Ativan Addiction And Abuse

Ativan Addiction

Ativan is a potent benzodiazepine that has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Slang terms for Ativan include “goofballs”, “heavenly blues”, “stupefy”, or simply benzos. Taking Ativan for any period of time can lead to physical and psychological dependence based on a number of factors, including genetics and personal history. People with a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse or untreated mental health disorders are at a greater risk of developing an Ativan addiction.

Those who are addicted to Ativan may experience cravings and continue to use despite any problems it may cause in their life, such as:

• Issues with family or friends
• Failing to follow through with work, school, or home obligations
• Getting into dangerous situations
• Losing interest in what used to matter
• Social isolation
• Financial issues

I was basically locked in my room, and the only time I would go out was to hook up with my connection. I spent at least… $400 a day on pills.

A habitual user will eventually need more Ativan to produce the same effects. This is known as having a tolerance to the drug. Often times, people who are addicted to Ativan are aware they have a problem and may even desire to quit — but they are unable to. Withdrawal symptoms can make quitting even more difficult. Rehab, therapy, and medically assisted detox can help those struggling with an Ativan addiction overcome their habit as safely and successfully as possible.

Understanding Ativan (Lorazepam)

Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam, a medication prescribed to treat a host of ailments from anxiety to insomnia to epilepsy. It is classified as a long-acting benzo and is rarely prescribed for longer than 4 months at a time due to its high potency. Ativan is commonly prescribed during alcohol detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Ativan belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, or “benzos.” These drugs block the neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) to slow hyperactive mental processes. The substance is typically sold as a quick-dissolve tablet, though it is sometimes found as a concentrated, colorless liquid as well. When used as prescribed, Ativan is usually consumed orally. Ativan should only be administered intravenously via IV drip by a healthcare professional due to the high potential for abuse.

After taking Ativan, it takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to feel the drug’s full effects. It typically takes 20 to 100 hours for the drug to leave a person’s system.

How Long Do Benzos Stay In The Body?
Brands	Halcion	Ativan	Valium
Length Of Action	Short-acting	Intermediate	Long-acting
Time	2-4 hours	10-20 hours	20-70 hours

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Ativan Addiction

Ativan Addiction: Effects And Abuse

Because Ativan is legal to use with a prescription, some people may not realize they’re abusing the drug. Taking larger amounts of Ativan than prescribed, taking the drug more often than prescribed, and taking the drug for longer than prescribed all constitute Ativan abuse. Using Ativan without a prescription to achieve a high is also abuse.

Ativan helps balance chemicals in the brain that can cause anxiety. When taken in especially large doses, Ativan binds to special receptors in the brain to produce a fleeting, intense high followed by a prolonged state of calm. The effects of Ativan include:

• A euphoric high
• A sense of calm
• Muscle relaxation
• Drowsiness

When combined with other substances, like alcohol, the relaxing effects of Ativan can grow even stronger. Because Ativan is very potent and can seem harmless as a prescription drug, it is a prime candidate for both accidental and intentional abuse as well as accidental overdose. Most commonly, overdoses occur when Ativan is taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

Signs of an Ativan overdose can include:

• Mental confusion
• Slurred speech
• Lack of energy
• Loss of control of body movements
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Slow breathing
• Passing out
• Coma

Severe cases of Ativan overdose, especially when the drug was used in combination with other drugs, can be fatal.

Common Ativan Drug Combinations

Ativan is often abused alongside other drugs to either enhance or counterbalance its sedative effects.

Common drugs combined with Ativan include:

• Cocaine

  Ativan can counteract the stimulating effects of cocaine, helping users come down from the high.

• Amphetamines

  Amphetamines are “uppers” like cocaine, so Ativan may be used alongside them for the same reasons.

• Methadone

  Many people will take Ativan to boost the effects of methadone. It is extremely dangerous to mix Ativan, a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, with other depressants like methadone because of the potential of fatal overdose due to respiratory failure.

• Alcohol

  When combined, Ativan and alcohol produce a quick, potent high. Mixing the two increases CNS depression, which can lead to over-sedation, respiratory failure, coma, and even death.

Taking Ativan in combination with other drugs is very dangerous, as it increases the risk of overdose. In some cases, excessive sedation from mixing drugs can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death.

Ativan Abuse Statistics

Ativan Addiction Treatment

Depending on your situation and needs, seeking out a support group or additional, individual counseling can provide the necessary tools to stay sober. If you or someone you love is struggling with an Ativan addiction, contact a treatment provider to find rehab-related help.