What is Ativan Addiction?
Table of Contents
As addiction is classified as a relapsing disorder in which an individual is unable to properly control substance use, an Ativan addiction is being unable to properly control Ativan use. With the constant use of Ativan, an individual’s body becomes accustomed to the drug and becomes dependent upon the drug.
Ativan is a central nervous system depressant prescription medication that is used to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders. While these individuals do find benefit and comfort in using this medication, long term use can lead to unwanted experiences for an individual.
Dependence causes individuals to rely upon the drug to maintain their experience however, this dependence does not necessarily mean an individual is addicted.
For more information on Ativan dependence and forms of treatment, including what makes an effective Ativan rehab.
How Do I Know I’m Addicted to Ativan?
There are many signs that can be seen in an individual struggling with an Ativan addiction. In many situations, these individuals do not realize how a substance is harming them. Some of the signs of addiction to Ativan include:
- Struggling to stop taking Ativan on your own
- Relying upon Ativan for other reasons outside of your prescribed reason
- Becoming hostile when substance use is mentioned
- Putting your Ativan use before your responsibilities
- Causing financial struggles to buy more of this substance
- Experiencing severe life experiences such as
- DUI/DWI
- Getting arrested
- Losing your job
- Getting reprimanded, suspended, or expelled from school
- Losing an important relationship
- Trying to stop taking the drug and failing
- Trying to stop and experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms
In both cases of struggling with dependence or an addiction, you may want help with stopping use of Ativan. Seeking addiction treatment services can help you with overcoming these difficulties of Ativan use.
Being prescribed Ativan typically means you are struggling with some form of mental disorder. Addiction treatment works to properly address every need of an individual which includes treating mental disorders within an individual.
What are the Side Effects of Ativan?
Many prescription drugs and medications unfortunately come with unwanted side effects. Ativan is a depressant and strongly affects the central nervous system. This effect leaves Ativan to cause side effects including:
Physical Side Effects
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- weakness
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- nausea
- changes in appetite
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- changes in sex drive or ability
Psychological Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Difficulty focusing
- restlessness or excitement
- Disorientation
- Mood swings
Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms
Ativan dependence, let alone addiction, will cause an individual to experience withdrawal symptoms with suddenly stopping after consistent use. Ativan withdrawals can be a very uncomfortable experience to undergo.
These experiences can be overwhelming and difficult to deal with and so it is important to receive proper care at a treatment center. The Ativan withdrawal symptoms include:
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
- Muscle tension
- Body aches
- Tremors
Mental Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Agitation and irritability
- Poor concentration and memory
To best support an individual through Ativan dependence, it is important for them to work with their treatment provider in lowering prescription drugs. Slowly lowering their dosage overtime will allow them to avoid experiencing heavy withdrawal symptoms.
It is likely that they will still experience some form of withdrawal from stopping use however, these symptoms are most likely to be mild in terms of intensity.
It is also possible that the reason an individual began the medication is still present within them. An individual can speak with their treatment provider to find an alternative medication or treatment to manage their experience.
Can Someone Overdose On Ativan?
Yes, someone can overdose using Ativan. Taking in too much of this substance can lead to intense toxicity and as Ativan is a central nervous system depressant, it can limit the abilities of proper functions and result in respiratory issues or organ failure.
With that said, Ativan overdose is more likely to occur with the mixing of other substances alongside Ativan rather than Ativan alone. Mixing in the effects depressing the central nervous system with other substances can lead to drastic consequences for an individual.
Ativan Rehab and Addiction Treatment Options
Drug abuse treatment allows an individual to properly recover from addiction and return to their lives. Despite this, there are many individuals who avoid receiving treatment for a variety of reasons.
Individuals struggling with Ativan abuse, as well as drug abuse in general, are often reluctant to receive treatment out of fear of mistreatment; however, Ativan rehab centers are well equipped with resources to support individuals through the many difficulties that they are experiencing.
In some situations, individuals might be able to safely go through Ativan withdrawal in an outpatient or other type of detox center. For example, if an individual has a social group of friends and family members who can watch them while they are not in treatment, it may be safe for them to go through outpatient detox.
Every individual is different and may require a different type of detox program to overcome Ativan withdrawal. It is always important to remember, however, that detox itself is not a form of addiction treatment, and rehab must follow it for the patient to be able to recover fully.
After detoxing from Ativan, an individual can take on substance abuse treatment. This treatment moves forward by providing individuals with therapy, group therapy, behavioral therapy, and other experiences that support their growth.
This allows them to rebuild social skills with positive and healthy structures which helps them maintain their own stability within themselves as well as their relationships.
An individual may discover that they have gone through life with an undiagnosed mental disorder and can find comfort at a treatment center to receive a diagnosis. This can help an individual better understand themselves.
They will also receive treatment for their disorder which supports their individual needs. Most mental disorders have medications that can support an individual’s experience and manage the difficulties that they face.
Here at Find Addiction Rehabs, we help you find the proper care. We are HIPAA badge compliant and will place a HIPAA badge on the homepage of Rehabs Of Armerica in the near future.
To learn more about the Ativan recovery and withdrawal timeline, visit our page on the benzodiazepine withdrawal timeline.
Medical Detox
Medical detox is usually the first phase in the drug addiction treatment process. Before beginning addiction treatment, it is important for an individual to properly detox and flush drugs from their system.
A medically supervised detox is a form of residential treatment in which an individual is required to live on-site at a treatment center. Professionally trained staff is available to support these individuals through their withdrawals.
Individuals are provided with 24 hour care and may be administered medications to manage intense withdrawals from a substance.
Partial Hospitalization Programs or PHPs
Partial hospitalization programs are another form of detoxification in which an individual does not have to live on-site to receive treatment. An individual receives treatment for most of the day and returns home after receiving care.
This form of treatment is supportive of individuals struggling with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and is not supportive of individuals with intense or severe withdrawals. Medical detoxification is more suited for severe withdrawals within individuals.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a form of on-site care in which an individual is required to live at a treatment facility to receive care. This allows individuals to leave their current environment, which can be relapse-provoking, and enter a new, safer environment.
Individuals will have many different addiction resources available to them such as counseling, group therapy, and other forms of treatment. This provides individuals with the varieties that they may need to get through this tough time.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is a form of treatment in which an individual has more flexible options in terms of treatment. There are varying times to allow supplementation into an individual’s lifestyle and schedule.
This means that an individual that is suffering from less intense symptoms and addiction experience, is able to take on this method of treatment while still continuing to follow through with their other responsibilities such as work or school.
As this option is less intense, it is also less expensive and may be a better option for individuals struggling financially that require treatment.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy is one of the core aspects of addiction treatment which allows for individuals to learn how to manage their experience themselves. Individuals are able to take on therapy and uproot negative behaviors and replace them with positive ones.
This form of growth within an individual allows them to rebuild their own lives with stability in a healthy manner and prevents individuals from relapsing. Some of the skills and behaviors learned include stress management, anxiety management, and healthy boundaries.
Ativan Addiction Treatment: Found Here
Ativan dependence and addiction can be immensely discomforting to experience and even potentially dangerous. Here at Rehabs Of Armerica, we can help find you the right treatment you need.
Whether finding a treatment center in your location, or connecting you with recovery tools and resources, our hotline is available 24/7 to make sure you can get the help you need, anytime you need it.
Withdrawals are immensely difficult to overcome without receiving care or treatment. Call us today and we can help find you the proper treatment for your recovery!
