Learn to Recognize When Ativan Has Become a Problem
Anxiety is one of the most common conditions people struggle with on a regular basis. As a result, many doctors prescribe benzodiazepines like Ativan to help make coping with anxiety more manageable. However, when used on a long-term basis, an anxiety problem could develop into a severe addiction to this highly addictive medication.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan, also known by its generic name Lorazepam, is prescribed to patients for various reasons. It’s classified as a benzodiazepine and is general prescribed to patients that suffer from anxiety and insomnia. Similar to any other benzodiazepine, it’s imperative that a doctor closely monitor the consumption of this drug. Additionally, this drug is not meant to be taken for an extended period, which may lead to drug detox.
Signs of Ativan Abuse
There are several signs that a person may be suffering from an addiction to Ativan. They are similar to symptoms that a person may experience if they struggle with an addiction to another type of drug or alcohol.
A few examples include:
- Sweating and shakiness if the drug is not consumed
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Passing out
- Anti-social tendencies
Another possible indicator of an addiction to Ativan is doctor shopping. An experienced doctor will realize this is a drug that you cannot prescribe indefinitely and, at a certain point, they will no longer prescribe the medication. In turn, the person who has the addiction may suddenly be visiting new or multiple doctors to maintain their habit.
Risk of Abusing Ativan
Abusing Ativan for any period comes with serious risk factors that could seemingly impact every part of your life:
Loss of consciousness
Losing consciousness at any time is dangerous not only to you but to the people around you. For example, what if you lost consciousness while driving and injuring an innocent bystander or a person in another car? What if you lost consciousness and were home alone and hit your head and could not get the care you need? The reality that this risk could be potentially deadly.
Memory impairment
Memory lapses or forgetting specific details about your day, whether personal or professional, can lead to significant complications in your life. For instance, if your boss perceives a decline in your performance because you can’t recall crucial details pertaining to your job, you might be at risk of employment termination. Similarly, relationships with friends and family could be strained if you consistently forget essential aspects of shared experiences or important events in their lives. Such memory problems could sometimes stem from underlying issues like substance abuse. A detox recovery program can be a pivotal first step for those struggling with addiction, helping them regain clarity, improve memory functions, and ultimately restore their personal and professional lives.
Treatment for Ativan and Other Prescription Drug Addictions at Muse in Los Angeles
The Muse Treatment team in Los Angeles has extensive experience in helping our clients to overcome their addiction to Ativan. Whether you are a concerned family member who would like to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction or realize that you have an addiction to this drug and are ready to overcome it, the Muse Treatment has the drug rehab programs to help you.
We work closely with each of our clients to help identify the events in their life that may have led to their addiction. When you are ready to take your first steps toward living a new and healthier life, please call us at (800) 426-1818 today. With commitment and an open mind and heart, recovery from addiction is always possible. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you.
