Ativan is part of a family of drugs called benzodiazepines, or benzos for short. A brand name for lorazepam, Ativan is routinely prescribed in the United States and has proven effective in treating many medical issues. Doctors usually prescribe benzo to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, or panic disorder. Ativan is highly habit-forming when taken for long periods of time or when taken in ways other than prescribed. Therefore, if you or a loved one has a problem with Ativan or another benzo drug, seek Ativan addiction treatment right away by calling Addiction Rehab Centers today at 844.910.0686.
How Do People Become Addicted to Ativan?
Benzodiazepine drugs are depressanrs. They work by sedating your central nervous system, making you feel calmer, more relaxed, and often sleepy. As a result, they’re fairly effective at treating sleep disorders like insomnia. Additionally, they may calm seizures and relieve feelings of anxiety or panic.
When taken short-term as your doctor prescribed, drugs like Ativan help treat multiple conditions. However, because they are highly habit-forming, doctors are reluctant to prescribe them long-term, and for a good reason. Benzo helps to flood the brain with dopamine, a chemical linked to your brain’s reward center. Because it feels good when your brain releases this chemical, you want to continue taking the drug. Additionally, when you stop taking benzo, negative emotions occur. These may include:
- Increase in tension or anxiety
- Decrease in cognitive focus
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
In general, it simply feels better to take another pill. Therefore, that’s what most people who use benzo do. However, if you’re on this medication for periods longer than two weeks at a time, you may develop a dependency. At this time, substance abuse treatment becomes necessary.
Is It Difficult to Detox From Ativan?
It’s easier to detox and withdrawal from Ativan with the help of an Ativan addiction treatment program. While detox usually occurs within days, withdrawal symptoms may last for weeks or longer. Partly, this happens because your body stores Ativan in fatty tissue. So even once you’ve stopped taking it, traces may remain behind.
In a substance abuse treatment program for Ativan, your clinical team can give you replacement medications to mask the worst withdrawal symptoms. Otherwise, the cravings and urges may feel overwhelming. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Headache
- Increase in heart rate
Without medical help, Ativan detox and withdrawal can be dangerous. When you’re ready to stop using this drug or other benzodiazepines, reach out to a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center nearby. And if you love someone who has a problem with benzodiazepine drugs such as Ativan, sit down with them to discuss their options for treatment.
Find Help at Addiction Treatment Centers Today
Addiction Rehab Centers offers luxury treatment facilities for benzo and other forms of addiction for those living in the Indianapolis area. When you call us for information, you’ll talk with one of our friendly and compassionate representatives who wants to see you recover. We’ll welcome you or your loved one with open arms and treat you like family.
Our integrative techniques combine attachment theory with evidence-based treatments and holistic medicine to give you the best chance for success in your recovery. Additionally, we individualize your care plan to fit your specific needs to ensure long-term recovery for each client.
Though you may have initially taken Ativan for anxiety, we understand how quickly something good can become detrimental. If you can no longer control how or when you take this powerful sedative, we’re standing by to help. Call Addiction Rehab Centers today at 844.910.0686 for admission information, or contact us online.
