The first step in the alcohol addiction recovery process is usually medical detox. The first stage of recovery also involves withdrawal. When a person stops drinking, the body, which has grown dependent on alcohol, goes into withdrawal. It begins to experience the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which may include headache, tremors, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. These symptoms can begin mildly but progress quickly in severity to the point that they become quite debilitating. At Muse Treatment, we offer Librium for alcohol withdrawal and other medications that can reduce the intensity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, allowing clients to rest in greater comfort.
Muse Treatment is a renowned addiction treatment center that offers a full continuum of care for our clients. Our rehab programs include alcohol detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and sober living. Our rehab is also equipped to provide dual diagnosis treatment and medication-assisted treatment. We focus on individualized treatment to ensure that each client gets the support they need to achieve their recovery goals.
What Is Librium?
Librium is the brand-name medication for chlordiazepoxide, which is a benzodiazepine drug. Librium is used to treat anxiety disorders as well as during the initial phase of medical detox treatment. Owing to its sedative properties, Librium is also prescribed to treat insomnia. Unfortunately, Librium, like other benzodiazepines, is addictive. So, medical providers are unlikely to provide it for the long term, but it can be an extremely useful treatment during the early period of medical detox.
According to research, someone who has a dual diagnosis may be more vulnerable to developing a Librium addiction. However, it does help to reduce some of the early withdrawal symptoms. If you are undergoing alcohol detox, you may be prescribed Librium treatment.
What Does Librium Do?
As a benzodiazepine, Librium reduces feelings of anxiety and panic. It also helps clients relax because of its sedative effects. During the withdrawal process, a person can experience both physical and mental effects. It’s not uncommon for people to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts. Alcohol withdrawal can impede the normal function of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. When neurotransmitters stop functioning properly, emotional regulation is also impacted.
Librium helps to support emotional balance. Eventually, the brain and body move through the detox phase, and withdrawal symptoms gradually become reduced. Until then, Librium can help clients get relief from powerful emotions like fear or sadness.
How Effective Is Librium for Alcohol Withdrawal?
Librium is highly effective for alcohol withdrawal. Clinicians usually prescribe for a period of a few days to a week during alcohol detox. The efficacy of the medication depends on the dose of the drug and unique factors like the individual’s weight and age. For severe withdrawal symptoms involving anxiety and panic, clinicians might prescribe a higher dose of Librium.
Once administered, Librium will generally produce certain symptoms such as drowsiness and feelings of calm. Clients may experience some side effects like nausea, headache, or swelling. Since some effects may mimic withdrawal symptoms, you must tell clinicians about any effects you may experience.
9 Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe. Some people may only experience a few symptoms while others might experience many. There are some common symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. These include:
Headache
Withdrawal symptoms often begin with headache symptoms. The headache might be mild but grow in intensity. At Muse, we can provide medications to reduce headaches and the irritability that often accompanies them.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common signs of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can be highly unpleasant. Clients may find it difficult to eat or drink. We can provide anti-nausea medication to help clients get the rest they need. We want to prevent health problems like dehydration as well.
Hand Tremors
Shaking hands are another common alcohol withdrawal symptom. It’s not uncommon for shaking to occur in as few as six hours from the individual’s last drink. Tremors typically resolve by the time the individual completes detox or soon after.
Loss of Appetite
Clients often experience reduced appetite during detox. After symptoms peak, they may gradually develop an appetite. We provide holistic therapies like vitamin therapy to ensure clients get important nutrients to support health during their detox.
Restlessness
Alcohol withdrawal impacts nerve activity, which results in hand tremors. This nerve activity can also result in restlessness. Medications like Librium can reduce feelings of restlessness and promote calm.
Insomnia
Withdrawal symptoms don’t necessarily go to sleep when it gets dark. They can keep clients awake at night. Conversely, clients might be able to get some sleep during the day depending on their symptoms and how they respond to medications. If clients suffer from insomnia, Librium can help.
Increased Blood Pressure
Withdrawal symptoms and their general unpleasantness can cause a rise in blood pressure. Our clinicians will monitor clients to ensure their blood pressure remains stable. We can provide medication to bring blood pressure down to a stable level should it become too high.
Anxiety and Depression
Alcohol withdrawal can trigger mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression. These symptoms can become quite severe. Librium can calm feelings of anxiety, but clinicians might also prescribe other medications such as antidepressants.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium Tremens, or DTs, are a series of serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They may occur during acute detox when clients are experiencing severe symptoms. DTs can include chills, fever, disorientation, and hallucinations. DTs can also include elevated blood pressure and breathing difficulties. DTs require medical treatment. At Muse, we strive to prevent these symptoms before they occur, but if they occur, we’re right there to provide prompt treatment.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol recovery often begin a few hours after the person’s last drink–anywhere from 4-8 hours. Symptoms usually peak 24-72 hours from the person’s last use of alcohol. After symptoms peak, clients should gradually begin to improve.
How to Use Librium Properly?
Librium is a prescription drug, so the only way to take the medication properly is to use it as directed by rehab clinicians. At Muse, our clinicians will prescribe and administer the medication to ensure that clients get the correct dose. We also monitor clients to make sure treatments are working and that no medical complications arise. If they do, we’re there to provide any health care that may be needed. By treating withdrawal symptoms to reduce their severity, the risk of medical complications is diminished.
Because Librium can produce a high that is very similar to alcohol intoxication, clinicians will administer it carefully. We’ll explain our prescribing protocols if you require this medication. You can count on our clinicians to keep you safe during the medical detox process as well as comfortable as possible.
Call Muse Treatment to Get Help with Librium for Alcohol Withdrawal
Contact Muse Treatment at 866-260-9050 to discuss our enrollment process. We can begin alcohol detox right away. If you need medication like Librium, our clinicians will prescribe it as well as other therapies that can enhance your recovery. We’ll provide care that’s tailored to your needs. With treatment that includes medical detox as well as a rehab program, you can manage your alcohol use disorder and achieve lasting recovery.
