Ativan Addiction Signs
Experiencing Ativan addiction signs and withdrawal symptoms? Learn how detox and rehab can help.
Ativan is a benzodiazepine sedative medication that is prescribed to treat insomnia, acute seizures, and anxiety or panic disorders. The drug binds to GABA receptors in the body, depressing the central nervous system and slowing down neurotransmission in the brain, and this effect creates feelings of peace and relaxation. Because of its effects, Ativan is also used to induce sedation. Ativan should only be used for a prescribed short-term of two to four weeks because when the drug is used for a longer duration, the patient may build up a tolerance to the drug. When this occurs, the patient has to take more of the drug than what the prescribed dosage is to achieve the same effects as before. This type of abuse often leads to addiction to the drug. Ativan addiction signs can help you know if your loved one is addicted to the drug.
Abuse of Ativan can include: taking the drug for non-medical recreational purposes; taking a higher dosage than what is prescribed; taking the drug more often than what is prescribed; taking the drug with alcohol or other drugs; and crushing the drug to snort it; or dissolving the drug to inject it into the body. Ativan is one of the most highly abused benzodiazepine drugs in the U.S. and has been closely linked to suicidal ideation and acts. Some of the many Ativan addiction signs include:
- Slurred speech and a lack of coordination
- Doctor shopping to get prescriptions for the drug
- Neglecting your responsibilities and duties at home and at work or school
- Poor attendance for work or school
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Lying about your addiction
- Impaired concentration and inability to make sound judgments
- Borrowing or stealing money to get the drug
- Spending most of your money on buying the drug, neglecting to pay bills and other financial obligations, and creating financial lack
- Panic attacks and emotional outbursts
Ativan addiction signs also include many physical and psychological adverse effects such as:
- Depression, anxiety, mood swings
- Suicidal acts
- Psychosis, delusions, hostility, violent behavior
- Memory creation impairment, and memory recall impairment
- Syncope
- Depressed respiratory system
- Anterograde amnesia
- Difficulty walking
Benzodiazepine addiction is known as the silent epidemic in the U.S. and it affects about 11% of the population. Addiction to the drug can create severe problems that include:
- Kidney failure
- Cognitive impairment
- Clinical depression
- Respiratory failure
Anyone who has an Ativan addiction should seek treatment at a drug rehab center where they can safely be weaned off of the drug. The addict should never attempt to try and get off of Ativan by himself without the help of medical professionals who should administer a medically supervised Ativan addiction withdrawal. During the detox process the patient should be closely monitored to assure that he remains stable. Medications can be given to help alleviate drug cravings and other Ativan addiction withdrawal symptoms. The patient may experience some of these Ativan addiction withdrawal symptoms
- Anxiety, mood swings
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps, diarrhea
- A shortness of breath
- Muscle cramps
- Convulsions
- Tremors
- Intense rage
Ativan addiction withdrawal symptoms may last for several days or up to a few months depending on how much of the drug was taken and for how long. Some Ativan addiction withdrawal symptoms can occur for years after the detox process was completed. There is a link between people with an Ativan addiction also having co-occurring mental health issues such as:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorder
- Other substance abuse
- Panic disorders
- Depression
- Seizure disorder
If you have a mental health issue and are trying to self-medicate with Ativan, you should speak with your doctor or mental health counselor. If you have an Ativan addiction problem you should find a certified drug treatment center near you and begin recovery treatment as soon as possible. With the professional help of drug addiction specialists, you will be able to begin a new, sober and productive life.
If you or a friend or relative is ready to begin the addiction recovery process, call the Little Rock Alcohol Treatment Centers today at 501-708-2757 and one of our staff will walk you through rehab options available.
Resources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/rrprescription.pdf