Identifying and Treating Ativan Addiction
Lorazepam, known by its brand name Ativtan, is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and other conditions.
The prescription benzo creates a sedative effect in the brain by enhancing the brain’s own GABA chemicals to calm the central nervous system.1 But the drug’s calming effects can be addictive, with an increasing number of people facing Ativan addiction due to the drug’s manipulation of reward systems within the brain.
Approximately 446,000 Americans aged 12 or older admitted to Ativan abuse within the past month according to a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey, with 86,000 young adults abusing sedatives in the past month.2 Ativan addiction is more prevalent than many realize but our Boca Raton addiction treatment therapies can help.
If you are struggling with Ativan addiction or if you have a loved one who is struggling, our team at Banyan Treatment Centers Boca Raton can help. Call 888-280-4763 to begin the journey of recovery through effective Ativan addiction treatment.
Signs of Ativan Addiction
The signs of Ativan addiction are similar to other signs of addiction. The most prevalent signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction include:- Delayed reactions
- Slow movements
- Slurred speech
- Delirium and confusion
- Poor coordination
- Anterograde amnesia
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Paranoia
- Sleep changes
Behavioral signs of Ativan addiction include:
- Doctor shopping
- Increased secrecy
- Irritability or aggression
- Mood changes
- Taking more Ativan than prescribed
- Taking Ativan more frequently than prescribed
- Running out of prescriptions sooner than one should
As with many other addictions, there’s a cyclical effect regarding the symptoms of Ativan abuse that addicts experience. For example, someone who is addicted to Ativan may self-medicate their paranoia or aggression by taking Ativan off-label or taking illegally purchased prescription pills. The drug, in turn, reinforces the very effects it’s treating due to the manipulation of neural networks and systems.
Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms
Ativan withdrawal symptoms include dysphoria, anxiety, tremors, and seizures.3 The severity of these Ativan withdrawal symptoms will depend on the duration of the Ativan addiction, any other substances abused, and the patient’s overall health.Ativan Addiction Treatment in Boca Raton
At Banyan Treatment Centers Boca Raton, we offer the therapies and support needed to treat Ativan addiction withdrawal, dependence, and other related challenges. Safe treatment begins with benzo detox in Boca Raton, followed by inpatient and outpatient therapy programs that give patients the tools they need to build long-lasting sobriety. If you notice signs of Ativan addiction in yourself or a loved one, reach out to our team by calling 888-280-4763 to learn more about our benzo and Ativan addiction treatment programs.If you notice signs of Ativan addiction in yourself or a loved one, reach out to our team by calling 888-280-4763 to learn more about our benzo and Ativan addiction treatment programs.
Sources:
- WebMD - Ativan
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Survey Results
- DEA - BENZODIAZEPINES
