Dangers of Ativan Abuse
Ativan is a brand name prescription drug that is classified as a Benzodiazepine. Ativan is also known under its generic name of Lorazepam. The prescription drug Ativan is known to be faster acting and even more addictive than other Benzodiazepines of the market. In the United States, Benzodiazepines are prescribed widely.
While individuals with an addiction to Ativan may feel that the prescription is quite beneficial, medications such as this can cause more harm than good. Because Ativan, as well as other Benzodiazepines, make people experience ease, feeling relaxed and stress free, Ativan has a high risk for dependence and abuse.
Benzodiazepine classified drugs like Ativan are known to slow down the processing of the brain a considerable degree and the brain becomes accustomed to function at a slower, sedated pace. More specifically, Ativan abuse can result in long-term physical and psychological damage that makes getting clean and sober a taunting task as well as nearly impossible without the help of an addiction specialist.
Click Here for a confidential benefits check to see if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment or call (866) 578-7471 to speak to a addiction specialist.
Street Names for Ativan
Common street names for the Benzodiazepine drug Ativan include, but are not limited to: Candy, Benzos, Downers, Tranks, Roofies, Goofballs, Chill pills, R2.
Ativan has the ability to boost the influence of a brain chemical called GABA which creates tranquil physical and mental status.
Ativan Effects
Ativan is classified as a Schedule IV central nervous system depressant and tranquilizer. The drug slows down the brains activity by interacting with the neurotransmitter GABA. Once the drug is ingested in causes feelings of physical relaxation as well as euphoria. Unfortunately, immediately after Ativan wears off it can cause the user to be irritable, angry, depressed, or have intense cravings for the next dose. Long-term use and abuse of Ativan will lead to tolerance and a drug dependency. Repeated exposure to prescription drugs pose a risk for development of dependence both psychologically and physically. Psychological dependence leads to daily use and abuse of the drug, which enhances one’s chances of having symptoms when ceasing use of the drug.
Warning signs of Ativan abuse in a loved one
For friends and family of addicted loved ones, being able to determine whether they are abusing or addicted to prescription drugs like Ativan can be difficult. There are a few signs that are important to be aware of and that may indicate drug abuse and addiction. If you are suspicious of a loved one’s behavior or inclined to believe that he or she may be living with an addiction to Ativan, you may want to ask yourself the following questions.
Has a loved one started to display strange behaviors, lacking interest in normal activities and no longer wants to spend time with friends and family? If so, your loved one may be afflicted with an addiction to prescription drugs such as Ativan or other drugs.
Have you noticed changes in your loved one’s mood, such as difficulty with concentration and attention, poor judgement, and mood swings? If any of these symptoms are sound familiar to you, your loved one may be abusing Benzodiazepines like Ativan.
Has your loved one began to display instability is various aspects of his or her life? Life changes and aspects that could indicate an Ativan include, but are not limited to: Financial ruin, legal trouble, a decrease in life’s inhibitions, aggression, and multiple doctor visits.
Factual Dangers: Ativan
Addiction to Ativan is a mental disease that commonly makes a mark on individual’s life in a seriously destructive manner. The addiction removes an individual’s ability to choose whether to abuse the drug he or she is on. It is important to acknowledge that the presence of Ativan abuse or addiction often goes unnoticed by an individual’s friends and family. There is information that may be helpful to you as well as a few signs to look out for.
Best Voted Treatment Centers 
True Stories of Addiction: Nicole’s Journey to Finding Hope in Recovery
Nicole was in the hospital due to an infection. She ended up going crazy and the doctors gave her Ativan to calm her down. Her addiction spiraled out of control, but shortly after she found recovery. – View all episodes now
Ativan Rehab Treatment
Rehab for Ativan addiction consists of integrated and personalized treatment. Taking time to heal at a rehabilitation center, consists of individuals partaking in various stages of treatment and reintegration into a healthy lifestyle. Getting treatment in rehab includes a combination of detoxification that is medically monitored, receiving individual and group counseling, therapy and social integration.
To begin the healing process from addiction an individual must first relieve his or her system of the harmful and mind-altering substances. After a person cleanses his or her body and is abstinent from all substances including Ativan, then he or she may begin the true process of recovery. Rehab provides a treatment structure that is not only healthy, but structured, supportive and stable. Moving into the light of recovery from Ativan addiction is not an easy road, however it is quite simple.
With the assistance of medical teams, addiction specialists and support staff, an individual can have the comfort and safety needed for a successful recovery. In addition to the therapeutic atmosphere, many staff members that work with individuals getting treatment for addiction to Ativan and other drugs, are in recovery from substance abuse themselves. Having a caring and supportive team surrounding a person in treatment can make all the difference. – Learn More
Physical symptoms like shortness of breath, seizures, stomach cramps, shakiness, fever and other unpleasant physical effects.
Ativan Detox Treatment
Many people who are looking to get into rehab for treatment for an Ativan addiction feel fearful about detoxification. The point of detox is to clean and rid an individual’s body of Ativan as well as any other drug that may have also been abused. The detox stage is only the beginning of treatment received as it is necessary to break an individual free from the body’s dependence on the drug.
The detox stage is the stage when an individual undergoes extreme discomfort and withdrawal from Ativan. Going through the detoxification stage alone, without professional help and a medically assisted detox is dangerous to an individual’s health and well-being. Today, we are fortunate to have numerous inpatient rehabilitation centers that offer medically assisted detox to individuals who are beginning the program. This route of detox Is strongly recommended as getting detoxified at an inpatient rehab centers is safe, effective and provides the utmost comfort possible.
Generally, detoxing off any substance at home and alone is not safe. Many people attempt to detox alone at home which is also known as cold turkey methods, however when doing this unsafe method, it is highly dangerous as well as much more unpleasant. – Learn More
Addiction to Ativan
The prescription drug Ativan is a Benzodiazepine most often prescribed by a medical practitioner for seizures, anxiety, panic disorders or insomnia. Ativan falls under a drug classification that acts on and greatly alters the brain as well as nervous, which is also known as the central nervous system, to create a calming effect for the individual who consumes it.
Ativan not only produces a calming effect but is sedating as well. Due to these properties and the chemical alternations that take place in the brain, the risk of developing tolerance and dependence is highly possible. Guidelines for prescribing Ativan addresses the importance of not taking the drug long-term as it is not intended to be used for long durations of time. When psychological dependence to Ativan occurs, you become obsessive about obtaining and using the drug. When a person reaches the point go psychological dependence he or she is afflicted with addiction.
Addiction to Ativan can quickly become life altering and ruinous to an individual’s life. People become addicted to prescription drugs every day. Many of those people start abusing drugs such as Ativan believing it is okay, because the drugs are prescribed. However, whether prescribed or not, Ativan is dangerous to one’s health and wellness. If you or a loved one is living with addiction, there is a way out, reach out for help and get your life back.
Ativan Dependency
Ativan dependency can happen to anyone, whether they are prescribed the drug for medicinal purposes or take it recreationally. Ativan is one of the easiest drugs to develop dependence to and if taken for an extended amount of time may result in addiction. The euphoria experienced by users is caused by chemical changes in the brain.
Being afflicted with the disease of addiction can take place after a person’s very first dose of the drug. Taking Ativan at dosages other than what is medically recommended or even longer than a couple weeks, often results in physical and psychological dependence. Most people who abuse Ativan or even use it for a long period of time develop a tolerance to its sedating properties. Physical dependence can become apparent when an individual begins to experience symptoms including headaches, hypersensitivity and even tension when withdrawal begins or abuse of the drug comes to an end.
For individuals who are living with Ativan dependency commonly experience overwhelming withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing use. It is strongly advised that those who wish to stop abusing Ativan should get professional and medical assistance. Medical assistance is vital to keep an individual safe during the withdrawal process. Ativan withdrawal symptoms are known to be fatal and damaging to the brain.
Intervention for Ativan Abuse
The battle against addiction to Ativan and other drugs is extremely exhausting and we understand the hardships you may be going through. Addiction is overpowering and life consuming, often feeling impossible and hopeless. This feeling most frequently true for those who are impacted personally and live each day with the chronic disease of addiction. Thankfully, there is still hope even in a state of seeming hopelessness.
Friends and family can fight back against addiction with an intervention. Intervention is a strongly recommended way to encourage a loved one to receive the treatment and services that he or she may need. An intervention is effective in communicating your support and to encourage hope to your loved one that is overpowered by Ativan addiction. If you wish to plan an intervention get in contact with a professional interventionist. The main objective of an intervention is to get your loved one treatment is of paramount importance.
If your goal is to plan and stage intervening him or her with a positive outcome, contacting a professional is necessary. Confronting an addiction that causes your loved one to be imprisoned and in pain is never easy, however it is vital step as the disease of addiction is a life or death situation. When making the decision to stage an intervention it is critical that the process is done correctly with upholding an optimistic perspective, attitude and ultimately remaining hopeful. If an intervention for Ativan abuse is not done in the most skillful and effective manner, it is possible for it to cause more harm than good. – Learn More
Ativan is one of many drugs that may cause an accidental overdose that could be fatal.
Recovery from Ativan Abuse
Although recovery from addiction and Ativan abuse is possible, it is not an overnight matter. Addiction is a chronic disease that centers in the brain of addicted persons. There is treatment and through research and scientific development, effective route of treatment are available. The adverse effects and unpredictability of addiction to Ativan and other drugs plagues many people alongside their families with distress. There is not a cure for the disease of addiction, however people who are able to get help through rehabilitation and treatment services do have a chance at successful recovery.
If you or your loved one is tired of living in the depths and control of Ativan addiction, it will be beneficial to get the care necessary. Many people who are having a hard time with drug addiction do not seek professional help. When an individual is living with an addiction he or she is often experiencing feelings of guilt and embarrassment due to the situation he or she is in. If this sounds familiar to you, do not lose hope, there is no depth of addiction to deep to get out of. It is never too late to seek help for addiction.
There is a way out of the misery and depression that accompanies addiction and consumes your life. If you or a loved one is living with the pain of the disease of addiction, we suggest that you consider the various treatment options available. The most effective treatment for Ativan is comprehensive and addresses an individual based on his or her specific needs. Recovery is possible and just one call away, reach out and get the help you deserve.
Dangers of Ativan Overdose
If you are wondering whether overdosing on Ativan is possible, the answer is yes. The rate of accidental overdose deaths involving Benzodiazepines such as Ativan have been on a continuous rise. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse overdose deaths linked to Benzodiazepines, like Ativan, have seen a 4.3-fold increase from the year of 2002 to 2015.
Given the chemical compounds that makeup Ativan as well as other Benzodiazepines, overdose is a possibility and unfortunately, it is a common occurrence. Although Ativan is a prescription drug and may seem as if it is safer to take based on that fact alone, it is not any more safe than illegal street drugs when abused. Overdosing on Ativan is extremely hazardous to one’s health and can result in serious life-long side effects. Symptoms of overdose will be different for everyone as no two individuals are the same, however there are a few keys things to look out for.
Ativan overdose symptoms may include however are not limited to: shakiness, difficulty breathing, a below average pulse rate, weakness in muscles, convulsions, slurring of speech, comas, confusion, seizures, and in several cases, death. If you believe that you or a loved one is experiencing an overdose on Ativan or other Benzodiazepines, call for emergency assistance immediately. Ativan overdose is absolutely life threatening and it is vital that a person seeks immediate medical assistance at the first hint of a potential Ativan overdose; the importance of this life-saving action cannot be overstated. – Learn More
Ativan Use, Abuse and Dependency
Ativan, as with many similar drugs, is known to cause physical dependence. Ativan abuse and even just using the drug as prescribed by a physician poses a high risk for developing a physical tolerance, dependence and addiction. Ativan’s label warns individuals of the likeliness to become dependent and even addicted. Therefore, the prescription Ativan is meant to be used over only short periods of time, usually no longer than two weeks. In addition to the short duration period of use, Ativan is known as a PRN medication, in other words, to be used as needed and not as a daily long-term medication for treatment.
In terms of Ativan dependence, overtime, an individual’s body often becomes tolerant to the drug. Once an individual is physiologically tolerance to the sedating and tranquilizing drug it requires an increased amount to produce the effects initially experienced, which can also be referred to as the desired outcome for therapeutic purposes and effects. If an individual is abusing Ativan or other similar substance purchased illicitly as street drugs, as tolerance increases he or she will begin to need more to achieve the high sought or recreational “high. As an individual becomes physically tolerant to Ativan, the drug starts to create undesirable and even dangerous effects in the internal physiological system. In addition to the potentially dangerous changes Ativan can make to an individual’s body, those who abuse and are dependent on Ativan are expected to experience symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal begins whenever the drug and or medications starts to wear off in an individual’s system, and the body attempts to function independently from the substance. Even going to a lower dosage of Ativan when once being at a larger dose, will cause an individual’s body to go into withdrawal, which for some can feel like shock and be certainly debilitating.
It is critical to address the fact that being physically dependent on Ativan is much different from having an addiction to the drug. However, distinguishing the different between the two is not always simple. Sometimes dependence can be where addiction begins, although this is not always the case. Addiction, a disease that rewires the brain to need the Ativan, as it does food, water or shelter, can happen on an individual’s first time using the prescription or illicit drug. However, it is common for the disease of addiction to form over time, usually once an individual begins to become dependent on the drug. Ativan dependence is known as a likely component of addiction. Not all individuals who are physically dependent on Ativan are addicted. Consequently, all who are addicted to Ativan are without a doubt physically dependent on the drug.
As far as Ativan addiction goes, individuals who are addicted often display behavioral and psychological signs. Some of the displayed signs of addiction to Ativan are spending an extensive and increasing amount of time, as well as energy and resources focused on taking and having more of the drug. Many individuals who are addicted will partake in what is known as doctor shopping. Doctor shopping in other words is when an individual’s shows drugs seeking behaviors and frequently goes to the doctor meaning several different doctors more often the usual. Becoming addicted to prescription drugs like Ativan, in addition to other substances, often impacts an individual’s normal routine and life. It is quite common for prescription drug addiction to impact family life, work, school and personal responsibilities in a negative way.
Due to the high addiction risk that accompanies the prescription Ativan, it is important for you or your loved one to know if there is a history of drug addiction or abuse among the family. Ativan addiction and abuse affects each person in a different way, as no two individuals are the same. other commonalities among those addicted to Ativan are poly drug use and co-occurring disorders. Poly-drug use is when an individual takes more than one drug at a time, partaking in drug abuse. The most common substance abused alongside Benzodiazepines such as Ativan are opioids, prescription or illicit.
Although it is unsettling that an individual with Ativan addiction becomes impaired on a psychological and physical level, the overall nature of the disease of addiction is destructive and fatal. Ativan use, abuse and dependence has the potential to be fatal, especially when a person brain chemistry changes leaving him or her addicted. Addiction is a deadly disease and if you are living with an Ativan abuse problem, we encourage you to reach out for help and give us a call. It is possible to make changes to your life and with the right help you can get back on your feet, running your own life, rather than Ativan controlling your life for you. There is absolutely no problem too big and no addiction too strong to beat. We can walk you through the necessary steps to begin a better way of life. Get back to living life the way you want without anything, especially Ativan addiction getting in your way.
Short-term Effects
The effects of Ativan abuse are extensive and can seem overwhelming. However, there are several signs and short-term effects to look out for, if you or a loved one is seems to be struggling with the prescription drug. There are many physical effects that can be identified in short-term use or abuse of Ativan. Physical effects often time include, sleepiness, muscle fatigue. Impaired vision, vomiting, nausea, constipation, heartburn, respiratory depression, a persistent sore throat, a decrease in appetite, weight loss, fever, trouble walking and even difficulty in communicating.
Alongside the physical effects that are many behavioral effects to look out for as well. Some of the behavioral effects to take notice of and pay attention to are unusual moodiness, mood swings, intense anxiety, secretiveness, depressive states, hostility, violent and suicidal tendencies. As Ativan is an intermediately acting Benzodiazepine, it reaches its full effects up to two hours after it is taken. Although as a prescription, when taken as prescribed Ativan can help a person feel less anxious, calmer and even sleepy. However, the drug works in an individual’s system by activating the brains central nervous system to promote rest and sleep, so when Ativan is abused it often causes a reaction of cognitive impairment, dizziness, confusion and even poor judgement.
These symptomatic effects usually take place immediately after abuse of Ativan takes place. If you or a loved one is living with an addiction to the Benzodiazepine Ativan, it is important to seek help and consider treatment options. Short term effects of Ativan abuse are unpleasant however, the effects are only short-term. Stop Ativan addiction in its path and avoid further damage to you or your loved one’s health, enduring the long-term effects may last a life time. Get help now.
Long-term effects
Long-term effects of Ativan use include tolerance, dependence, addiction, withdrawals, and cognitive impairments. Depending on the extent of the addiction and the amount being taken, cognitive impairment may not be reversible. Withdrawals from Ativan will be problematic and life threatening. Medically supervised detox is highly recommended as withdrawals can result in death or coma. Discontinuing the use of Ativan too quickly or without the supervision of trained medical personnel can result in brain damage. If Ativan has been abused for a prolonged period of time do not attempt to stop using this drug without medical supervision.
Through a detoxification and rehab program an individual can quickly and safely cleanse the substance from their body without permanent damage. There are also cases where individuals who abuse Ativan do not use a high dosage however they heavily abuse the drug over an extended period. Long-time Ativan abuse is also known as chronic abuse. The symptoms of chronic Ativan abuse often include, anxiety, insomnia, weakness, headaches, anorexia, memory problems and even tremors.
A common aspect of chronic abuse of Benzodiazepines such as Ativan is poly-drug use. Poly drug abuse is the use of two or more substances at the same time. This type of drug abuse is a frequent occurrence among those who abuse Ativan and are living with the disease of addiction. If you or a loved one is living with Ativan abuse, long-term psychological and behavioral effects are common. The long-term phycological effects include, delusions, hallucination. Anterograde and even psychosis. While some of the long-term behavioral effects are known to be numerous doctor visits, social withdrawal, memory issues, hyperactivities, lethargic behaviors, legal provlems and occasionally, if addicted, prescription forgery to meet his or her addictions needs.
True Stories of Addiction: Kevin’s Struggle with Addiction
Suffering from an addiction like Kevin to drugs or alcohol is dangerous business. Kevin had his life together and was going to make it big in baseball. However, he let his addiction to Painkillers and alcohol control his life. He ended up losing everything including his wife and kid’s. Kevin felt there was no point in living and overdosed on a drug very similar to Ativan. Luckily, Kevin was found and he survived the overdose. After his overdose, he knew he couldn’t go on living the way he was anymore and reached out for help. He is now living a life he never imagined possible.
Find out More about your available options today (866) 578-7471
Inpatient Ativan Rehab
Are you or a loved one suffering from an addiction to Ativan? If so, you are not alone and there is hope. The most effective form of treatment for Ativan addiction is inpatient rehab. Inpatient ranges widely in therapeutic value. When getting treatment for addiction to Ativan it is crucial to make sure rehab centers that are offering treatment use methods that are proven effects, comprehensive and fact based. Providing a long life-lasting solution against Ativan addiction must be treatment and addresses as a mental disorder, otherwise known as the disease of addiction.
Inpatient treatment offers personalized treatment plans as no two individuals are the same, therefor no two individuals will achieve recovery in the same way. In addition to personalized treatment methods, inpatient centers usually offer detoxification. The detoxification stage, also known as detox prepares an individual for treatment from his or her addiction. Detox alone is not considered treatment for addiction, so it is of great importance that an individual receives focused care for his or her addiction after the detoxification stage is through.
Once the detox portion is over with inpatient treatment centers offer variety of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of an individual. In inpatient care, your loved one will have the ability to meet with a therapist, one on one, as well as a group counselor. Many inpatient centers offer family therapy as well. Research has shown that family integrated care is imperative to the effectiveness and success of an individual’s addiction treatment. – Learn More
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab programs offer a treatment structure quite different from an inpatient rehab. In inpatient rehabilitation, an individual has the ability to receive care through the detox portion of treatment. Whereas, in outpatient rehab an individual must go through detox in a medically supervised detox facility before entering treatment.
Outpatient offers a way of treatment for addiction without the residential aspect. Although outpatient rehab may not be as structured as inpatient it still allows individuals to work their schedules into and around getting the care needed. Among the various options of outpatient programs, all of them are slightly different from another. In general, outpatient usually offers one on one and group counseling as part of the programming. In addition to counseling services, it is common that outpatient rehab centers require clients to attend 12-step meetings. Some centers will require 3 to even 7 meetings a week, while attending the program that runs on the weekdays.
Outpatient programs can be the same amount of time as a part time or even full time job would be. This type of schedule and structure keeps individuals getting addiction treatment accountable for showing up and doing what they need in order to achieve and sustain recovery from Ativan addiction. Outpatient rehab for Ativan abuse allows individuals to keep going to work, school and about their daily live, while getting into recovery from addiction. If you or a loved one has responsibilities that are not able to be missed or even have obligations to family or work, outpatient treatment may end up being the best option. – Learn More
