Ativan is a strong benzodiazepine medication prescribed for people who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and other emotional or mental health disorders that cause nervousness. Ativan makes a person feel very relaxed and calm. People who abuse this drug are after the euphoria of feeling stress-free and happy. The reason people continue to abuse Ativan is that this medication is addictive and will cause physical dependency. Physical addiction to a drug means taking it every day and frequently to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Ativan withdrawal symptoms begin in as few as 4 hours from the last use and worsen the longer someone does not use Ativan. Take time to learn about our prescription drug rehab in Waltham, MA.
How Addictive is Ativan?
Benzodiazepines like Ativan are notably one of the most addictive prescription drugs that exist. Ativan is a historically newer benzodiazepine that is also provided liberally in hospital settings. Unfortunately, most people who end up addicted to Ativan first got it from a doctor. Ativan addiction can happen after one month of regular use. Most doctors will not prescribe Ativan before other non-addictive medications because of how addictive it is. Benzodiazepine addicts suffer physically, emotionally, and mentally if they do not take Ativan daily.
In 2019 over 10.8 million prescriptions for Ativan were filled in the United States (Agency for Healthcare Research)
How Do I Identify Addiction to Ativan?
Since Ativan causes addiction, anyone abusing it will behave differently. They will sleep more and appear tired and almost intoxicated when they are high on Ativan. Ativan requires a doctor’s prescription, so many addicts will often see more than one doctor or go to their doctor a lot to keep their prescription active and filled.
Ativan will cause a person to miss work or school and not be present for their family. Another reliable way to identify Ativan addiction is if the person is buying illegal Ativan and most definitely if they experience withdrawal symptoms when they run out of Ativan.
What Does Ativan Withdrawal Feel Like?
Ativan withdrawals are extremely hard to tolerate, and they are very dangerous. Anyone who is going through Ativan withdrawal will feel a surge of anxiety right away. They will be scared, and their breathing and heart rate will skyrocket.
What is going on is that their central nervous system is firing norepinephrine at a rapid rate because of the absence of benzodiazepine in their system. As a result, they will sweat heavily, pant for air, vomit, and they may become suicidal because of how mentally and physically bad they feel. The other Ativan withdrawal symptoms that occur include:
- Dilated Pupils
- Very High Blood Pressure and Pulse
- Insomnia
- Stomach Cramps and Diarrhea
- Muscle Spasms and Pain
- Body Tremors and Shakes
- Inability to Eat or Drink Water
- Hallucinations
- Risk for Grand Mal Seizures
What Do Doctors Say About Ativan?
Medical doctors are aware of the risk for addiction with the drug Ativan. They also acknowledge the seriousness of Ativan withdrawals and the need to taper the patient off them. The National Institute of Health states how addictive benzodiazepines like Ativan are.
“Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for insomnia and anxiety. Because of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to dose escalation and worsening of the underlying condition. Any patient who has taken a benzodiazepine for longer than 3–4 weeks is likely to have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is ceased abruptly. The risk of inducing dependence can be reduced by issuing prescriptions limited to 1–2 weeks supply.” (NIH)
What is Medically Supervised Ativan Detox?
Medically supervised Ativan detox will provide a taper regimen of Ativan to reduce the amount of Ativan slowly and safely over time. Most Ativan detox time frames take from 10 days up to three weeks. Benzodiazepines are one drug that requires expert medical supervision to ensure the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialty clinicians oversee medically supervised Ativan detox programs.
Call Now for Priority Admission to Ativan Detox and Treatment
We have helped thousands of people who are addicted to Ativan get free of the addiction the same day that they make the call. We send patients to medically supervised Ativan detox and treatment centers that provide medications upon arrival and assess the patient with evidence-based forms of treatment and therapy. So don’t let Ativan ruin another day; we have the answer, and we can help you right now.
Call to be admitted today and chat or email for more help.
