Ativan Addiction: Symptoms, Risks, Detox, and Treatment
Ativan ( lorazepam ) Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment
GET HELP TODAY!
100% Confidentiality Guaranteed
What Is Ativan used for (Lorazepam)?
Ativan is the generic name for Lorazepam. It is a fast-acting benzodiazepine. Doctors use it short-term for anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and nausea from chemotherapy.
It increases GABA effects to calm the brain and nervous system. As a Schedule IV drug, it’s highly addictive and typically prescribed for under four months. Ativan comes as a tablet or liquid. It is one of the most prescribed benzodiazepines in the U.S.
Slang for Ativan
The following terms are street names or slang for Ativan:
- Benzos
- Heavenly blues
- Stupefy
- Downers
- Tranks
- Candy
- Sleeping pills
Ativan Addiction Facts and Statistics
- Ativan addiction is common in the United States. This drug is one of the most popular sedatives used by Americans.
- According to SAMHSA’s 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 18.7 million Americans misused prescription drugs. This is about 6.9 percent of the population.
Overcoming Ativan addiction is possible. Medical detox and rehab can provide tools and resources to get sober. Start your recovery today by calling (888) 427-4932.
Am I Addicted to Ativan? Signs and Symptoms of Ativan Addiction
People who have a history of substance use disorder with other drugs or alcohol may have a higher risk of developing Ativan addiction. Although taking Ativan exactly as prescribed can lower your risk of addiction, it’s still possible to develop tolerance, physical dependence, or addiction while taking it.
Common signs of Ativan addiction include failed attempts to quit, hiding use, dependence to function, isolation, neglecting responsibilities, legal or financial issues, and spending excessive time on obtaining or using the drug.
What Are the Side Effects of Ativan Abuse?
Abusing Ativan may involve taking it without a prescription, using higher doses, mixing it with other substances, or misusing it by snorting or injecting.
Short-term effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, slowed breathing, hallucinations, and aggression.
Long-term effects can lead to addiction, memory issues, depression, cognitive decline, seizures, and physical dependence.
Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.
Same-Day Admissions in Austin Available.
What Are Signs of An Ativan Overdose?
People who abuse Ativan may combine it with alcohol, methadone, cocaine, and other amphetamines to enhance the drug’s effects, increasing the risk of the withdrawal process. This is extremely dangerous and raises the risk of overdose. Signs include confusion, poor coordination, slurred speech, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, weakness, and coma.
How Long Does Ativan Stay in My System?
You can feel the effects of Ativan within two hours of taking the drug. However, it usually takes about 10-20 hours to leave your system. This timeframe is just an estimate. It can change based on several factors. These include your metabolism, body water, body mass, weight, age, and how much Ativan you took.
Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox
Quitting Ativan suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, tremors, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures or suicidal thoughts. Medical detox provides 24/7 care, gradual tapering, and support to reduce risks and prevent relapse.
Ativan Withdrawal Timeline
Ativan withdrawal will vary for everyone, but this timeline and tapering schedule is a general idea of what you can expect under medical supervision at a treatment facility.
24 hours after the last dose:A rush of anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and insomnia are common during the early stages of withdrawal and Ativan detox. 2-3 days after the last dose:The bulk of the withdrawal symptoms usually occur during a few days into Ativan detox, including headaches, tremors, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, dizziness, and irritability.2 weeks after the last dose:Some symptoms may linger for two weeks or more following Ativan detox. These symptoms usually include depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
Ativan Addiction Treatment Options
Recovering from Ativan addiction is a long-term process involving levels of care; detox, rehab, sober living, support groups and aftercare. After detox, continuing treatment with inpatient or outpatient rehab helps individuals understand addiction, prevent relapse, address root causes, change harmful behaviors, and build a strong foundation in sobriety through therapy and 12-step work.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research shows long-term addiction treatment of 90 days or longer provides the best results for long term recovery, therefore long-term addiction treatment may be the best way to overcome Ativan addiction and maintain your sobriety.
Clients or family members who enroll in a residential program at an addiction treatment center receive a safe, sober group environment, counseling, life skills training, educational sessions, behavioral and specialized therapies, 12-step work, and a structured daily routine.
An outpatient rehab program for Ativan addiction provides group sessions in a safe place. It allows you to live at home. The program includes counseling, educational talks, life skills training, and 12-step work.
Costs depend on where you are, the type of mental health issues services, the medical professionals involved, and how long the program lasts. Payment options include insurance, EAPs, loans, or lower fees.
Ativan addiction does not have to define you. Call Nova Recovery Center today at (888) 427-4932. Learn more about medical detox, 90-day rehab, and sober living programs. These programs help you stay sober for the long term.
Continued Care for Ativan Addiction Treatment
Detox and rehab are important parts of Ativan treatment. People in recovery should also think about joining a sober living program or aftercare.
These programs provide continuous care and support. They are for people who have just completed an Ativan rehab program. They also help those who have relapsed.
Sober Living Programs
Sober living, ¾ homes, transitional homes, and halfway houses are all places for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
Sober living programs support the shift from addiction to sobriety with safe housing, structure, recovery plans, and monitoring. Many also offer job help and education planning. Costs vary based on location, services, and amenities.
Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs provide weekly support for rehab alumni, especially those prone to relapse. They offer a safe space to share recovery challenges and successes. With proper treatment and support, overcoming Ativan addiction is possible. Contact Nova Recovery Center to learn more.
Recovering from Ativan addiction can be hard, but it is possible with the right treatment and support. Contact Nova Recovery Center for more information about Ativan treatment programs.
Nova Recovery Center offers a large range of substance abuse treatment services: detox, residential, outpatient and sober living.
Call Us Now and Begin Healing at (512) 605-2955
Or text us and we will call you right back.
Not quite ready for a call? You can fill out the form below.
Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help. Please call or fill out this form for a confidential consultation. One of our understanding, dedicated advisors will contact you about your options. Begin healing today.
