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struggling with, or questions that need answers WE CAN HELP.
Ativan Abuse | Ativan Treatment
What is Ativan?
Ativan, is the brand name for the chemical Lorazepam, which is used to treat a wide variety of physical and metal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, insomnia nausea from cancer treatment. It is available in tablet or liquid form and can be take two to three times a day, preferably with food.
How does Ativan work?
Ativan is a CNS (Central Nervous System) Depressant that slows the brains activity when it is overactive. More commonly, Ativan is referred to as a tranquilizer or sedative because of the calming effect it has on users. This effect is caused by neurotransmitters called gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA). The Ativan causes more GABA to be produced, resulting in extreme relaxation.
How is Ativan abused?
There are two ways that Ativan can be abused, leading to addiction and the first is by long-time users who were prescribed the drug but have continued using it against doctor’s orders to maintain the sensations or prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring.
The other user is a recreational user that tried Ativan non-medically and has become addicted to the sedative effects of the drug. In a 2009 SAMHSA survey, benzodiazepines were the most common type of prescription drugs abused, with 35% of drug related emergency room visits involving this type of drug.
Ativan and other benzodiazepine drugs are also frequently used in conjunction with many other drugs to “even out” a person’s condition. Heroin users or alcohol abusers will self-prescribe the drug on order to “come down” from a high or to prevent experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The combinations of the drug can create dangerous situations in which overdoses occur.
What are the side effects and withdrawal symptoms of Ativan?
Side effects of Ativan are diverse and numerous. Some of the common side effects are weakness, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision and changes in sex drive. Long-term and more serious side effects are persistent tremors; fever, skin rash and yellowing of the skin and eyes, among may others.
Ativan as a prescription drug is very habit forming and can be even worse when not controlled by a prescription. Quitting Ativan is a delicate process and “cold turkey” is not recommended since it is known to produce benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, which includes seizures and psychosis.
Ativan Addiction Treatment at Challenges
At Challenges, our mantra is that “Relapse Ends Here” and we provide the help and care necessary to back that goal up. If you or someone you love is struggling with an Ativan addiction, we can help. If detox is needed, we can help the slow process of recovering from a chemical dependence on Ativan.
The Challenges staff is compassionate and professional. Our center one of the oldest addiction treatment and relapse prevention centers, not only in the State of Florida, but also in the entire United States.
We have a myriad of treatment programs available for recovering addicts, including neurofeedback, full day/PHP Treatment, with or without structured living, massage, yoga, group sessions, extended care transitional treatment and intensive outpatient treatment. Our services don’t stop when you leave our facilities. We have advanced aftercare programs with the technology to support our clients’ needs.
Challenges Can Help
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For questions, information or immediate help
Call 1-888-670-5486 (Toll Free)
