Ativan Addiction Treatment and Rehab

Ativan (lorazepam) is a prescription medication commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. As a fast-acting benzodiazepine, it can be highly effective in managing short-term symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures.

However, despite its legitimate medical uses, Ativan also carries a significant risk for misuse, dependency, and addiction, especially when taken for extended periods or outside of prescribed guidelines. It belongs to the same drug class as other high-risk medications like Xanax and Valium, all of which contribute to the growing concern surrounding prescription benzodiazepine abuse in the United States.

Because Ativan addiction can have serious—and sometimes life-threatening—consequences, seeking professional treatment through a dedicated lorazepam rehab program is crucial for long-term recovery.

In this guide, you’ll learn how Ativan addiction is treated, what to expect from rehab, how much treatment may cost, and how to get help starting your recovery journey with support from RehabNet.

Not everyone who misuses Ativan needs an Ativan rehab program, but professional treatment programs can be beneficial to many.

Anyone who is starting to show signs of addiction, is experiencing physical and emotional changes due to Ativan use, and is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop, can likely benefit from professional treatment.

Furthermore, individuals who show a desire and willingness to change their behavior and who are willing to reach out for help can often benefit the most.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Ativan, it can be a good idea to know the warning signs for when use has become troublesome. You may need to seek professional help if you are exhibiting any of the signs of Ativan addiction.

Signs of lorazepam addiction and that Ativan use is problematic for someone include:

• They are taking more than prescribed and at more frequent doses
• They experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug
• They have lost interest in their usual hobbies and activities
• They are neglecting personal responsibilities like work or school
• They are combining Ativan with other substances like alcohol or opioids
• They are exhibiting signs of frequent drowsiness and sedation

Outpatient treatment can be highly beneficial to some people who require addiction rehab, but it does not always provide enough supervision and care for those with more severe forms of addiction.

In these cases, inpatient benzodiazepine rehab is often the most successful, as it provides 24/7 care and supervision for extended periods.

Someone who is struggling with a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, at the same time as their addiction may struggle to stay sober if both are not treated together.

They can be treated together in inpatient rehab through dual diagnosis treatment, which treats co-occurring disorders through various types of therapy and medications when needed.

If you are considering seeking out professional rehab for Ativan addiction, it can be helpful to know what to expect in rehab during your stay.

Entering a rehab program always begins with an intake interview and assessment process, during which you will be evaluated by clinical professionals.

During this process, both your physical health and mental health are evaluated to determine your overall status and whether or not you have any co-occurring disorders.

After you have been evaluated, your treatment team can develop a customized treatment plan for you that is unique to your specific needs.

This personalized rehab plan will likely include a mixture of behavioral therapies as well as both individual therapy and group therapy, along with any substance use treatments that you need, such as detox or MAT.

The Ativan rehab process always begins with a period of detox, during which you will be supervised by medical professionals. You may also be given medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms.

Once you have completed detox, you will begin therapy and take part in support groups and educational workshops. Therapy sessions will usually be both individual and group therapy, oftentimes focusing on behavioral therapy.

The last phase of a rehab program is aftercare planning, during which you will prepare to transition back into your regular life. You will likely make a relapse prevention plan at this time and also plan for continuing outpatient therapy.

Day-to-day activities can vary depending on the alcohol or drug abuse program, but usually involve a mixture of therapy sessions and educational workshops that focus on teaching skills like relapse prevention and coping mechanisms.

There will also be opportunities for free time or to socialize with other residents of the program, such as during meals or fitness activities.

Detoxification is the first step in any type of rehab program, and vital for avoiding relapse and preparing for therapy.

A medical detox program is essential for most types of addiction, but is especially important when quitting a drug like Ativan. This is because the side effects of Ativan withdrawal can be dangerous and even deadly.

Once a person has gone through this part of recovery, they can approach their treatment and therapy with a clear and intentional mind.

Ativan can lead to strong physical dependence, resulting in difficult withdrawal symptoms. Quitting suddenly is never recommended, as this can trigger life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and psychosis.

Symptoms of Ativan withdrawal include:

• Strong cravings
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Headache
• Fast heart rate
• Irritability
• Increased sweating

Detox can be done either at home or in a professional medical setting. Ativan, however, is not a drug that is recommended to detox from at home.

For people who have no choice but to detox at home, they should be well prepared and have family or friends on hand to support them in case it becomes too overwhelming.

Continuous medical supervision is crucial during Ativan detox, particularly for individuals at risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. This level of care ensures immediate medical attention if any complications arise, allowing for a safer withdrawal process. Additionally, medications may be provided to help alleviate your symptoms.

A variety of treatment options are available for addressing Ativan addiction, depending on an individual’s needs and recovery goals.

The Matrix Model treatment was created to treat stimulant addiction, but has since expanded to treat other types of substance disorders, such as those involving benzos. The Matrix Model for Ativan addiction provides a lot of structure and is evidence-based, often combining CBT therapy, motivational interviewing, and 12-step techniques.

Behavioral therapy for lorazepam addiction often includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address a person’s thought patterns and triggers.

Another popular therapy for treating addiction is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is a type of CBT therapy that focuses on emotion regulation through learning helpful skills like mindfulness.

Addiction counseling typically means talk therapy that is done on a one-on-one basis to address underlying emotional and psychological issues. This type of therapy can be especially helpful for people who have co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.

People can also attend recovery support groups that allow for peer support while in rehab and in post-rehab environments. These groups can be guided and structured for specific formats, like with 12-step meetings or SMART recovery, or they can be more general group therapy sessions.

Because each person receives an individualized treatment plan, the length of treatment for an Ativan rehab program can vary.

Length of rehab is influenced by numerous factors, and is often not decided at the start of a program, but remains open to the patient’s needs and preferences as they progress.

Factors that influence rehab length include:

• Severity of the addiction
• The patient’s overall health
• Whether there are co-occurring disorders
• Level of care
• The patient’s preference

The typical Ativan rehab duration of each phase of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual program.

On average, you can expect that:

• Detox will last between 3 and 10 days, depending on how severe the addiction is
• Inpatient care usually comes in 30-day rehab programs, but can be changed to extended stay addiction treatment for 60 days or 90 days when necessary
• Outpatient treatment will last several weeks to several months, depending on what is needed by the individual

Research suggests that the longer a person stays in rehab, the better and more successful their potential outcomes. Furthermore, programs that last at least 90 days seem to be the most effective.

This is because a longer rehab duration allows for more time to address root problems and build coping skills, among other benefits.

Even after successfully completing an Ativan rehab program, most people will still require some level of treatment as they transition back into their normal lives and work towards long-term addiction recovery.

Sober living homes are a form of transitional housing that supports newly sober people as they return to independent living.

These homes allow people who have just completed rehab to have their freedom while living in a safe environment, and where the other residents are also sober. Furthermore, people have a small community at home where they can offer peer support and provide accountability.

It is incredibly important that people have ongoing support as they work towards sustaining recovery after rehab. This can help them to avoid relapse and find healthier ways of coping.

People can do this through continued outpatient therapy, relapse prevention support groups, and ongoing monitoring with their addiction team. Over time and with continued success, most people can decrease the frequency of their continuing care appointments.

Staying sober after completing Ativan rehab can be challenging for some, and it is always a good idea to be as prepared as possible for coping with triggers.

While everyone has their various triggers that affect them, there are also more general triggers that can affect people and cause relapse. These include stress, boredom, financial pressures, relationship troubles, and emotional or physical trauma.

People can work on identifying their triggers through journaling and reflection, but may also want to talk to a mental health professional who can serve as a guide.

When completing a rehab program, it is important to leave with an individual Ativan relapse prevention plan, so you know what to do in the event of relapse. In some cases, relapse may be unavoidable, but having a plan and knowing where to turn for support can make a difference in preventing relapse after rehab.

Support groups and ongoing therapy can also provide continued support while navigating a new sober lifestyle. They are also flexible in that they can be used when or as needed. As an added benefit, these groups are often easy to access if someone is tempted towards relapse and needs a place to go for support.

Many people in recovery find it beneficial to maintain a high amount of structure, such as the type that they learned to maintain while they were in rehab. As part of their new substance-free lifestyle, they may also want to spend the majority of their time with people who are also substance-free.

Many people who are looking into rehab for Ativan addiction are likely concerned about the potential costs. Fortunately, there are several affordable rehab options available.

Numerous factors can affect the cost of rehab, making some facilities more affordable and accessible than others.

Factors that affect the cost of Ativan rehab include:

• Location
• Treatment type
• Level of care
• Duration of program
• Types of amenities offered
• Insurance policies accepted

Inpatient programs can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per month, but it will vary significantly depending on the location and type of facility.

Outpatient programs can also vary significantly depending on the levels of care and other factors. For instance, an intensive outpatient program could cost around $5,000 per month, while individual therapy appointments could be $100 to $200 per session.

Most addiction treatment centers accept some form of insurance, whether private insurance or state-funded insurance, or both. The amount of coverage will depend on the specific plan, however.

There may also be additional payment assistance options available at certain treatment programs, such as payment plans, to provide financial help for rehab and make treatment more accessible.

It may also be possible to find programs in your area that are low-cost or that charge people based on sliding scales. These are often non-profit treatment programs or programs that are offered through churches and community centers.

Some rehab centers also partner with Medicaid or are state-funded and are thus able to offer more affordable treatment to people with lower incomes.

Many people who enter a professional drug or alcohol rehab program expect to be cured of their addiction. This, however, is a misconception that is often had regarding addiction.

Addiction is considered to be a chronic medical condition, but one that is very treatable and manageable. Drug rehab is more of a short-term treatment for people with addiction, but one that sets them up with skills and resources to get through the long-term period of recovery as well.

While rehab is not a guaranteed cure for addiction, it can certainly help people to overcome many of the hurdles that are coming between them and a sober lifestyle. Most people see it as a tool and the beginning of recovery, and that the true tests take place after a program is complete, and people can focus on chronic addiction management.

Sustaining sobriety and staying on the path to recovery takes a great deal of dedication, and people should be prepared to enact lifestyle changes and continue their treatment through ongoing therapy and support groups.

Lifestyle changes can mean maintaining an exercise program or eating healthy, anything that helps the person to stay busy and feel good in their day-to-day life.

Long-term Ativan recovery can be extremely challenging to maintain, and it’s important that people are realistic with themselves when setting goals for the future.

It is also important that people in recovery do not put any unnecessary pressure on themselves, and keeping with realistic expectations can help with this.

Professional treatment for Ativan has a lot of benefits, especially for people who are seeking out help with intention.

The detox and withdrawal period can be notoriously difficult for Ativan, and it is not uncommon to relapse while trying to quit. Understandably, one of the biggest benefits of Ativan rehab is knowing that you or your loved one will be safe and supervised during this period.

Another professional lorazepam treatment advantage is that it allows people to experience therapy and support that is personalized and customized to their unique needs. This means that they get exactly the treatment services that are suitable for them, and that they can make the most of their time in rehab.

Professional drug rehab also gives people access to a peer community where they can support one another and hold each other accountable. Oftentimes, people can build a community of support while in rehab that they can still access even after rehab is over.

During time in a program for Ativan addiction, people learn coping strategies that they can rely on instead of substance use whenever life gets challenging in the future. This can help with their overall mental health, as can different types of therapies and medications for treating mental health disorders.

People also learn valuable communication skills and more that can help them repair any relationships that were harmed while they were struggling with Ativan addiction. They also learn other valuable life skills that they can take with them into future employment or education opportunities, giving them an overall improved quality of life.

Here are questions that are commonly asked about Ativan treatment and rehab.

Taking the first step toward recovery from prescription drug addiction can feel overwhelming, but it’s also the most important step toward reclaiming your life. Delaying treatment can allow a substance use disorder to worsen over time, making early intervention crucial for lasting recovery.

RehabNet offers free, confidential support to help you find trusted Ativan rehab centers across the United States.

It’s never too late to seek help. Empower yourself or a loved one with the guidance, resources, and treatment options needed to overcome lorazepam addiction. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free future.