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Is Librium Addictive?

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

Medically reviewed by

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

May 8, 2019

Librium is a prescription drug used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. As a benzodiazepine, this substance comes with the risk of abuse and addiction. Seeking help for Librium addiction is the best decision you can make for your health and overall well-being.

Is Librium Addictive?

Librium, the brand name for chlordiazepoxide, is a prescription medication most commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. It can also be used to ease symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Librium is part of the benzodiazepine category of drugs. In fact, it was the first benzodiazepine to be introduced to the market.

Like other benzodiazepines, Librium comes with the risk of abuse and addiction. People who take more Librium than what is prescribed or who use the drug for an extended period of time are at an increased risk of dependence and addiction.

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What Makes Librium Addictive?

Librium is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Like other benzodiazepines, Librium works by increasing levels of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This chemical slows down activity in the brain and body and reduces nerve signals.

By doing so, GABA increases feelings of calmness and relaxation. This, in turn, decreases feelings of anxiety and fear that are often associated with anxiety disorders.

Increased levels of GABA in the brain can also result in feelings of intoxication and euphoria. People who abuse Librium often do so for these effects.

Abusing Librium will likely result in a tolerance to the drug to be built up. Tolerance is when someone needs to take more of a drug to get the same effects. By taking more of the drug, a person only puts him or herself at an increased risk for dependence and addiction.

Librium Abuse And Addiction Treatment

While they certainly have a medical use, benzodiazepines like Librium can be highly addictive. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Librium, know that help is available.

Many people addicted to Librium will need to attend both a detox program and some form of addiction treatment. Inpatient programs have proven to be highly successful at helping individuals overcome a substance use disorder.

To learn more about whether Librium is addictive, contact a treatment specialist today.

National Institute on Drug Abuse - Benzodiazepines and Opioids

RxList - Librium

ScienceDirect - Chlordiazepoxide

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