Ativan is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat a host of ailments. It is a commonly prescribed medication throughout the United States for anxiety and managing sleep disorders, and it works to slow down an overactive central nervous system (CNS). Unfortunately, those who use the drug as prescribed may set themselves up to develop a tolerance, chemical dependency, or even addiction. If you start to use higher doses to achieve your desired effect, you may be developing a chemical dependency on Ativan.

Ativan has been used to treat nausea and vomiting in chemo patients, which illustrates its broad reach of use. It possesses a long half-life and quick onset of action, and the body reacts quickly when Ativan is administered – this is a reason, however, why it can also be abused. If you are prescribed Ativan, you must understand the signs and symptoms of potential addiction. 

What Are the Signs of Ativan Addiction?

Ativan is not typically prescribed for more than four weeks at a time because of its potential for addiction. Those who use the medication for longer than their prescribed period may be exhibiting the first signs of addiction. When this takes place, or when someone uses the medication in conjunction with other drugs, the outcomes can be deadly. Thirty percent of drug overdoses occur when benzos and opioids are combined. 

The early signs of addiction may be challenging to spot, but there are direct indications that someone is abusing benzos like Ativan. The first stage of addiction is tolerance to Ativan, where your body responds less to the initial dose you started using. If you continue to use despite this warning, it may cause dependency, which shows you are becoming addicted. If your daily routine is affected by Ativan use, you may be addicted.

Other signs of Ativan addiction you should look out for include:

What Is Involved In Ativan Addiction Treatment?

An addiction treatment plan will not be the same for everyone, and those going into the process must work with clinicians to create a tailored plan for their specific needs. The first step in the process is medical detox, where you will spend three-to-seven days alongside doctors to help you clear your system of any drugs or alcohol left in your system.

During your stay in detox, a team of clinicians will determine your next move.

Depending on the level of addiction and your history of potential relapse, it could mean you are moved into a residential or outpatient facility. Only you and your trained clinicians can determine what the next best step is.