What Are The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Librium?
Mixing alcohol with a benzodiazepine like Librium can lead to drowsiness, impaired cognition, respiratory suppression, organ damage, and loss of consciousness. The combination also increases the risk of overdose since both substances act as central nervous system depressants. Repeated use of Librium and alcohol can be habit-forming, resulting in addiction.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction or another form of substance abuse, Zinnia Health is here for you. Read more about the treatment process or call our helpline at (855) 430-9439.
Can You Drink on Librium?
The NIH warns that you should never mix alcohol with benzodiazepines like Librium due to the increased risk of severe side effects.
Librium is a powerful prescription benzodiazepine drug most commonly used to treat anxiety and manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Librium is the brand name for the drug chlordiazepoxide. Librium works by impacting the brain and central nervous system (CNS) to produce a sense of calm by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA.
Alcohol also interacts with GABA and depresses activity in the central nervous system. As such, since Librium and alcohol have a similar mechanism of action, combining them can overwhelm the body and lead to severe side effects, including toxicity and death.
How Long After Taking Librium Can You Drink Alcohol?
Librium and alcohol should not be mixed, which is why you should avoid drinking alcohol for as long as you are taking the medication.
If you are having trouble abstaining from alcohol or you’re intentionally combining substances to get high, you’re likely suffering from a substance use disorder. An addiction treatment program can help you stay safe and get drug-free.
Why Do People Mix Alcohol With Librium?
Combining multiple drugs at the same time is known as polydrug use. Statistics show that more than 80% of benzodiazepine abuse is part of polydrug use. It’s also important to note that the risk of becoming addicted to Librium is higher for those with underlying mental health conditions.
Some of the reasons why people will intentionally mix Librium and alcohol include:
- They have developed a tolerance to Librium and want to feel a stronger effect
- They want to feel an intense sensation of intoxication
- They are trying to numb mental or physical pain
- They are experimenting with drug use
No matter why a person mixes Librium with alcohol, it is a type of substance misuse that can rapidly lead to addiction. However, even if someone tries mixing them just once, the combination can have severe and potentially fatal side effects.
Why Is It Dangerous to Mix Librium with Alcohol?
The dangers of mixing Librium and alcohol are so prevalent that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an official warning about combining the two substances.
Combining alcohol and Librium intensifies the depressive effects of both drugs, which can lead to strong sedative effects, such as:
- Respiratory depression
- Blacking out
- Extreme sedation
Mixing Librium with alcohol increases the risk of a fatal overdose. Other side effects of combining alcohol and Librium include:
- Impaired motor control
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Strange behavior
- Slowed breathing
- Blue-tinged skin and lips
- Shallow breathing
- Liver damage
- Jaundice
- Stupor
- Low body temperature
- Inability to stay awake
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Seizures
Are you looking for a confidential treatment program that can help you overcome drug addiction or get your alcohol consumption in check? Zinnia Health can help. Call our team today at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our treatment options.
What Can Happen if You Drink on Librium?
If you drink on Librium, you’ll likely feel a short-lived sensation of heavy intoxication, which may be accompanied by side effects like:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Impaired judgment
- Loss of inhibitions
Quickly, these side effects can develop into more severe and uncomfortable symptoms as your body breaks down more of the substances. At that point and into the following day, you may experience:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swelling
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
- Dry mouth
- Decreased libido
What Are the Symptoms From Drinking Alcohol with Librium?
Someone who has been drinking alcohol with Librium may quickly develop a substance use disorder, also known as addiction. The symptoms of alcohol addiction and Librium addiction are similar, leading to changes in behavioral health, personality, and appearance.
As someone keeps mixing alcohol and Librium, they may notice:
- Strong urges or cravings for the substances
- Wanting to quit or cut back on using the substances but being unable to do so
- Developing a tolerance and needing more of the substances to feel the same effects
- Continuing to use despite problems the substances cause at home, work, school, etc.
Family members may notice side effects like new or worsening anxiety disorders, paranoia, insomnia, and loss of appetite.
Healthcare providers may notice increased blood pressure, drug-seeking behavior (like requests for opioids or benzos), and negative effects on their heart, liver, and overall health.
How to Get Help For a Librium Addiction
When you combine Librium and alcohol, it creates a synergistic effect, meaning the interaction of the two drugs causes the total effect of the drugs to be greater than the sum of each drug’s individual effects. This is what can lead to Librium overdose and the development of drug and alcohol abuse.
Once dependence forms, it’s critical that you seek help from a qualified treatment provider. Addiction can lead to life-threatening complications and it can put a strain on your personal and professional relationships. Fortunately, professional help is available.
If you’re ready to get help, consider these options:
- Start separating yourself from drug use: If you’re not ready to pursue treatment, consider separating yourself from the people and environments that trigger your urge to use drugs and consume alcohol.
- Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider: If you approach any medical professional with a question about substance use and recovery, they will provide you with confidential advice and resources.
- Confide in a trusted friend or family member: If you aren’t ready to get help but you want to talk to someone, consider confiding in someone close to you or, if that’s not an option, look for a support group in your area.
- Call a 24/7 helpline: Many treatment facilities run 24/7 helplines that can connect you with resources in your area and answer your questions. For a safe, free, no-obligation call, dial (855) 430-9439.
Zinnia Health’s team of experienced addiction counselors and medical professionals will work with you to create a specialized treatment program to help you reclaim your life. Contact our admissions specialists today to learn more about our range of inpatient and outpatient treatment options at (855) 430-9439 or reach out virtually here.
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