Ativan Abuse Symptoms And Warning Signs

Signs Of Ativan (Lorazepam) Abuse

Ativan is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine that carries a substantial addiction risk. Ativan is abused when people take it differently than prescribed, meaning they take a higher dose, more frequently, or for a longer period than prescribed. Using someone else’s Ativan prescription, purchasing Ativan illegally, or doctor shopping are also ways that Ativan is abused.

When the body becomes dependent on Ativan, the person will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it or decrease the dosage. Tolerance occurs when the person needs a high dose of Ativan to feel the same desired effects. Tolerance and dependence are both signs associated with Ativan addiction.

Signs of Ativan abuse might include:

• Taking Ativan at a higher dosage than prescribed by the doctor
• Using Ativan for longer than prescribed
• Developing an increased tolerance for Ativan
• Balance problems or an unsteady gait
• Depression
• Slurred speech
• Impaired judgment
• Increased drowsiness, fatigue, and sedation
• Trouble concentrating and paying attention
• Using Ativan to cope with stress or mental health problems
• Isolation and social withdrawal
• Lying about Ativan use
• Doctor shopping to get additional prescriptions

Recognizing An Ativan Addiction

Ativan addiction is considered a benzodiazepine addiction and is clinically defined under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic addiction.

Eleven criteria characterize addiction as outlined by the DSM-5. Depending on how many of those criteria a person meets, they may have a mild, moderate, or severe Ativan use disorder.

• Attempting to quit Ativan use but being unable to do so
• Physical dependence
• Continue use of Ativan despite the negative consequences associated with its use
• Risky behaviors such as driving under the influence of Ativan
• A decline in work or school performance because of Ativan misuse
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Hiding Ativan or lying about Ativan use
• Tolerance to Ativan
• Spending an excessive amount of time thinking about Ativan or using Ativan
• Continued Ativan use, even if it is worsening an existing or creating a new medical or mental health problem

It is critically important for individuals who believe they are suffering from an Ativan addiction to be assessed by an addiction professional to determine their actual needs.

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What Are The Dangers Of Abusing Ativan?

Generally, Ativan is only recommended for short-term use given the risk of physical and psychological dependence, as well as addiction.

The most severe side effects associated with Ativan use occur with high doses or when the drug is mixed with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids.

Dangerous side effects of Ativan abuse can include:

• Respiratory depression
• Excessive sedation
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Memory impairment
• Loss of consciousness
• Serious withdrawal symptoms

Extended use of Ativan can also cause changes in brain functioning. Studies have shown that long-term benzodiazepine use can result in cognitive impairment. While cognitive dysfunction improved in some patients after quitting benzo use, not all patients regained full cognitive functioning.

Due to these dangerous side effects, Ativan should only be used as prescribed, under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.

Signs That A Loved One Is Abusing Ativan

Your loved one could be struggling with anxiety or insomnia and is using Ativan to help ease their symptoms, but sometimes this can turn into misuse and abuse.

Signs that your loved one may be abusing Ativan include:

• They spend less time with family and friends and more time alone
• They appear confused, excessively drowsy, or “out of it”
• They appear drunk
• They have balance problems when walking
• They have slurred speech
• They have difficulty remembering or recalling events
• They are more secretive and lie about their activities or whereabouts
• They have a declining performance in school or work
• They are not taking care of their household duties, personal hygiene, or daily obligations

Intervention For Ativan Addiction

​​If someone you know is addicted to Ativan, you can help them get on the path to recovery by staging an intervention. While some people who are addicted to Ativan are aware of their problem, many are in denial. This can make talking about their addiction very difficult, and the assistance of a professional may be needed. An interventionist can educate and guide you through the intervention process, but if you choose to stage an intervention yourself, it is important to be prepared.

It is vital to carefully plan and time an intervention. You’ll want to rehearse what you’re going to say beforehand, ensure you are in a safe and comfortable setting, educate yourself on Ativan addiction and treatment options, speak with kindness and empathy, and be prepared for a wide range of responses.

Safely Treating Ativan Addiction

Treating Ativan addiction starts with detox, which aims to reduce withdrawal symptoms by giving a benzodiazepine taper. Ativan withdrawal symptoms occur when a person who is dependent on Ativan stops taking it or cuts down their use.

Withdrawal symptoms for benzodiazepines are uncomfortable, dangerous, and even life-threatening, which is why a drug taper is needed under medical supervision to reduce the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. A taper involves prescribing a long-acting benzodiazepine and slowly reducing the dose over time until the person is no longer at risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Once withdrawal symptoms are no longer a threat, a treatment plan that encompasses psychotherapy approaches that help reduce cravings and urges and teach healthy coping skills can be put into place.

Generally, the more Ativan is used and the longer the amount of time it’s used, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms. An addiction treatment program or medically assisted detox can safely reduce the effects of withdrawal and teach the skills needed for a successful recovery.

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Find Help For Ativan Addiction

There are many therapies and treatment options available for Ativan addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Ativan, contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory to learn more about your treatment options today.