Ativan (lorazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine that is mainly used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.[1] While it is effective in managing a wide range of conditions, it can lead to psychological dependence and physical dependence because it is a central nervous system depressant. In other words, taking Ativan regularly or long-term can lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Some of the symptoms of Ativan addiction include taking more than you are prescribed, experiencing cravings to abuse Ativan, and experiencing Ativan withdrawal symptoms. If you believe you are addicted to Ativan, you should seek professional substance abuse treatment.
At Alamo Behavioral Health, we offer an evidence-based and compassionate program for Ativan addiction in Texas. Our addiction treatment center provides services like individualized treatment planning, medical detox, behavioral therapies, relapse prevention planning, and aftercare services.
What you will learn:
- What are the signs of Ativan abuse?
- What should you expect during Ativan rehab in Texas?
- Why is medical detox important during treatment for Ativan addiction?
Ativan Addiction Symptoms: Knowing the Signs of Ativan Abuse
If you use Ativan for any reason other than prescribed, you are engaging in substance abuse. Because Ativan is a mind-altering substance, it is possible to become addicted to it. You can develop both a psychological dependence and a physical dependence on the medication when you are using it to experience a high.
The signs of Ativan addiction include:[2]
- Using more Ativan than intended and for a longer amount of time than you’re meant to
- Having strong desires or cravings to use Ativan
- Wanting to quit or cut down on Ativan use but being unsuccessful
- Spending a lot of time obtaining or using Ativan
- Mixing Ativan with other drugs to experience a more intense high
- Trouble maintaining responsibilities at work, school, or home due to Ativan use
- Continuing to use the Ativan, even when it causes interpersonal issues and relationship problems
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed recreational activities because of Ativan use
- Using Ativan when it puts you in danger, such as while driving or experiencing multiple Ativan overdoses
- Continuing to use Ativan even though it is worsening an ongoing physical or psychological problem
- Developing tolerance (having to take larger doses of Ativan to get the same effect)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Ativan
If you have two or more of the above-mentioned symptoms, you have a benzodiazepine use disorder and need to attend professional addiction treatment. The symptoms of Ativan addiction might not always be easy to spot yourself, however, your friends and loved ones might be able to tell that you are suffering.
What to Expect During Ativan Addiction Treatment in Texas
Ativan addiction can be difficult to recover from, however, Ativan rehab centers in Texas, like Alamo Behavioral Health, make it possible to achieve long-term recovery. At our treatment center, you’ll receive the following services:
In-Depth Assessment and Treatment Planning
The first step in recovering from Ativan addiction is an in-depth assessment. Medical professionals will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of Ativan abuse. The information gathered will be used to create an individualized treatment plan based on your needs.
During treatment planning, medical professionals will decide how long you need rehab, what specialty care services you need, whether you need Ativan detox, and more.
Medical Detox for Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms
The next step is medical detox, as Ativan causes significant physical dependence. During Ativan detox, you’ll be monitored 24/7 by doctors and nurses to ensure you remain safe and stable. You’ll also be given a benzodiazepine medication to slowly taper you off of Ativan, reducing your withdrawal symptoms. This process makes it easier for you to overcome Ativan withdrawal and lessen your chances of relapsing.
Detox is incredibly important during Ativan rehab as it helps you overcome the withdrawal process safely. Without detox services, you could experience severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures, high blood pressure, and an Ativan overdose during a relapse. In other words, detox can save your life from physical symptoms and help you cope with psychological withdrawal symptoms at the same time.
Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapies
One of the ways addiction treatment programs help you overcome the symptoms of Ativan addiction is through individual therapy, group counseling, and family therapy. These services help you address the root causes of your substance use disorder, develop healthy coping mechanisms, learn emotional regulation skills, and more.
During an Ativan treatment program, you’ll engage in evidence-based therapies, including:[3]
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Contingency management (CM)
- 12-step facilitation therapy
- Family behavior therapy
While Ativan misuse can be difficult to overcome, this service helps you overcome more than the physical aspect of addiction, like withdrawal syndrome. Evidence-based therapies help you address the psychological and behavioral symptoms of Ativan use disorder.
Relapse Prevention and Aftercare
The last step in treatment for Ativan addiction is relapse prevention planning. Your rehab treatment program will help you identify potential triggers for relapse, learn coping strategies to prevent relapse, and create a plan of action to use in case you experience a relapse in the future. Relapse prevention planning can reduce your risk of Ativan misuse in the future.
Before you complete your inpatient rehab program, you’ll be offered aftercare services, which include:
- Continued therapy
- Medication management
- Access to an alumni support group
- Referrals to outpatient and sober living programs
- Recommendations on local support groups, like 12-step meetings
- Case management services like vocational training and building other important life skills
Get Help for Ativan Addiction Today
Ativan addiction starts with simply taking one pill. Over time, your drug abuse will worsen in severity until you are at risk of life-threatening overdoses due to taking more Ativan than you can handle. If you want to overcome drug abuse and Ativan dependence, you’ve come to the right place.
Alamo Behavioral Health can help you stop taking too much Ativan and overcome addiction once and for all. We offer inpatient treatment and specialty services like dual diagnosis care for mental health conditions. Our ongoing treatment services make it possible for you to overcome benzodiazepine and sedative use disorder.
If you want to begin your recovery journey, overcome the detox process, and improve your emotional health, Alamo Behavioral Health is here to help. Contact us today for more information on our Texas Ativan rehab center.
References:
- Lippincott Journals: Ativan (Lorazepam)
- Medscape: Sedative, Hypnotic, Anxiolytic Use Disorders Clinical Presentation
- Science Direct: Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders
