Ativan (lorazepam) is a medication mainly used to treat anxiety. It works well when taken correctly, but misusing or abusing it can cause serious problems for the person and their family. About 7% of high school students in the US have abused drugs, including Ativan. This article will explore the issue of Ativan abuse and provide help for those who are affected.
Ativan, also known as Lorazepam, is commonly used to help with anxiety, trouble sleeping, and seizures. It belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines, which act on the brain and nerves to help calm you down. This medication is often prescribed by doctors to manage these conditions and provide relief.
Ativan works by boosting the activity of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA helps to slow down brain activity. When Ativan attaches to GABA receptors, it makes GABA’s calming effects stronger, which helps reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and provide a sedative effect. When taken as directed, it can help ease severe mental health symptoms.
Yes, Ativan can be addictive. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are known for their risk of abuse and addiction, especially if taken in higher amounts or for longer than advised. It’s important to use Ativan only as prescribed by a healthcare provider to avoid these risks.
Ativan addiction often starts harmlessly, with people taking the medication as their doctor prescribed. Addiction involves a mix of physical, mental, and environmental factors. People might begin using Ativan to relieve mental health issues or stress, but over time, their brains can become physically dependent on the drug.
Here’s how addiction typically develops:
Extended use of Ativan may lead to tolerance, where users may need higher doses over time to get the same effects they initially experienced.
Psychological dependence can develop as the body gets used to Ativan, making users feel like they cannot function normally without the drug.
For some, Ativan serves as a way to escape from life’s pressures and stresses, which can increase the risk of developing an addiction to the medication.
While Ativan addiction can affect anyone, certain factors can make some people more vulnerable:
Recognizing signs of Ativan addiction early is very important. Watch for changes in behavior, such as mood swings or withdrawal from activities once enjoyed. If someone becomes overly focused on getting more Ativan or needs higher doses to feel the same effects, these are warning signs that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Just like any medication, Ativan can lead to side effects. These effects can vary from person to person—some might not have any, while others could experience them more strongly. Typical short-term side effects of Ativan include:
Ativan affects how the brain works by changing its chemistry. This increases the chances of becoming addicted and could cause mental health problems over time.
Using Ativan for a long time or not as directed can make the body need it to feel normal, make it less effective over time, and cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped. It’s important to only use Ativan as your doctor tells you. Stopping Ativan without help can be risky. Addiction to it can also lead to an overdose.
Ativan and Xanax are medications called benzodiazepines used for anxiety and panic disorders. They work well, but they start working and last for different times and can cause different side effects.
Ativan isn’t as strong as Xanax, so you might need more Ativan to get the same result as less Xanax. But Ativan stays in your body longer than Xanax, so its effects last longer too.
Drinking alcohol while using Ativan is risky because it can slow down the central nervous system. This combination can be dangerous and increase the effects of each substance. Despite this risk, benzodiazepines such as Ativan are sometimes prescribed to help manage symptoms during alcohol withdrawal, under careful medical supervision to prevent complications.
When someone who has been drinking heavily stops suddenly, they can have withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to severe, like feeling anxious, restless, shaky, or even having seizures.
Doctors might prescribe Ativan during alcohol withdrawal to ease these symptoms and prevent serious problems. Ativan can help people feel calmer and lower the chances of seizures and intense anxiety during withdrawal. It’s important to use Ativan only under a doctor’s care because it can be addictive.
Yes, Ativan (lorazepam) is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. It is categorized as a Schedule IV controlled substance because it is less likely to be abused compared to other drugs, but it can still be misused. Misusing Ativan can result in addiction, dependence, and the risk of overdose.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with Ativan dependence, reach out to detox programs near you for help and guidance.
Hart Rehab is a trusted place for addiction treatment. We provide detox, rehab, ongoing support, and follow-up care to help you stay sober. Our team is here to support you in achieving lasting recovery.
Start your journey to recovery today by contacting our caring team and taking back control of your life.
