Ativan Abuse and Addiction Treatment Options
If you or a loved one is dealing with Ativan addiction, Zinnia Health is here to provide you with a solution.
Find the answers you seek by calling (855) 430-9439.
Our prescription rehab and addiction treatment programs bring hope and direction to those affected by Ativan abuse or Ativan addiction.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan® (Lorazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine-class drug like Xanax® or Librium®. Benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, are widely prescribed across the United States — millions of people use this type of drug.
Physicians prescribe Ativan for various reasons. Some of these include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Pre-medication for anesthesia (to calm the patient down in a hospital setting)
There are off-label uses for this drug and others in the same category. They may be used to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome and delirium in some instances.
Signs and Effects of Ativan Abuse
Individuals may use benzodiazepines (benzos) for various reasons, as listed above, increasing the risk of Ativan abuse and Ativan addiction. Unfortunately, Ativan is also a frequently abused drug, with dire consequences for its misuse. Abusers often land in the emergency room or find themselves with mental health problems, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Signs of Ativan abuse include:
- Not taking the medication as directed
- Using it to “get high”
- Taking the drug from someone else (i.e., it’s not prescribed to you)
- Mixing it with other substances for effect
- Using more of your prescription than you should
Ativan addiction is present if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the substance.
Risk Factors of Ativan Abuse
There are risk factors associated with the use of Ativan. Adverse effects vary from person to person, but some of the common ones are:
- Respiratory depression or failure
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Seizures
- Dependency
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
One of the greatest dangers of taking Ativan — one that can lead to an overdose — occurs if you mix it with other substances. Drinking or taking opioids or other central nervous system depressants with Ativan can have life-threatening results.
Seeking Treatment for Ativan Addiction
Dealing with Ativan abuse or Ativan addiction can be stressful for you and your loved ones. Ativan withdrawal may induce seizures, so it’s intimidating to think about trying to quit it on your own.
At Zinnia Health, we understand how serious addiction is for people and their families. Our knowledgeable intake staff will determine whether Ativan detox is appropriate as a first step toward the true freedom that only a life in recovery can bring.
Throughout every stage of our admissions process, we bring no judgment — we only offer accurate, up-to-date information that helps you rediscover your life. Call us now at (855) 430-9439.
Related Articles
- Understanding Ativan Withdrawal Statistics and Procedures
- Physical Signs of Ativan Abuse
- How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?