How to Detox From Ativan (Lorazepam) Safely?
Ativan is a prescription medication primarily used for mental health disorders like anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. Ativan is a brand name for Lorazepam and belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepine. The drug can be highly effective in treating these disorders. However, it can lead to physical addiction over time. (1)
If you have physical dependence on the drug and stop Ativan use suddenly, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening in severe cases.
That’s why seeking professional help at an Ativan detox center near you is essential to ensure proper healthcare.
To overcome lorazepam addiction, detoxification is an essential first step. This article will discuss the basics of Ativan detox, treatment options, and what to expect at addiction treatment centers.
What is Ativan Detox?
Ativan detox is a process that aims to slowly reduce the amount of Ativan in your system so your body can adjust without dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Will an Ativan Detox Last?
The half-life of Ativan is around 10-12 hours.
Acute withdrawal symptoms can:
- Start roughly 24 hours after your last dose
- Peak at 3 days to two weeks
- Last somewhere between 10-28 days (2)
Ativan detox withdrawal timeline can vary, depending on how much the user was taking, and for how long. You can typically expect to remain in a medical detox facility for anywhere from 5-14 days as your substance use disorder is monitored and treated.
What Are the Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms During the Detox?
If you’re addicted to Ativan, sudden discontinuation or reducing the dose can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms mostly related to the central nervous system, requiring hospitalization.
These can include: (3)
- Agitation and mood swings
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Panic Attacks
- Blood pressure variations
- Heart rate palpitations
- Tremors or seizures
What Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Are Used During an Ativan Detox?
If you or a loved one is addicted to Ativan, seeking professional help at an Ativan detox center near you is essential.
Here is what you can expect during the detox program: (4)
1. Medical Evaluation
Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical and mental health examination to determine your condition and the best course of action.
This thorough evaluation ensures a tailored approach, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of Ativan addiction. It includes assessing any co-occurring mental health conditions that may influence the treatment plan.
2. Tapering Off Ativan
After evaluating your condition, your doctor will slowly taper the dose to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering is a gradual reduction, allowing your body to adjust and reducing the risk of severe withdrawal effects. The tapering process is closely monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness, with adjustments made as needed based on individual responses.
3. Medical Support
During the detox process, medical staff will closely monitor and support you to ensure your comfort. This comprehensive medical support involves managing symptoms, addressing any complications, and providing emotional assistance throughout the challenging withdrawal period.
Medications may be administered to alleviate specific withdrawal symptoms, contributing to a more comfortable and controlled detoxification experience.
4. Holistic Treatments
You might participate in holistic treatments, such as yoga, meditation, nutrition training, and massage therapy. These holistic approaches contribute to your overall well-being, promoting relaxation, and helping to manage stress and anxiety during the detox process.
Holistic treatments aim to address the mind-body connection, fostering a sense of balance and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the detox program.
5. Aftercare
After detox, you’ll have an aftercare plan to prevent relapse and successfully end the withdrawal process. This period of time can include counseling, support groups, 12-step programs, and other forms of therapy.
Aftercare is an essential phase, providing ongoing support and strategies to maintain sobriety beyond the initial detoxification period. It may involve continued therapy sessions, outpatient programs, or participation in community support groups tailored to individual needs.
What Types of Therapy Are Used for Ativan Addiction?
Therapy, in addition to medical detox, can be very effective for Ativan addiction recovery. Various therapeutic approaches are tailored to address the unique needs of individuals recovering from Ativan addiction, providing essential tools for long-term sobriety.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This therapy helps you identify and challenge any negative thought patterns contributing to your addiction. (5)
CBT is a practical and goal-oriented approach that focuses on reshaping harmful thinking patterns and behaviors associated with Ativan use. (5) By recognizing and altering distorted thoughts, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the risk of relapse.
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is designed to help you learn coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, and other challenging behavioral health issues. This can help reduce the urge to use Ativan. (6)
DBT combines cognitive and behavioral techniques, emphasizing acceptance and change. It equips individuals with skills to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and build a life worth living without reliance on substances. (6)
3. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI therapy helps you set and reach achievable goals. It can also help you recognize craving triggers and develop strategies for avoiding them. (7)
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative and client-centered approach that enhances motivation and commitment to change. By exploring and resolving ambivalence, individuals become more motivated to overcome Ativan addiction and make positive life changes.
4. Group Therapy
Group therapy is beneficial for people with addiction because it allows you to share your experiences and gain support from others.
Participating in group therapy provides a sense of community and understanding, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can share their challenges, successes, and insights. Group dynamics encourage mutual encouragement, empathy, and accountability among members.
5. Family Therapy
Family therapy can help strengthen family relationships and show loved one’s support. Addressing the impact of Ativan addiction on family dynamics, this therapy involves the entire family in the recovery process.
It facilitates open communication, education about addiction, and the development of healthy coping strategies for both individuals with addiction and their family members.
6. Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medications may be combined with therapy to assist you during the detox process. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of FDA-approved medications alongside therapy to support individuals during detox and recovery. (8)
Medications help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and improve the overall success of the treatment plan when integrated with comprehensive therapeutic interventions.
Factors Affecting Ativan Withdrawal
Ativan withdrawal is a complex process influenced by various factors, including the duration and dosage of Ativan use. The longer and higher the dosage, the more intense and prolonged the withdrawal symptoms may be. Individual differences in metabolism also play a role, as people may metabolize the drug at different rates.
Underlying medical conditions can complicate withdrawal, especially if individuals have pre-existing health issues. Mental health status is another key factor, as those with co-occurring anxiety or mood disorders may experience heightened symptoms during withdrawal. (9)
The presence of co-occurring substance use, especially with other central nervous system depressants, can exacerbate withdrawal effects.
Additionally, the abrupt discontinuation of Ativan without proper tapering increases the risk and severity of withdrawal symptoms. (9) A supportive approach to Ativan withdrawal involves a personalized plan that considers these factors. Medical professionals can guide individuals through a gradual tapering process, minimizing discomfort and ensuring a safe transition.
Can You Detox from Ativan at Home or Not?
Due to the severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal, and the dangerous side effects, detoxing from Ativan at home is not recommended.
If you are taking Ativan as prescribed by your doctor, you can speak with them about slowly tapering off Ativan. If you are abusing Ativan (taking more than prescribed, or more often) or are mixing it with other substances, it is very important that you are honest with your doctor.
Zinnia Health offers a comprehensive Ativan addiction treatment program, including inpatient and outpatient rehab. Our experienced team of medical professionals and therapists is here to help you every step of the way.
Our inpatient program provides detoxification, counseling, individualized therapy plans, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare services. Our outpatient treatment facility includes individual, group, and family therapy to help you reach your goals for recovery.
Medications to Assist with Ativan Withdrawal
In the journey to overcome Ativan dependency, pharmaceutical intervention stands as a cornerstone in easing withdrawal symptoms and paving the way for a smoother transition to recovery. Within the framework of medical detoxification, healthcare practitioners employ an array of medications designed to diminish discomfort and enhance patient well-being.
The therapeutic arsenal commonly enlisted includes gradually decreasing doses of benzodiazepines (benzodiazepine tapering), anticonvulsants that serve dual roles in quelling seizures and easing anxiety, alongside targeted treatments aimed at relieving specific disturbances such as sleeplessness or muscular discomfort.
As a disclaimer, this strategy revolves around meticulously reducing Ativan dosage while concurrently administering adjunctive therapies to address withdrawal-related hurdles. Tailoring medication plans to fit each individual’s distinct needs is very important, ensuring both safety and efficacy throughout the withdrawal phase.
How to Find an Ativan Detox Center Near Me
Zinnia Health has addiction rehab programs in several states, making it easy to find an Ativan detox center near you.
The best way to find the nearest detox facility is through the locations page on our website or by calling our support line. Zinnia Health rehab facilities offer residential treatment for those looking to detox under full-time care.
We understand the challenges of substance abuse, but recovery is possible with the right help. Contact Zinnia Health or call our 24/7 helpline at (855) 430-9439 today and take the first step towards living a life free of addiction.
Citations
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326015
- https://www.benzo.org.uk/pws04.htm
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682053.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64116/
- https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963469/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571068/
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851027/
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