Librium detox

I am just me · 15-12-2015 2:56pm #1

I'm starting a librium detox tomorrow. It'll be my fourth time doing it. (Hopefully my last.)

First time, it was prescribed by a GP who specialises in alcohol issues. The other two times, it was as an in-patient in hospital.

This time, I went to a regular GP to look for it. He didn't seem to be familiar with it, and I mentioned that the other times I'd gotten it, it was on a reducing schedule. But he has prescribed 20mg three times a day (i.e. 60mg in total), same amount each day, for five days.

First of all, isn't that quite a low dose? (Heavy daily drinker.) Secondly, I would have thought a reducing schedule would make more sense?

Thanks for any experiences/opinions.

peckerhead · 15-12-2015 9:15pm

I am just me wrote: »

I'm starting a librium detox tomorrow. It'll be my fourth time doing it. (Hopefully my last.)

First time, it was prescribed by a GP who specialises in alcohol issues. The other two times, it was as an in-patient in hospital.

This time, I went to a regular GP to look for it. He didn't seem to be familiar with it, and I mentioned that the other times I'd gotten it, it was on a reducing schedule. But he has prescribed 20mg three times a day (i.e. 60mg in total), same amount each day, for five days.

First of all, isn't that quite a low dose? (Heavy daily drinker.) Secondly, I would have thought a reducing schedule would make more sense?

Thanks for any experiences/opinions.

I've no medical opinion to offer other than to say (as a former heavy daily drinker) that if this is your fourth and "hopefully last"(?) Librium detox I would have to question its efficacy in your case. You say too that you've gone to a different GP this time - why?

No doctor and no pill is going to stop you drinking if you don't want it yourself. This may not be what you want to hear, but I'd suggest you look honestly at your own motivations and behaviours rather than questioning the GP's competence and wondering if this or that dose is "right".

Ignore this if you like - I know nothing about you or the nature of your drinking - but I can tell you that most doctors will admit frankly that they are utterly powerless to "cure" alcoholics. And Librium is some pretty heavy sh1t to be putting into your system long-term, if you don't really intend to stop drinking.

Have you ever talked to anyone other than a doctor about this?

I am just me · 15-12-2015 9:19pm

I'm about to commence an intensive residential care programme for six weeks. They recommended that I go to the GP for a Librium detox, as I need to be free of alcohol for at the very minimum a week before beginning the programme.

All My Stars Aligned · 15-12-2015 9:27pm

Hey OP, well done for keeping trying. I hope that this time proves to be the one that works.

Regarding you original question. Yes, the prescription you were given seems strange. If I was in your situation I would consult another doctor, perhaps one specialising in addiction.

Maybe it might also be worth attending some support groups to help you through until your program starts. I attend Life Ring and find it fantastic.

Again, wishing you well on your journey, it really is worth the effort!

All My Stars Aligned · 15-12-2015 9:34pm

peckerhead wrote: »

I've no medical opinion to offer other than to say (as a former heavy daily drinker) that if this is your fourth and "hopefully last"(?) Librium detox I would have to question its efficacy in your case. You say too that you've gone to a different GP this time - why?

No doctor and no pill is going to stop you drinking if you don't want it yourself. This may not be what you want to hear, but I'd suggest you look honestly at your own motivations and behaviours rather than questioning the GP's competence and wondering if this or that dose is "right".

Ignore this if you like - I know nothing about you or the nature of your drinking - but I can tell you that most doctors will admit frankly that they are utterly powerless to "cure" alcoholics. And Librium is some pretty heavy sh1t to be putting into your system long-term, if you don't really intend to stop drinking.

Have you ever talked to anyone other than a doctor about this?

Librium is a proven safe way to get through the initial physical withdrawals when stopping the intake of alcohol. It is not a way to stop drinking. After reading your post it is obvious that you do not understand the drugs purpose and so you might be better served not offering your thought on such. Rather you might offer the OP some encouragement for making the brave decision to keep trying to tackle his problem drinking.

Bonniedog · 15-12-2015 10:18pm

As others have said, Librium or Xanax are only meant as means to take the edge off withdrawals and are effective. I was on Xanax for a week when I stopped and it worked. Much easier and pleasant way to get over the first week. I was offered Librium but had seen someone I know have a very bad reaction to it so was offered Xanax instead.

Also, any prescription should be tapered I think as both are heavy enough **** to come down off straight away on a high enough dosage. But as All My Stars says you really need to want to stop and have a plan. No substitute substance will ensure that. I am not being judgemental as was same myself and had severe relapse before this current effort.

Best of luck.

Dave! · 15-12-2015 11:23pm

Hi OP,

Please consult your GP, we're not allowed to offer medical advice here.

Dave

Librium detox

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