People with anxiety disorders can find great relief from medications like Ativan. Ativan, a brand of lorazepam, helps control symptoms of daily anxiety. However, the drug can also be easily abused and cause people to slip into the vicious cycle of addiction. Trying to navigate co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders without a substance abuse treatment program that provides dual diagnosis treatment can be challenging.
Finding an Ativan addiction treatment program is easy with Northpoint Washington. Compassionate recovery specialists and medical professionals can help you detox from Ativan, learn the skills for recovery, and receive dual diagnosis treatment. Call 425.437.3298 today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment in Washington.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan is a type of benzodiazepine (benzo), which are central nervous system depressants. These drugs treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sometimes seizures. They work by slowing down the nervous system.
While Ativan can be an effective treatment for some people, it can also be addictive. Many people taking Ativan require increasingly higher doses to attain the same results. This tolerance may be one of the first signs of addiction.
The Ativan High
People abuse Ativan for the euphoric feeling it can produce. When taken in large enough doses, Ativan can cause people to feel intoxicated, much like alcohol. The high from Ativan can also include:
- Relaxation
- Lightheadedness
- Sense of detachment
- Drowsiness
These effects can be appealing to people with anxiety disorders. They may seek out Ativan as a way to self-medicate. However, taking Ativan this way is dangerous and puts you at risk of developing an addiction.
Information on Ativan Addiction
Ativan is one of the most addictive medications on the market. Since Ativan and other benzodiazepines slow down brain function, it can be easy to stop feeling normal without them. Without treatment, people who take Ativan for extended periods may develop an addiction.
Symptoms of Ativan addiction can include:
- Taking Ativan in larger doses than prescribed
- Needing Ativan to feel normal
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Ativan
If you or a loved one are struggling with Ativan addiction, it’s essential to seek professional help. Northpoint Washington has an Ativan addiction treatment program that can provide you with the resources and support you need to recover.
Side Effects of Ativan
In addition to the euphoric feeling it can cause, Ativan can also have other side effects. These include:
- Dizziness – Ativan can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness.
- Slurred Speech – People taking Ativan may have difficulty speaking or slur their words.
- Memory Loss – Ativan can cause short-term memory loss and confusion.
- Depression – Some people taking Ativan may experience depression or an increase in anxious thoughts.
- Confusion – Ativan can cause confusion, disorientation, or difficulty paying attention.
- Impaired coordination – Ativan can cause impaired coordination and difficulty with motor skills.
When taken as prescribed, these side effects are usually not severe. However, they can be more pronounced when Ativan is abused.
Recognizing Ativan Abuse
If you’re worried that you or a loved one are abusing Ativan, there are some signs to look out for. These include:
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Mood swings
- Problems at work or school
- Financial problems
If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to reach out for help. Breaking the cycle of substance abuse and addiction early can be critical to achieving success in sobriety and minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms
When you stop taking Ativan, the brain returns to its normal state. This rebound can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable and difficult to manage. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Depression or mood swings
- Panic attacks or anxiety
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Cognitive problems
These symptoms can be difficult to cope with on your own. That’s why professional help is essential when detoxing from Ativan.
Stopping Benzodiazepines Can Be Dangerous
Benzos significantly impact the chemical balance in a person’s brain. As addiction worsens, a person becomes increasingly more dependent on the effects of the drug, which only furthers this imbalance. Stopping the drug causes the brain to try and rebalance naturally, even though it hasn’t had to function independently for a long period.
During this time, withdrawal symptoms such as those listed above can occur. Other more serious symptoms, like seizures, can also emerge. Professional help is the safest and most effective way to stop using Ativan or other benzos. Trying to quit benzos alone can cause a medical emergency and can even be fatal.
A medical detox program offers a safe, supervised way to come off the drug while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. At Northpoint Washington, our addiction specialists understand the complexities of co-occurring disorders and can create a comprehensive treatment program tailored to your needs.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Ativan Addiction at Northpoint Washington
If you or someone you love is struggling with Ativan addiction, we can help. Northpoint Washington specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both substance abuse and any underlying mental health disorders.
At Northpoint Washington, we believe that addiction recovery is possible. Contact us today to learn more about our Ativan addiction treatment program.