Ativan (lorazepam) is a common drug prescribed to treat anxiety. However, Ativan abuse and addiction can be extremely dangerous and life-altering.
The risks of misuse and abuse grow with repeated use. People can also develop tolerance for the drug, meaning it takes increasingly higher doses to get high.
Symptoms
Ativan is a short-acting, prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders. However, it can also be abused. Abuse occurs when a person takes more than prescribed, takes the drug more frequently than directed or mixes it with other substances to increase the effects.
Physical dependence on Ativan can develop quickly and easily. Those who use the drug every day may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking it.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. They can be difficult to come off without professional help.
Cravings are a sign of psychological dependence and can interfere with daily responsibilities and relationships. They are also a major warning sign of an addiction.
There are many resources available to support those who are struggling with an addiction to Ativan or other drugs. For example, local in-person or online support groups such as AlAnon and Celebrate Recovery offer compassion and understanding for those who are struggling with substance abuse.
Treatment
If you or someone you love has a problem with Ativan, there are several treatment options available. These can include inpatient or outpatient programs, and even detoxification services.
As a benzodiazepine, Ativan can be very addictive if used for too long or in too high a dose. This can lead to tolerance development, resulting in the user needing to take increasingly larger amounts of Ativan in order to achieve the same effects.
Many people who use Ativan develop a psychological dependence on the drug that can be very difficult to break. This is often referred to as addiction, and it can be a life-threatening disorder.
Addiction to benzodiazepines like Ativan can be treated with behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or contingency management (CM). CBT is designed to teach a person to manage stressful situations and change their thinking patterns so they don’t need Ativan to feel calm.
Prevention
Addiction and abuse of benzodiazepines is a problem that affects many adults. It is also common among teens.
The drug increases the activity of the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain, a natural inhibitory chemical that reduces excitatory signaling in the brain and helps people relax.
This medication should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol while you take this medication. This may reduce the effectiveness of your dose and cause serious side effects.
You should also not share this medicine with others, especially those who have a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep this medication in a place where other people cannot get to it.
Addiction and misuse of lorazepam can lead to physical dependence, severe withdrawal symptoms and other dangerous conditions. If you or a loved one has an addiction to Ativan, seek help from a qualified drug and alcohol treatment center.
Recovery
Recovery is a process of change that enables individuals to improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. It includes the use of a variety of social, economic, and healthcare resources to support the individual and their family in recovery from addiction and/or mental health disorders.
It also involves the development of a community and relationships that provide hope, love, and support. It is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing engagement and management, but it can be rewarding.
The treatment for Ativan abuse usually begins with detox, which is a period of time when the patient isn’t taking any drugs at all and undergoes medical and psychological care to help them withdraw from the substance. This can be a very effective approach to treating Ativan withdrawal symptoms and decreasing the likelihood of relapse after treatment.
