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Published: October 30, 2024
Occurring when someone becomes dependent on Ativan to function throughout the day, Ativan addiction affects many Americans and can be hazardous to countless areas of one’s life.
While Ativan addiction can affect your health, relationships, career, and more, it can also be life-threatening if left untreated.
The good news is, there are many treatment options for Ativan addiction that can make it possible to live a life of long-lasting recovery.
Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of Ativan addiction, treatment for substance abuse, frequently asked questions, and more.
Lorazepam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. CNS depressants are known for their calming effects. Its brand name is Ativan and it is used to treat seizure disorders, insomnia caused by anxiety disorders or distress, alcohol withdrawal, and sometimes for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment. Ativan belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which include Xanax and Valium.
Classified a schedule IV drug by the Controlled Substances Act, lorazepam is commonly associated with abuse and addiction risk.
Lorazepam leads to addiction because of the way it works. When taken, Ativan works by enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the levels of dopamine in your brain. Both of these effects can lead to addiction as they impact your brain chemistry.
Increased effects and levels of neurotransmitters can create very addictive feelings, which can lead people to more Ativan use.
Believe it or not, lorazepam abuse and lorazepam addiction are two separate health conditions, though they are highly associated.
Ativan is a prescription drug, so it’s possible to use in a way that is not considered drug abuse. That being said, ativan abuse refers to any misuse of the drug such as taking it more frequently than prescribed, taking a higher dose than prescribed, or taking it more frequently than prescribed.
Abuse often develops into addiction. Ativan addiction happens when someone becomes psychologically dependent on the medication. Their brain will convince them they need lorazepam to function.
Yes, Ativan misuse can cause physical dependence. Physical dependence is different from psychological dependence and occurs when someone’s body relies on a drug to function.
Lorazepam causes physical dependence, once again, because of the way it works. Benzos like Ativan affect the CNS. After taking the drug for an extended period of time, many people build up a tolerance to it. As a result, they may need a higher dose to feel the same effects.
Because your body quickly adapts, it’s possible for it to get used to functioning with Ativan in its system. In other words, trying to function without the medication can be a shock to the system, causing withdrawal symptoms.
It’s important to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction. This is because you may be able to identify a possible drug addiction in someone you know or even yourself.
Signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction can include:
Physical dependence, which is associated with Ativan misuse, comes with many withdrawal symptoms. Some are very unpleasant while others can be dangerous.
Lorazepam withdrawal symptoms may include:
There are several side effects associated with benzodiazepine use despite the few desired effects. Short-term side effects occur immediately and shortly after use whereas long-term side effects occur after long-term repeated use.
Short-term effects of Ativan misuse include:
Long-term effects of Ativan abuse include:
Anyone who takes Ativan can be at risk for developing a lorazepam addiction. However, there are several risk factors that greatly increase this risk.
General substance addiction risk factors:
Ativan addiction risk factors:
Although Ativan addiction can be partially identified by the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction, a true diagnosis can only come from a medical evaluation performed by a medical professional.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to encourage a loved one to get professional help. This is why many people choose to hold interventions with the individual’s family and friends.
During your medical evaluation, you can expect to be asked questions about your lorazepam use including how often you take it and how much you take. Your provider will also examine you for any physical signs of addiction and ask questions about your behavioral patterns.
There are many treatment options for lorazepam addiction. Whether you need a specific type of treatment or want to take a comprehensive approach to your recovery journey. There are many ways to take on the challenge. Read on to learn a bit about some of the popular treatment services offered in addiction treatment.
Benzodiazepine detoxification programs are often the start of an individual’s treatment path. Medical detox is offered in both inpatient and outpatient and is a very important offering.
Medical detoxification is a service that helps individuals safely rid their systems of any addictive substances. Detoxing can be very dangerous to do on your own, which is why medical programs are so vital.
During a detox, you will receive any necessary medications or treatments, receive help managing withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing, and will have your vitals monitored at all times.
Broken into two main categories: inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment, prescription drug rehab programs are arguably the most well-known treatment service in the substance abuse field. They are designed to help treat addiction for benzos, opioids, sleeping pills, and other prescription drugs associated with addiction.
Inpatient rehab offers the highest level of care and 24-hour supervision. As a result, participants of inpatient programs are required to live in the treatment center for the duration of their treatment. Inpatient treatment combines several treatment approaches often included in a regimented daily schedule.
On the other hand, outpatient rehab is offered for those who cannot commit to inpatient and as a step-down treatment service. It does not require living in a treatment facility, but it does require participants to attend treatment several times a week at a rehab center.
After completing an Ativan addiction treatment program, you will transition into a service called aftercare or continuing care. The idea behind this service is to encourage long-term sobriety and reduce the risk of relapse post-treatment.
You may discuss aftercare treatment options with your doctor to determine what may be best for you. Aftercare is different for anyone as it focuses on individual needs.
You may choose to continue regular behavioral therapy sessions, live in a sober home, join a support group, or test out some alternative therapies.
Anyone who misuses Ativan or has an addiction to Ativan can benefit from enrolling in benzodiazepine addiction treatment.
Many people don’t realize how many areas of their life their addiction has affected. There are many benefits to completing a substance abuse rehab program.
Benefits may include:
The best way to prevent relapse following an addiction treatment program is to have a relapse prevention plan. You may develop this with your healthcare provider or encounter relapse prevention education opportunities during your program.
The idea behind relapse prevention is to help alleviate the triggers and stressors brought on by returning to your day-to-day routine.
Relapse prevention is personal, so there are many different ways to approach a relapse prevention plan.
Relapse prevention strategies may include:
Ativan addiction can affect many areas of your life and even have lasting impacts on your health. It can be challenging to overcome a drug addiction, but the right kind of treatment can help you manage your addiction going forward.
If you or a loved one has any more questions surrounding lorazepam addiction, don’t hesitate to give our helpline a call today.
It usually takes more than one use to become addicted to Ativan. There’s no hard and fast rule for the amount of time it takes to develop a substance addiction, though abuse and long-term use are likely to lead to addiction more quickly.
The amount of time it takes to develop a lorazepam addiction ranges from person to person. It can be affected by how they use it, their gender, how they process the drug, and even their height and weight.
No, it is not possible to cure any substance addiction, like Ativan addiction, permanently. That being said, proper treatment can help you manage your addiction.
Prescription drug rehab programs are specifically designed to treat your addiction and set you up for success following treatment.
Lorazepam withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms are usually known for being very unpleasant and uncomfortable, but some can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
It’s important to detox from Ativan under proper medical supervision to ensure you are doing so in the safest way possible.
While it’s not impossible to quit lorazepam without treatment, it is much more challenging and can be dangerous in some cases.
Trying to tackle a substance use disorder (SUD) by yourself is not an easy task and many people may feel they need others involved in the process to hold them accountable.
Additionally, the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting Ativan can be dangerous and permanently affect your health.
Cleveland Clinic. “Lorazepam Tablets.”
Drugs.com. “Ativan.”
Mayo Clinic. “Lorazepam (Oral Route) Side Effects.”
WebMD. “Benzodiazepine Abuse.”
Wikipedia. “Benzodiazepine Dependence.”
United States Drug Enforcement Administration. “Benzodiazepines.”
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