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Ativan Addiction

Ativan is the brand name for the drug lorazepam. Ativan is an addictive sedative most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders and seizures. This drug is strong, acts fast, and is associated with many negative long-term side effects. Anyone is susceptible to addiction to drugs like Ativan, and the withdrawal symptoms are severe. If you or someone you love has an Ativan addiction, contact Better Addition Care for help and support in finding an addiction recovery center near you.

3 Minute Read | Published Jul 26 2023 | Updated Mar 01 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Dr. Ash Bhatt
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Dr. Ash Bhatt
Reviewed by

Ativan is a potent benzodiazepine with a higher risk of dependence than other drugs. Taking Ativan for longer than prescribed increases the likelihood of dependence. Those with a history of substance abuse or a personality disorder are also at a higher risk for Ativan addiction. It can be difficult to recognize the Ativan addiction signs because abuse can occur in secret and with a prescription. Physical signs of addiction can occur quickly and even happen while a person is taking the recommended dosage. These signs might include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Confusion
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness

Cravings indicate an addiction and will lead to social and emotional Ativan addiction signs. Because of the obsessive nature of cravings, you may notice related issues arising with loved ones and your finances. A person with an Ativan addiction may lose interest in what was once important to them, socially isolate themselves, fail to follow through with obligations, and get into dangerous situations. More advanced Ativan addiction signs include:

  • Inability to stop taking the substance
  • Daily intake over the prescribed amount
  • Needing the drug in order to function
  • Mixing Ativan with other drugs

These signs may not always point to addiction, but if you recognize these signs in yourself or in a loved one, it is important to seek help. The risks are high: Ativan is often used for suicide attempts, so if an Ativan user seems depressed, they should get prompt medical attention. The longer the Ativan addiction lasts, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms and side effects on the brain and bodily functions will be. Ativan can have long-term detrimental consequences for the brain and its functions, so if you are addicted to Ativan, it’s important to get help now.

You do not have to face Ativan addiction by yourself. BetterAddictionCare will help you find the right treatment program for you from our nationwide recovery network. Our highly trained staff can assist you in finding cost-effective addiction counseling that will help you get sober. Call today or fill out our contact form to take the next step and start healing.

Resources

bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020)
"Prescription Sedatives DrugFacts"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Rickels, K., & Rynn, M. (2002)
"Overview and Clinical Presentation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 25(4), 759-774"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Ashton, H. (2005)
"The Diagnosis and Management of Benzodiazepine Dependence. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 18(3), 249-255"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Lader, M. (2011)
"Benzodiazepine Harm: How Can It Be Reduced? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 72(3), 406-408"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020)
"Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Johnson, C. M., & Morley, S. R. (2008)
"The Use of Benzodiazepines—A Clinician’s Perspective. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 66(3), 245-252"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015)
"TIP 45: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020)
"Ativan (Lorazepam) Tablets Label"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Pétursson, H. (1994)
"The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome. Addiction, 89(11), 1455-1459"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Smith, B. D., & Cox, E. (2016)
"Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77(7), e859-e865"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
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