Ativan Addiction, Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Dangers, Withdrawal, Detox & Dual Diagnosis Rehab Washington

Ativan (lorazepam) is an anxiety medication often prescribed to help people feel calmer and relaxed. Lorazepam is part of a class of substances known as benzodiazepines, which affect the central nervous system, which includes the brain and nerves. If an individual takes Ativan for a long period, the potential for misuse increases. Ativan is strong and fast-acting, and long-term misuse could result in building tolerance and dependence on it. Ativan Addiction is a very serious disorder. It is designed to help people with the symptoms of short-term anxiety and is not necessarily meant for long-term use because it has the potential to be habit-forming.

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs and they are used primarily in the treatment of anxiety but may also be used to treat panic disorders, seizures, insomnia, and trouble sleeping. In some cases, benzodiazepines can also be used for anesthesia, sedation before surgery or medical procedures, muscle relaxation, withdrawal from alcohol and drugs, nausea, vomiting, and depression.

As stated by Medlineplus.gov this drug is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, and side effects from cancer treatment. Ativan is extremely addictive, and because of how habit-forming it can be, as well as how potent and fast-acting it is, it’s not often prescribed for use for more than a few months at a time. The maximum period it’s prescribed to patients for use is about four months.

• Despite initial intentions, the person takes too much Ativan or takes it for a longer period than expected
• The person senses that there is a need to stop using or to cut down on Ativan use but is not able to do so
• The person spends a disproportionate amount of time using Ativan, getting Ativan, or recovering after using Ativan
• The person has cravings to use Ativan (or other benzodiazepine drugs)
• Due to Ativan abuse, the person is not able to perform to the necessary standard at work, school, or home
• The person continues to use the drug even though doing so is causing interpersonal problems

• The person doesn’t partake in important work activities, hobbies, or social events due to the Ativan abuse
• The person repeatedly uses Ativan even when doing so puts them in danger or at risk for a host of troubles (e.g., drugged driving)
• The person continues to use Ativan even though it is causing or exacerbating an existing psychological or physical problem
• The person develops a tolerance for Ativan. Tolerance is a natural process that requires a person to take more of a drug as time passes
• The person goes into withdrawal when they stop using Ativan. Withdrawal is a natural process that occurs when a person stops using the drug or reduces the familiar amount of the drug used

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness

• Slurred speech
• Lack of motor coordination
• Having a hard time breathing
• Coma

Over time, as people use an addiction-forming drug, the body habituates to it. This process of acclimation involves the biological processes known as tolerance and withdrawal. As people use a drug of abuse over time, they will need to consume a greater amount of the drug to achieve the familiar high. If or when a person stops using the drug of abuse or significantly reduces the familiar amount, the body will go into withdrawal and different symptoms can emerge.

An article published by The National Library of Medicine, called ‘The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome’, highlights the many symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal. As the article notes, research shows that withdrawal from benzodiazepines tends to be more severe among people who either abuse high doses of short-acting variants.

As Ativan is a short-acting benzodiazepine, it is especially important to understand the possible symptoms that can emerge during withdrawal as well as the relevant timeline along which these symptoms may appear. In some instances, it may be challenging to differentiate between withdrawal symptoms and the symptoms associated with anxiety (the very condition for which people take Ativan).

• Panic attacks
• Palpitations
• Hand tremors
• Dry retching
• Nausea
• Changes in perception
• Headache

• Muscle stiffness or pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Increased anxiety
• Problems concentrating
• Moderate weight loss

The treatment for a person who suffers from addiction must be personalized depending on the case, each individual has a different organism and a distinct way to respond to drugs. In the same way, every type of drug has its issues. For example, a person with an addiction to Ativan (lorazepam) or another type of benzodiazepine isn’t have the same experiences or needs as someone dependent on alcohol or opioids. 

When someone comes to a rehab facility with an addiction to Ativan, the first step is to assess them and determine whether or not they require a medical detox and if so, what their levels of care will be during that detox. Medically supervised detox is critical to treating an Ativan addiction because the results can be dangerous or deadly without it. Withdrawal from Ativan can lead to symptoms that range from headaches and nausea to seizures and psychosis, which is why medical supervision is essential. This also provides the foundation for the rest of the treatment, and many of the initial recovery steps can begin during the medical detox phase.

• In-depth evaluation and treatment planning tailored to the individual
• Constant supervision from the nursing staff
• Meeting with a psychiatric care provider at least once a week
• Group therapy sessions
• Continual review of treatment and objectives

• Individual therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Specialty group therapy focuses on substance misuse, the 12-step program, and grief and loss.
• Aftercare and discharge planning