Ativan Addiction

Ativan, the brand name for Lorazepam, can be highly addictive and lead to both physical and psychological dependence. As part of the benzodiazepine family of drugs, Ativan is considered a central nervous system depressant with sedative and mildly tranquilizing effects. Ativan is in the same family of drugs as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and Librium. It is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. An addiction to Ativan can set in quickly for those who use it chronically or for extended periods of time. It is meant to be a short-term treatment. Those with prior histories of addiction may become dependent quicker than others. As prescribed, Ativan can be taken safely but is habit-forming when used habitually.

Ativan Tolerance and Withdrawal

Ativan can build up in the system of users, leading them to develop a tolerance. This requires them to take more and more to experience the same relief of anxiety. Patients should talk to a doctor immediately if they feel a tolerance has developed. As with other addictive medications, Ativan use should be gently tapered to minimize its effects on the body. Withdrawal from Ativan can be severe but is manageable with the right course of detox and treatment. To ensure safety during detox, patients should choose a treatment that is medically supervised. If patients try to abruptly stop using Ativan, intense withdrawal symptoms can set in quickly. They include trouble concentrating, blurred vision, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle twitches, numbness, tingling, increased sensations and seizures. Unfortunately, the anxiety and fear of withdrawal is what keeps so many people addicted to drugs.

How Ativan Addiction Progresses

An addiction to Ativan can cause changes to occur in the user’s brain. The brain begins to associate Ativan use with reward and pleasure, creating feelings of euphoria that regular users may not experience. Addiction can progress to the point that users feel they have no control over the drug. Misuse and abuse of benzodiazepines is on the rise. In many cases, patients become addicted through no fault of their own. Ativan addiction can cause intense cravings for the drug, both mentally and physically. Those who are addicted tend to habitually seek out Ativan, regardless of the negative consequences that may result. Researchers say a physical addiction develops when repeated use alters reward pathways in the brain.

Treating an Ativan Addiction

Ativan addiction can be treated in a safe and humane way. Realizing you have a problem is the first step in the right direction. Treatment should include a medical detox and patients should look into an aftercare program to help them deal with recovery and any possible underlying factors that may have contributed to the addiction. Benzodiazepines including Ativan are said to be among the worst prescription medications to detox from. The right program will make patients feel safe and comfortable without using tactics such as shame or guilt to get positive results. If you or a loved one is addicted to Ativan, you owe it to yourself to get help now.

Get Help with Ativan Addiction Now

Call us today to discuss how the Waismann Method can free you from your Ativan dependency and get your life back.

• Call (310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673) during business hours. for more information about rapid detox treatment for prescription drug addiction
• After-hours and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
• send us a confidential email.