Ativan Addiction and Abuse
Siobahn Morse is the executive director of The National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies. In this Special Report, she discusses Ativan addiction and abuse.
What is Ativan?
Ativan, also called Lorazepam, is part of the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, more commonly referred to as benzos.
Ativan is a depressant used primarily for short-term relief of mild to moderate anxiety, nervous tension, acute stress, and panic attacks.
Ativan Addiction Abuse
What is Ativan addiction and abuse?
According to a literature review conducted by the National Institute for Holistic Addiction studies, Ativan is only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for up to eight weeks of use. This is because it is extremely addictive.
The greater the dose taken, the faster one becomes dependent. If one uses or abuses these drugs long-term, the body will develop tolerance for the drugs and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial effect.
What are some of the symptoms and behaviors associated with drug addiction?
Ativan addiction symptoms and behaviors may include feeling that you have to use the drug regularly. This can be daily or even several times a day.
Other addiction symptoms include:
- failing in attempts to stop using the drug.
- being very concerned about maintaining a supply of the drug.
- spending money on the drug even when you can’t afford it.
- doing things you would normally not do in order to obtain the drug.
- feeling that you need the drug in order to deal with your problems.
- driving or performing other risky activities while under the influence of the drug.
- focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of Ativan?
Ativan withdrawal symptoms may last up to a year and include personality changes, sensitivity to sounds or light, panic attacks, fever, headaches, anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, restlessness or irritability, confusion, sweating, and seizures.
Seizures are often the most dangerous possible withdrawal symptom.
These are most likely to occur if Ativan is stopped abruptly, but they are also possible if the drug is not stopped slowly enough.
Ativan Addiction and Abuse
Click Here to Download a PDF version of this report.
[powerpress]
Do you have more questions about drug abuse and addiction?
Call our Toll-Free Recovery Hotline at 1-800-839-1682 and discover the best treatment options for you.
Our experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day to take your call and get you the help or information you need.
Our drug rehab center offers a unique and affordable holistic approach to addiction treatment.
Our holistic addiction and treatment program has helped addicts from all over the United States, Europe and Canada overcome their substance addictions and achieve long term recovery. We treat the individual’s specific needs, including working with families.
