Ativan (Lorazepam) Addiction and Abuse

Ativan belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines or benzos. It is a controlled substance, meaning it carries a risk for abuse and addiction. Recently, the FDA added a Boxed Warning that cautioned the public against serious risks of abuse, dependence, withdrawal and addiction when using benzodiazepines, including Ativan.

What Is Ativan?

Ativan, also known by its generic name lorazepam, is a prescription medication used primarily for treating anxiety disorders and insomnia. It may also be used to treat certain types of seizures. Small amounts of the medication are released over a longer time in an extended-release formulation of the drug Loreev XR.

Ativan works by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, which produces a calming effect on the mind and body. Individuals with high stress may perceive this as attractive and be more likely to misuse the medication.

Ativan Addiction and Dependence

Generally, benzos with a shorter half-life and quicker onset of action have higher abuse potential. Ativan’s half-life is 10–20 hours, which is relatively short compared to benzos like Valium and Klonopin. The tablet begins working within 15–30 minutes after oral administration, which is somewhat quicker than other benzodiazepines. This makes Ativan a higher risk for abuse and dependence.

Drugs like Ativan are typically indicated for short-term use; however, in many cases, they are prescribed long-term. The longer a person uses Ativan, the more likely they will become tolerant to the drug, meaning larger doses are required to produce the same effect. This leads to dependence, in which the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. To avoid uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal effects, a person may continue to misuse the drug at higher doses, leading to addiction.

Symptoms of Ativan Addiction

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction so an individual can receive proper care. These signs and symptoms may indicate an addiction to Ativan:

• Inability to reduce the dose or stop using Ativan
• Feeling you are unable to function without Ativan
• Increased tolerance to the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the dose is lowered or stopped completely
• Poor hygiene
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in personality
• Avoiding previously enjoyed hobbies
• Poor performance at school or work
• Withdrawing from family and friends

Ativan Addiction Long-term Side Effects

Using Ativan for longer than three to four weeks will most likely lead to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped. Many people suffering from anxiety or insomnia are prescribed Ativan for longer periods, putting them at risk for long-term side effects, including:

• Rebound anxiety or insomnia
• Irritability and paranoia
• Personality changes
• Lack of motivation
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Impaired thinking
• Memory loss
• Withdrawal symptoms (upon stopping)
• Changes in movement/coordination and falls (especially in the elderly)
• Stroke

Common Ativan Drug Combinations

Combining Ativan with other substances can significantly increase the risk of harmful side effects and overdose. Each substance exerts its own physiological effects, and when these effects overlap, it places considerable stress on the body.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that speeds up the central nervous system. When taken with Ativan, the combination can create a roller coaster effect of highs and lows:

• Stimulant vs. Depressant: Cocaine increases heart rate and blood pressure, while Ativan slows down certain neural processes. The competing effects may mask warning signs of overdose, such as excessive sedation or dangerously high heart rates.
• Increased Dependence: People may use Ativan to “come down” from a cocaine binge or reduce cocaine-induced anxiety, inadvertently exacerbating dependence on both substances.

Amphetamines

Like cocaine, amphetamines (including prescription stimulants like Adderall) can cause high energy, alertness and euphoria. When used with Ativan:

• Erratic Vital Signs: The stimulant effect of amphetamines combined with the sedative effect of Ativan can lead to significant fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate.
• Heightened Psychological Stress: Masking symptoms of excessive stimulation may lead to increased abuse, as individuals can underestimate their body’s limits.

Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medication often used for pain relief or as part of medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. When combined with Ativan:

• Excess Sedation: Both Ativan and methadone depress the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness, confusion and impaired cognitive function.
• Respiratory Depression: Using two CNS depressants together raises the risk of dangerously reduced breathing, which can be life-threatening.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another depressant that can severely intensify the effects of Ativan:

• Enhanced Sedation: Alcohol magnifies Ativan’s sedative effect, leading to extreme drowsiness and disorientation.
• Risk of Overdose: Combining these two depressants is a common factor in accidental overdoses, with the potential to slow or stop breathing.
• Impulsivity: Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which may increase reckless behaviors, including taking higher doses of Ativan or mixing additional substances.

Ativan Abuse Statistics

While specific data on lorazepam (Ativan) may not always be singled out in national studies, benzodiazepines as a broader class remain one of the most commonly misused prescription drugs in the United States. Key statistics and findings include:

• Prescription Rate: A 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open showed that benzodiazepine prescriptions have increased over the past decade, contributing to more available drugs for both medical and non-medical use.
• Benzodiazepine Overdose: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines have risen significantly in recent years, especially when these medications are used alongside opioids.
• Polysubstance Abuse: The DEA and CDC both report that benzodiazepine misuse frequently occurs with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids. Polysubstance abuse dramatically increases the risk of overdose.
• Dependence and Withdrawal: The physical dependence associated with benzodiazepines can be profound. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that abrupt cessation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium.

These statistics underscore the importance of proper medical supervision when using Ativan and highlight the dangers of misusing or mixing it with other substances. If you suspect an addiction to Ativan, professional treatment is crucial. Specialists at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper can create a tailored treatment plan that addresses medical, psychological and social factors of addiction.

Ativan Addiction Treatment

Medical detox alone is unlikely to help someone struggling with an Ativan addiction long-term. Following detox, rehab treatment at an accredited addiction treatment facility should offer an individualized treatment plan for their particular needs.

Psychotherapy, including individual and group treatment and behavioral therapies, are a crucial component of any addiction treatment plan. It is also important to address any co-occurring mental health disorders that are present. Addressing these mental disorders leads to better health outcomes for the patient.

About Our Treatment Center

The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is an accredited drug rehabilitation facility that offers the full continuum of care, including medical detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Our philosophy is to treat the whole person, not just their addiction. This means treating their mental and emotional needs, not just their physical symptoms. At our facility, we believe:

• Anyone can recover from addiction.
• Each client deserves respectful and compassionate care.
• Addiction is a disease that can be treated with evidence-based care backed by research.
• The physical and mental causes of addiction should be addressed simultaneously.
• Recovery is a journey that requires lifelong commitment.

Our treatment facility has several healing amenities to help improve the mind and body, including:

• Fully-equipped gym
• Entertainment areas
• Yoga room
• Game room
• Outdoor volleyball court
• Indoor basketball court
• Nutritious meal options prepared by onsite chefs

Our Location

The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is conveniently located in South Jersey and a 20-minute drive from Philadelphia.

761 Cuthbert Blvd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

If you or someone you love is dealing with addiction, contact us today. A knowledgeable representative can help you learn more about our treatment programs and how you can get started on the path to recovery.