About Ativan Addiction

Being addicted to this substance can incur cognitive impairments, several withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and dependence. Paired with alcohol it can intensify the relaxing sensations experienced. Ativan combined with alcohol abuse can lead to respiratory issues at the same time. Feeling euphoric and relaxed might push some users to use Ativan more frequently leading to addiction. This drug is readily available which makes it one of the most abused benzodiazepines in the country. Many suicide attempts are linked to Ativan, and so careful psychological screenings are encouraged when prescribing this powerful medication. When the effects wear off, the subject might become irritable, angry, or depressed. The addiction is both psychological and physical.

The therapeutic effects can be quickly overshadowed by damaging long-term effects on the body and mind. The euphoric feeling usually doesn’t last. According to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), more than 20 million people in the US have abused similar drugs during their life. Being aware of the signs and symptoms is thus important to improve one’s ability to monitor Ativan usage. Should you suspect that a loved one has an Ativan addiction, call one of our counselors at Coastline Behavioral Health in Huntington Beach.

Ativan Addiction Facts

Ativan belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines and is also known as Lorazepam. Ativan is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders but it can also be used for other purposes. Long-term use of this drug can lead to higher tolerance and Ativan addiction. This is a very potent sedative and a high dosage might lead to overdose. Its immediate-acting effect is useful not only for anxiety but also for insomnia, severe seizures, and is also sometimes to handle aggressive people. It must be used only in specific cases and not for long period of times, otherwise, it can be habit-forming and addictive. Prescriptions are usually limited to several weeks.

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Ativan Addiction Symptoms

Symptoms are comprised of mood symptoms, behavioral symptoms, psychological symptoms and physical ones too.

Mood symptoms include the following:

Frequent mood changes
Depression
Anxiety

Suicidal thoughts
Irrational hostility

Behavioral Symptoms include the following:

Memory issues
Hyperactivity
Violence
Confusion and agitation
Forging fake prescriptions

Social withdrawal
Employment problems
Relationship issues
Legal and financial problems
Doctor shopping

Psychological symptoms include the following:

Psychosis
Feeling light-headed
Hallucinations and delusions
Losing memory

Physical symptoms include the following:

Having trouble breathing
Skin Rashes
Nausea
Fever
Sore throat

Blurred vision
Feeling drowsy
Feeling dizzy
Syncope
Heartburn

Ativan Addiction Recovery

Proper rehab is absolutely necessary for full recovery. Medical professionals need to be here to watch the patient when he stops using Ativan because of the potentially harmful side effects. Detoxification is the best way to cleanse the body from this substance. Withdrawal can lead to vomiting, insomnia, mood changes, rage, seizure, muscle pain, anxiety, convulsions…The two main stages during the withdrawal process are acute withdrawal and protracted withdrawal. The symptoms that led the patient to take the medication in the first place might also return after a few days sparking new cravings and urges. Rebound symptoms can be managed effectively while finding an alternative treatment. Our Huntington Beach Rehab Center will help the patient recover faster and in a safer manner from dependency. Stopping the use of Ativan too fast can be dangerous and lead to further complications, don’t attempt it without medical supervision.

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