Ativan is a prescription medication commonly misused as a recreational drug. No matter whether you’re taking this medication as prescribed or not, Ativan side effects can quickly cause a disruption in your day-to-day life. If you’re struggling to break free from Ativan abuse, benzo addiction treatment at Promises may be able to help.
Overcoming a benzodiazepine addiction can be hard work, but it is possible. Get in contact with the experts at Promises by calling 844.875.5609 to learn more about the treatment options we have available.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan, also known by the generic variation lorazepam, is a prescription benzodiazepine typically used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It’s commonly prescribed for people with conditions such as:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Insomnia
Ativan is a controlled substance with a high risk for misuse. Taking Ativan can lead to feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and relaxed social inhibitions, which makes Ativan abuse relatively common.
Ativan Side Effects
Ativan works by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA within the brain. This is what leads to many of the targeted effects of Ativan, such as anxiety relief and relaxation, but it can cause a number of uncomfortable or dangerous side effects as well.
Common Ativan side effects people may experience include:
- Memory loss
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Muscle fatigue
- Loss of coordination
The more Ativan you take, the more common these side effects become. Serious side effects from Ativan can include:
- Confusion or anger
- Vision changes
- Seizures
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Loss of consciousness
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor or emergency services right away. These side effects may be the first signs of an accidental Ativan overdose. They could also indicate an unusual reaction to the medication that signifies your body is not handling it in a normal way.
Dangers of Ativan Abuse
Since Ativan is such a widely prescribed medication, the high rates of Ativan abuse and misuse are serious cause for concern. Ativan is a highly addictive medication and can lead people taking it to experience a number of physical and mental health symptoms associated with substance use disorders.
This can include experiencing symptoms such as:
- Growing tolerance to Ativan
- Craving Ativan
- Taking more Ativan than intended or for longer than intended
- Worsening physical or mental health due to Ativan use
- Multiple failed attempts to cut down or stop Ativan use without success
- Giving up important hobbies or interests due to Ativan use
- Relationship problems due to Ativan use
- Physical withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Ativan
This last symptom is particularly dangerous. People who take a high quantity of Ativan for extended periods and then stop can experience debilitating physical withdrawal, which can sometimes lead to life-threatening seizures if not treated by medical professionals.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan addiction, seeking help from a professional addiction treatment center can set you on the path to recovery.
Start Benzo Addiction Treatment at Promises Today
Benzodiazepine addiction doesn’t only affect your physical health—it can affect your emotional, spiritual, social, and mental health as well. Despite this, many people who are living with a benzodiazepine addiction can find it extremely difficult or impossible to stop without the help of a team of trained addiction professionals.
At Promises, our comprehensive addiction treatment programs offer our clients every tool they’ll need to break free from their addiction and build stronger, healthier lives in recovery. To get started with treatment, reach out to our team of addiction and mental health professionals at 844.875.5609 or use our online contact form.