Alcohol Detox: Methadone Facts

Question: Alcohol detox on librium?

(Posted by: on 2008-12-14 09:23:46)

My brother is round my house doing an alcohol detox and is taking librium that he's been prescribed to do the detox on by his doctor, he feels really awful on them (obviously we knew he would) but i was just wondering if other people have been through an alcohol detox on librium and is there anything he can take to make him feel better or get through it a bit easier, i dont mean drug wise coz all ive got is the usual stuff in the med cabinet like paracetamol (unless there is anything you recommend over the counter in a chemist) is there anything he could drink like juice or something or anything else you reckon may help, i'd be really grateful of any advice from people who have been through this or know or cared for someone who has, thanks alot.

Posted by: pollbee on 2008-12-14, 09:33:30

The best way is total abstinence from any drug whats so ever,the alcohol will be out of the system in 5 days,just make sure that he drinks lots of water with a Little salt and sugar in it to stop the night sweats.He will be fine.

Posted by: The Bricklayer on 2008-12-14, 09:31:16

I was an alcoholic. I tried numerous detoxes before I successfully gave up. The easiest way is to "wean " off the drink. every day you halve what you drank the day before,drinking plenty of fluids to con your body. after a few days you are drinking no alcohol at all. it is quite painless and you do not get the shakes, The hard part is staying off the drink.

Posted by: sothaswotdidit on 2008-12-14, 09:33:19

Agree with first poster - read on -Chlordiazepoxide can cause physical dependence, addiction and what is known as the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal from chlordiazepoxide or other benzodiazepines often leads to withdrawal symptoms which are similar to those seen with alcohol and barbiturates. The higher the dose and the longer the drug is taken the greater the risk of experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can however occur at standard dosages and also after short term use. Benzodiazepine treatment should be discontinued as soon as possible via a slow and gradual dose reduction regime.

Posted by: Barbara S on 2008-12-14, 09:47:46

I'm kind of surprised he is doing librium detox at home and not in a facility. I have worked at a prison in the US for years where we treat prisoners that are high risk detox with librium. We carefully monitor blood pressure and encourage fluids, give tylenol for some of the misery. B vitamins and thiamine are an important part of the treatment as most alcoholics have a deficiency. I don't know of any other "comfort " measures but would be interested in learning of any. Good luck to you as well as your brother.

Posted by: sausagehorse on 2008-12-14, 09:57:01

If he still feels bad is it because he is anxious/ jittery? If so then he may not be taking enough librium. Alternatively if he has a stomach upset or nausea he may have an intolerance to the tablet, and an alternative form or another sedative instead may help. The most likely is that he is getting some alcohol withdrawal symptoms as he is not taking enough. Taking too much will make him drowsy and very sleepy. Too little will lead to anxiety, shaking, anger, irritation.

Posted by: SkepDoc 2.0 on 2008-12-14, 12:56:54

Benzodiazepines like Librium, Valium, Ativan are used in various protocols to help with the worst of the effects of coming off alcohol. They are meant to be short term, as we don't want to replace one addiction with another. If he is still shaking and sweating and nauseated...then he might not be getting enough of the Librium We have a very successful home detox program using valium . A detox nurse visits everyday, does a checklist of the symptoms and checks vital signs, and the valium is doled out each day to avoid the patient taking too much on their own. People with addictive personalities aren't that great at self medication. Acetominophen or dimenhydrinate can also be used as adjuncts for the other symptoms. Lots of fluids and proper nutrition, especially the B complex vitamins like thiamine are important too. Depending how heavy a drinker he was...the worst of it should only last for a few days to a week or two. Some people think its important for detoxers not to have too easy a time of it for the message to get through to them about how harmful alcohol is.....