Ativan Addiction Symptoms

Ativan (lorazepam) can be a helpful medication for anxiety and other conditions when used as directed, but it also carries the risk of misuse and addiction. Recognizing the signs of Ativan addiction is crucial for getting help and preventing serious health complications.

What Is Ativan?

Ativan is a short-acting prescription sedative that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Benzodiazepines are referred to as sedatives, tranquilizers, and anxiolytics. While Ativan is the trade name, the generic of this drug is lorazepam. This medication is medically indicated for the treatment of anxiety disorder (with or without depression) as well as episodic anxiety, among other health and mental health conditions.

Ativan has a known risk for misuse, dependence, and addiction. Even when taken as prescribed, there’s a risk of developing physical dependence–a state where your body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms emerge when use is abruptly slowed or stopped.

Misuse of Ativan, such as taking higher doses or using it more frequently than prescribed, significantly increases the risk of addiction. Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Signs and Symptoms of Ativan Addiction

According to the DSM-5, in order for a person to receive a diagnosis of a sedative use disorder–the clinical term for Ativan addiction– at least two of 11 symptoms must emerge within the same 12-month period. The criteria represent the physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms of addiction. The following are the 11 DSM-5 elements (paraphrased) as they would be applied to Ativan misuse:

• The person takes too much Ativan or takes it for a longer period of time than expected.
• The person tries to stop using or to cut down on Ativan use but is not able to do so.
• The person spends a disproportionate amount of time using Ativan, getting Ativan, or recovering after using Ativan.
• The person has cravings to use Ativan.
• Ativan misuse interferes work, school, or home obligations.
• The person continues to use the drug even though it has caused or worsened problems.
• Important work activities, hobbies, or social events are missed due to the Ativan misuse.
• The person repeatedly uses Ativan even when doing so puts them in danger or at risk.
• The person continues to use of Ativan even though it is causing or exacerbating an existing psychological or physical problem.
• The person develops a tolerance for Ativan. Tolerance is a state where more Ativan is needed to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal is a natural process that occurs when a person stops using or abruptly stops using Ativan..

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

Lorazepam withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Sweating.
• Increased heart rate.
• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Agitation.
• Restlessness.
• Confusion.
• Irritability.
• Hypersensitivity to light or noise.
• Hallucinations.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Tremors.
• Seizures.

Can You Overdose on Ativan?

While a fatal overdose on lorazepam alone is rare, the danger escalates dramatically when it’s combined with other substances, particularly opioids, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants.

Signs of an Ativan overdose include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Profound lethargy.
• Mental confusion.
• Slurred speech.
• In the worst cases, coma, seizures, or a fatal overdose if combined with alcohol or other drugs

Mixing lorazepam with opioids, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Overdose symptoms may include:

• Extreme drowsiness, sedation, or loss of consciousness
• Difficulty controlling muscles or complete lack of muscle control
• Slowed, shallow, or even stopped breathing
• Coma
• Death

Getting Help for Ativan Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to Ativan or other drugs or alcohol, there is help. At American Addiction Centers’ nationwide network of treatment centers, we use evidence-based addiction-focused healthcare to get you on the road to recovery and back to living the life you deserve.

To learn about your treatment options, to verify your insurance coverage, or to find a center near you, give us a call at . Our admissions navigators are on hand to answer your questions and help you get started. Recovery is possible so don’t wait. Give us a call today.