Ativan Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Ativan Abuse

Classified as a benzodiazepine, Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) is often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. It also has a high potential for misuse and addiction, and is part of the rising concern over prescription drug misuse and addiction in the United States.

Ativan addiction affects many Americans and can be hazardous to countless areas of one’s life, occurring when someone becomes dependent on Ativan to function throughout their day. While Ativan addiction can affect your health, relationships, career, and more, it can also be life-threatening if left untreated.

Read on to learn more about how to recognize the signs and side effects of Ativan dependence and Ativan abuse, in case you ever need to seek a professional treatment program for yourself or a loved one.

Classified as a Schedule IV drug by the Controlled Substances Act, lorazepam is commonly associated with abuse and addiction risk. But why is Ativan addictive?

Ativan works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. These effects can contribute to addiction by altering brain chemistry and producing a calming sensation. The increased effects and levels of these neurotransmitters can create intensely pleasurable feelings, which may lead individuals to use Ativan more frequently.

When someone takes Ativan for several weeks or months, they may develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they might need to increase their dosage to achieve the same effects. At this stage, it’s also likely that they will experience dependence, finding it difficult to function normally without Ativan. The next step from dependence can lead to addiction to Ativan.

Lorazepam is a central nervous system depressant. CNS depressants are known for their calming and relaxing effects, which some people describe as euphoric.

Some people may start abusing Ativan or experimenting with other benzodiazepine misuse because they enjoy the euphoric feelings that it causes, or because it helps them to relax and sleep better.

Prolonged use of Ativan can lead to physical dependence, which will cause a person to experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop taking it suddenly. It can also cause psychological dependence. This involves strong cravings and compulsions to use the drug despite it causing negative consequences.

Though it may come as a surprise, lorazepam abuse and lorazepam addiction are two separate health conditions. They are, however, highly associated.

Drug abuse refers to excessive use of drugs for nonmedical purposes despite the problems that arise, including the misuse of prescription medications in ways that are not intended. In terms of Ativan, this means using it in any way that was not prescribed, such as at a higher dose or more frequent dose. This can also include anyone using it without a prescription at all.

Addiction often starts with casual misuse, which may look like taking an extra pill here and there or taking it to enjoy even when its effects are not necessarily needed. With time, someone may find that they are no longer able to function without those extra pills and that they are experiencing the start of dependence and addiction.

Someone who is addicted to a substance versus abusing it will show certain behavioral and psychological signs of misuse that show up as patterns over time. These can include intense cravings for the drug, an inability to stop using it, and neglecting responsibilities or hobbies that they once enjoyed.

A person who is addicted to a substance, including one involving prescription drug abuse, will have an inability to stop using it, even though they know it is causing problems in their life. They are also likely to take part in compulsive Ativan use and feel strong cravings to use in between doses, and may experience other withdrawal symptoms as well.

Ativan misuse can cause physical dependence, which is different from psychological dependence and occurs when someone’s body relies on a drug to function.

Dependence refers to a person’s physical dependence on a substance to function normally, in the sense that they will experience withdrawal symptoms without it.

Addiction, on the other hand, is more of a behavioral compulsion to use a substance excessively despite it having negative consequences in one’s life.

Physical dependence means that a person’s body has become accustomed to the presence of a substance, such as Ativan, and that it depends on it to function normally. Dependence usually occurs with chronic or long-term misuse of a substance, with a higher risk associated with a higher dose and starting at an earlier age.

Someone who takes Ativan as prescribed can still become dependent because, over time, their brain will adapt to the presence of Ativan and start to rely on it in order to feel calm. For this reason, most Ativan prescriptions are meant to be used on a short-term basis, with close monitoring from the prescribing physician.

It is important to recognize the signs of Ativan dependence, as this can be a precursor to Ativan addiction. It can also be a sign that professional treatment may be appropriate.

Warning signs of Ativan dependence include:

• Social withdrawal
• Ignoring responsibilities
• Forging prescriptions
• Doctor shopping
• Feeling unable to stop taking Ativan
• Building up a prescription drug tolerance
• Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms when not taking Ativan

It is important to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction. It may help you to identify a possible drug addiction in someone you know and even in yourself.

When someone is addicted to Ativan or another substance, some of the most obvious signs will be in how they behave or act differently than what is normal for them.

Behavioral symptoms of Ativan addiction include:

• Secretive use
• Doctor shopping
• Mood swings
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Social withdrawal

In addition to behavioral signs, a person addicted to Ativan will also experience unpleasant physical effects and lorazepam abuse symptoms.

Physical symptoms of Ativan addiction include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Coordination problems
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Sleeping problems

People also typically experience mental and emotional symptoms as well when they are addicted to Ativan, which can be further amplified if they have co-occurring disorders.

Psychological symptoms of Ativan addiction include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression when not using
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Paranoia

Someone who is struggling with an addiction to Ativan or another substance is likely to find that it affects their daily life and relationships, including their performance at work or in school. This can lead to further isolation and withdrawal from friends and family members, during a time when the person struggling with addiction needs support the most.

Physical dependence, which is associated with Ativan misuse, comes with many withdrawal symptoms. Some are very unpleasant while others can be dangerous.

When someone stops using Ativan suddenly, it can result in uncomfortable and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can make it difficult to avoid relapse.

It can also be dangerous to stop suddenly, especially if someone has been taking Ativan frequently or at a high dose, as this can trigger seizures and other dangerous symptoms.

The symptoms of Ativan withdrawal are known for being very uncomfortable, as is true for any type of benzodiazepine. It is because of these symptoms that people often start using it again to feel better.

Lorazepam withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Muscle stiffness
• Sweating
• Muscle pain
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Panic attacks
• Abnormal heart rate
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Tremors

Ativan withdrawal also comes with a risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, which can include seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis. The best treatment option in these situations for lorazepam detox risks is usually hospitalization to get the individual stable before helping them through medical detox.

If someone does experience severe withdrawal symptoms, they must receive immediate medical support. This is why inpatient addiction treatment is so often recommended for Ativan addiction, so that people have immediate access to support when and if needed during withdrawal dangers.

There are several Ativan side effects associated with benzodiazepine use, despite there also being numerous desired effects.

Short-term side effects occur immediately and shortly after using Ativan, and can vary in severity for each person.

Short-term effects of Ativan misuse include:

• Nausea
• Weakness
• Euphoria
• Slurred speech
• Impaired vision
• Lack of coordination
• Memory loss
• Shaking
• Respiratory depression
• Depression
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Impaired judgment
• Suicidal thoughts
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Suppressed appetite
• Ativan overdose
• Death

Long-term side effects occur after long-term benzodiazepine use, including repeated use of Ativan, and can be more intense when a person has been using the drug for longer periods.

Long-term effects of Ativan abuse include:

• Personality changes
• Chronic sleep disorders
• Cognitive impairment
• Emotional instability
• Mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders
• Chronic stomach ailments
• Chronic insomnia
• Weight gain
• Skin rashes

It is incredibly dangerous to combine Ativan with other substances, especially other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids.

Combining substances can greatly increase the dangers of Ativan misuse, including a person’s risk of overdose and death, especially with substances that amplify each other’s effects.

Long-term Ativan abuse is also known for causing potential liver injuries as well as leading to bradycardia, a condition that causes the heart to beat slower than normal.

Ativan abuse can also result in cognitive issues such as memory problems and a higher risk of dementia over time.

Anyone who takes Ativan can be at risk for developing a lorazepam addiction. However, several other factors can greatly increase the risk for causes of Ativan dependence.

One of the greatest risk factors for any type of addiction is a family history of addiction, which also usually means a genetic predisposition as well.

Some research suggests that genetic factors account for as much as 60-80% of a person’s overall risk for developing an addiction.

Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, may be more prone to abusing Ativan as a means of self-medicating or escaping their issues. When taken as prescribed and for a short duration, Ativan can be effective in treating anxiety. However, possessing a valid prescription for anxiety may increase the risk of developing an addiction.

Someone may also be tempted to self-medicate with Ativan if they are experiencing things like stress, trauma, or social pressure. Because Ativan can help people relax and sleep, it can help them avoid any problems they are experiencing by numbing them and providing an escape.

The dosage and duration of a person’s prescription for Ativan can also play a heavy role in whether they become addicted to the drug. As with most substances, the risk of addiction to Ativan increases with a higher dosage and longer duration of use, as this allows for a tolerance to build up over time.

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.

The DSM-5 diagnoses substance use disorders based on 11 different criteria, and further diagnoses the severity of a person’s disorder based on how many criteria are present.

Some of the criteria that DSM-5 uses for diagnosing addiction include:

• Failed attempts to quit
• Having strong cravings to use the drug
• Using the drug in physically hazardous situations, such as while driving
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop use

Medical and psychological evaluations are essential in understanding each individual as a whole and their overall mental and physical health.

The evaluations are contributed by:

• Identifying the physical effects of the addiction
• Assessing withdrawal symptoms
• Determining the severity of the addiction
• Exploring the underlying causes of the addiction
• Evaluating for co-occurring disorders

There are several widely used screening tools and questionnaires for assessing a person’s addiction.

Here are some of the most common substance use screening tools:

• CAGE Questionnaire: A simple, four-question test primarily used for alcohol use disorder screening.
• DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test): Used to assess drug use and potential substance use disorders.
• SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory): Helps identify individuals with substance use disorders, even if they attempt to conceal their substance use.
• TAPS (Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance Use Tool): A validated tool for assessing substance use risk levels.

It is crucial for anyone seeking an official diagnosis of Ativan addiction to be honest and transparent during the process to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment and maintain their safety. This includes being truthful about the frequency and dosage of Ativan use, as well as whether the individual is using it in combination with other substances.

The following are questions that are frequently asked about Ativan addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan and substance abuse, it is important to get help through professional Ativan addiction treatment as soon as possible.

When you are ready to take the first steps and are looking for a free and confidential resource for finding the best treatment centers nationwide, please reach out to us at RehabNet addiction resources.

Not only can we help you locate the best addiction centers in your area that accept your insurance, but we can also help guide you as you talk to a loved one who is struggling to help convince them that treatment is the right choice.

Whether you are looking for inpatient treatment centers or outpatient therapists for help for Ativan addiction, contact us now to get started with free addiction help.