How To Recover From Ativan Abuse And Addiction

Ativan abuse and addiction can have serious consequences. There are many options available to assist in recovering from Ativan addiction. These include detox programs, inpatient treatment, and aftercare.

Ativan, the brand name for lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat insomnia, nausea, muscle spasms, and epilepsy.

Ativan falls under the category of tranquilizers and sedatives. This drug works by binding to the GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is responsible for sending messages to and from the brain and its receptors. By binding to the GABA neurotransmitters, Ativan slows down these signals for an overall calming effect in the body and brain.

As a Schedule IV drug, Ativan has an incredibly high potential for abuse and addiction. People who use Ativan for a longer period of time than suggested or who take more than prescribed are at an elevated risk for dependence and addiction.

Additionally, people who use Ativan recreationally are also at risk for addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan addiction, know that help is available.

Ativan Addiction Recovery

If you are addicted to Ativan, there are many options available to help you recover. Many people find success with formal treatment plans. This may include a detox program, inpatient treatment, and aftercare.

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Medically Monitored Detox Programs

People who are physically dependent on Ativan will likely need to attend a medically supervised detox program. This is because Ativan withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to severe.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

  • confusion
  • anxiety
  • memory loss
  • panic attacks
  • depression
  • insomnia
  • depersonalization
  • seizures
  • psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions

Most people who are dependent on Ativan will need to taper off of the drug to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms. A medically supervised detox program will oversee the tapering process and ensure safety throughout the withdrawal period.

Treatment For Ativan Abuse And Addiction

Once someone has successfully completed a detox program, he or she will likely need to continue on to a formal treatment program. Inpatient treatment programs have proven to be highly successful for individuals recovering from Ativan addiction.

An inpatient treatment program requires patients to live residentially at the facility for an extended period of time. This time can range from 30 to 60 days or longer. How long a person spends in inpatient treatment will depend on his or her condition.

Inpatient treatment programs often offer personalized plans for recovery. These plans can include a variety of different therapies.

Common therapies used in the treatment of Ativan addiction include:

Contingency Management Therapy — This type of therapy relies on rewards to promote non-drug seeking behavior. For example, a negative drug test may elicit a reward that is healthy and emphasizes drug-free living.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — CBT focuses on uncovering and changing beliefs and behaviors that promote drug use and abuse. It also emphasizes the development of coping strategies to deal with cravings and triggers.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy — This treatment approach focuses on making quick and internally motivated changes to prevent further drug use. Motivational enhancement therapy consists of two to four intensive therapy sessions.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy — This form of therapy focuses on learning what triggers a person to use drugs and learning coping skills to avoid drug use.

In an inpatient treatment setting, therapy is often offered on both an individual and group level. Family therapy is often utilized as well to help a person recover from Ativan abuse and addiction.

Aftercare For Ativan Addiction Recovery

An aftercare program can help further a person’s success in recovery from an Ativan addiction. Aftercare programs often involve a number of components, including sober living and support groups.

Sober Living — A sober living home can provide a safe and regulated place to continue recovering from Ativan abuse and addiction. Many sober living residences require people to obtain a job, remain drug-free, and attend support groups.

Support Groups — There are a number of different support groups available for Ativan addiction recovery. These include 12-step groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and non-12-step groups like Celebrate Recovery.

There are many different options when comes to recovering from Ativan abuse and addiction. To learn more about these options, contact our treatment specialists today.

WebMD - What Conditions does Lorazepam Treat?

National Institute on Drug Abuse - Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)

RxList - Ativan

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