Ativan Addiction Treatment That Actually Works

Ativan is a popular brand name for the drug lorazepam. Belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (along with Restoril, Valium, and Klonopin), Ativan is commonly prescribed for short-term management of conditions such as anxiety, panic, or sleep disorders.

Benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan affect the brain and central nervous system by boosting the levels of a neurotransmitter chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This leads to a suppression of sensory excitation and communication between nerves in the brain and body, which causes a reduction in anxiety and tension, as well as sleepiness, loss of coordination, and impaired judgment.

Besides increased levels of GABA, Ativan also causes a larger-than-normal release of dopamine (one of the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals), which brings on feelings of euphoria and relaxation. With repeated use, the body starts to build up a tolerance, meaning users need to take more and more to get the same effects. Over time, the brain will start to depend on the drug to trigger GABA/dopamine release and allow for normal functioning.

As a result, when long-time Ativan users suddenly stop taking it, their brains are unable to produce and release appropriate levels of GABA and dopamine. Without enough of these neurotransmitters, the brain and nerves become extremely sensitive and agitated, which causes withdrawal symptoms.

The physical and mental withdrawal symptoms typically set in within a few hours following the last dose. Factors such as duration and frequency of use, as well as dosage, cause withdrawal symptoms to vary from user to user, but they may include:

• Increased anxiety and nervousness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Panic
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Muscle spasms/tension
• Intense sweating
• Memory issues
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Detoxing off hydrocodone (a process also called withdrawal stabilization) involves using longer-acting opioids such as Suboxone as a substitute for the shorter-acting drugs of abuse. This stabilizes the patient and reduces their withdrawal symptoms as they slowly taper off the substitute.

Patients usually experience the most discomfort during the first one to three days of the opioid withdrawal phase. During this period, additional medications may include a combination of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, as well as a mild sedative.

The most effective way to treat Ativan withdrawal is with a combination of medically supervised detox and psychological support to help them learn to cope with stress and anxiety.

Medical detox for Ativan usually involves carefully tapering down a patient’s dose under careful medical supervision. Gradually reducing the dose, as opposed to discontinuing it completely, allows the body to slowly adjust to lower and lower levels without inducing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physicians may also prescribe other medications, including longer-acting benzodiazepines like Valium, as well as aids such as antidepressants or beta-blockers that have been shown to alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms.

Ativan is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, so its effects wear off fairly quickly, and withdrawal symptoms typically set in as soon as the drug is out of a user’s system – about 12-20 hours after the last dose.

The amount of time a person will experience withdrawal symptoms depends on individual factors like how long they’ve been taking it and at what dosage, but the typical timeline looks something like this:

Initial withdrawal phase (~1 – 4 days) – Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Acute withdrawal phase (~4 days – 2 weeks) – This phase is where most people experience the worst symptoms and are at risk for things like seizures that require close medical supervision.

Post-acute withdrawal phase (~2 weeks – months, years) – Duration and severity of post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary greatly, especially if there are underlying psychological issues such as anxiety or panic disorder.

Ativan abuse can result in a number of unpleasant effects, including:

• Short-term memory loss
• Flashbacks
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Muscle pain
• Uncontrollable muscle twitches
• Migraines
• Seizures
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression

One of the biggest dangers associated with benzodiazepine abuse is that many users combine them with other substances such as alcohol and opiates – which can greatly amplify the effects of both substances.

This polysubstance abuse can profoundly impair a user’s short-term memory, judgment, and coordination, increasing their chance for accidental injury and/or a potentially fatal overdose.

The exact signs and symptoms of chronic Ativan abuse vary by the individual, but often include:

• Drowsiness
• Sleeping for long periods of time
• Impaired thinking and judgment
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Short-term memory loss
• Sluggishness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Delirium

Chronic Ativan abuse may lead to changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and work performance. Users with anxiety/panic disorders often experience a rebound effect once the medication wears off, leading to extreme anxiety symptoms.

Overdosing on Ativan is possible if taken in excess of the prescribed maximum dosage, and the likelihood of a severe or fatal overdose increases when it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

High doses of benzodiazepines can have serious side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty breathing

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