. This is especially true when the drug is taken in higher doses than what is prescribed or recommended.

While Librium certainly helps many people in a medical setting, this drug also comes with the risk of abuse and addiction. Someone who abuses Librium will likely display a number of signs and symptoms that may be noticeable to others.

Signs And Symptoms Of Librium Abuse

Librium may be abused for a number of different reasons. People who abuse Librium will likely build up a tolerance to the drug. When a tolerance has formed, more of the drug is needed to experience the same effects.

Taking more Librium can quickly lead to physical and mental dependence on the drug. This means that someone needs to take Librium just to feel normal. Librium dependence can fuel the cycle of abuse and result in addiction.

There are several symptoms that come with Librium abuse and may include:

• dizziness
• confusion
• mood swings
• upset stomach
• constipation
• trouble sleeping
• coordination problems
• muscle spasms
• slurred speech
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• slowed movement
• decreased heart rate

Someone who is abusing Librium may not experience all of these symptoms. The more Librium a person takes, the more likely he or she is to experience the symptoms listed above and others.

People who abuse chlordiazepoxide will also likely exhibit a number of signs of abuse. These signs may be noticeable to others, especially those close to the person abusing the drug.

Signs that someone may be abusing Librium include:

• lying about using the drug
• attempting to get multiple prescriptions from different doctors
• financial difficulties
• problems at work or school
• withdrawing from friends and family
• using more Librium than what is prescribed
• using Librium for a longer period of time than what is prescribed
• having strong cravings to use the drug
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not on Librium

Abusing Librium can have a negative impact on all aspects of a person’s life. Continuing to abuse Librium over an extended period of time can also increase a person’s risk of overdose. Overdosing on Librium is rare but can be fatal.

Treatment For Librium Abuse And Addiction

There are several treatment options available for overcoming an addiction to Librium. A formal treatment program will likely be recommended for people struggling with benzodiazepine addiction.

A formal treatment program will likely include inpatient treatment. Inpatient programs offer intensive, long-term addiction treatment that is catered to each patient’s unique needs and condition.

To learn more about how to tell if someone is abusing Librium, contact a treatment specialist today.