Ativan belongs to one of the most highly addictive prescription drug classes available, benzodiazepines. In 2013, a ProPublica analysis of federal data determined that Ativan was the second most prescribed benzodiazepine next to . In 2013 alone, there were over 9 million prescriptions written for Ativan. The effects of this drug are designed to treat people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Feelings of anxiousness, nervousness or paranoia vanish while under Ativan’s influence. People suffering from anxiety disorders fall in love with the quick attacking effects of Ativan, thus how abuse and addiction begin. The carefree feelings you get when taking Ativan can make users forget about their troubles and their priorities. If you became addicted to a benzodiazepine like Ativan, and your life is becoming unmanageable then help is available for you now! You can learn new ways to cope with your anxiety without relying on your prescription. Free yourself from the grips of your Ativan addiction and call us today!
Signs of Ativan Addiction: Do I Really Need Rehab?
You may not think you or your loved one’s Ativan prescription was going to lead to addiction. This is a common error in judgment made by prescription pill addicts and their loved ones. Because Ativan was given to you by a doctor you probably thought the medicine was helpful and harmless. Many fail to see signs of Ativan addiction taking place and do not realize it until it is too late. Here are some signs of Ativan addiction to consider.
- Taking more of your Ativan in order to feel it’s original effects.
- Taking your Ativan more frequently.
- Running out of your Ativan prescription earlier than your refill date.
- Buying Ativan or other benzodiazepine’s illegally through friends or on the streets.
- Work or school performance went down since taking Ativan.
- Lost interest in old hobbies or passions since taking Ativan.
- Ruined friendships or relationships with family members since taking Ativan.
- Stolen or pawn your items to afford Ativan.
These signs of Ativan addiction are not intended to make you feel ashamed. Instead, they are here to help you see the dangers of your Ativan use. Many times addicts will do these things knowing it is wrong, but the addiction is so powerful they will do them anyway. When you develop an addiction you become obsessed with the getting and using of drugs. It is important to end your Ativan addiction before it is too late, as the effects of your Ativan use can be deadly.
Effects of Ativan Abuse: The Good Bad and Ugly
The euphoric and worry free feelings that Ativan produces are temporary and are masking the true problems of your addiction. When you are abusing a drug like Ativan you run the risk of developing dangerous physical side-effects. Aside from the bodily harm, Ativan abuse leads to addiction and the negative symptoms that come with it. When you become addicted to Ativan you are at the risk of jeopardizing everything important in your life. People who suffer from Ativan addiction usually have a change in personality and behaviors that result in negative consequences. Addicts are known to lie, cheat and steal in order to obtain more drugs. If you did something wrong when addicted to Ativan, recovery will provide you the opportunity to make amends for your actions. If you are abusing Ativan consider what you are doing to your body.
Long-term side-effects of Ativan addiction include:
- Amnesia
- Memory Impairment
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hostility
- Aggression
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Convulsions
- Seizures
Memory impairment and amnesia means that Ativan abusers will wake up the next day forgetting about the day or night before. Binge Ativan users can sometimes go multiple days without remembering anything. The mental effects of Ativan abuse can be long lasting if not treated. When you attend Ativan addiction treatment in California you will be evaluated by professionals for any mental or physical damages.
Breaking the Cycle: Detox and Withdrawal of Ativan
When you are ready to end your Ativan addiction, you will experience withdrawal symptoms during your detox of Ativan. Withdrawal symptoms of Ativan can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous if you do not properly detox. When you attend Ativan addiction treatment in California you will be monitored around the clock by medical staff until your detox period is over. Ativan withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on how much the user takes and for how long. This will be discovered when you are assessed during your intake interview.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Constant Fatigue
- Intense Drug Cravings
- Increased Tension
- Irritability
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Psychotic Reactions
The detox period is regarded as one of the most difficult parts of getting clean. Once you can successfully get through the detox of Ativan you will be clear minded and ready to receive addiction education and treatment. Here are the withdrawal symptoms of Ativan, and why it is important to be monitored during your detox and withdrawal period.
Start Your Addiction Recovery With Us
Ativan addiction does not have to be the defining aspect of your life. You can end your addiction to Ativan if you truly want to! Attending your Ativan addiction treatment with us will put you in the best position for long-term sobriety. We will address your addiction, give you resources to utilize after rehab, and help you find natural ways to decrease your anxiety. When you learn a new, healthier way to live your need or desire to use Ativan will decrease. If you are tired of the way your Ativan prescription is making you feel, think and act then call us today. We will have a conversation to better understand your situation, develop a treatment plan and have you placed into our facility right away.
