Ativan is a highly addictive benzodiazepine (benzo) prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy. Benzodiazepines like Ativan are long-lasting drugs commonly abused because of their high potency. It usually takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to take full effect, but 20 to 100 hours for the drug to leave the system. When abused, it can be especially dangerous to the user. If you are abusing Ativan, seek help. There are treatment programs available to help you make a full recovery from prescription drugs abuse. Rehabilitation may be beneficial to aid you in this process.
Symptoms of Ativan Abuse: Side Effects of Ativan Abuse, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Signs of Ativan Overdose
Ativan is a highly potent drug, and the effects of Ativan abuse are very intense. Some of the side effects of Ativan include:
- Euphoria
- Sense of calm
- Muscle relaxation
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Headache
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Change in appetite
- Weight loss
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Memory loss
- Emotional blunting
Ativan withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headache
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
Signs of an Ativan drug overdose:
- Mental confusion
- Slurred speech
- Lack of energy
- Loss of control of body movements
- Muscle weakness
- Labored breathing
- Fainting
- Coma
If you are battling an addiction to Ativan, addiction treatment is available to help you quit. Addiction recovery is possible.
Ativan Addiction Treatment Options
There is a wide variety of options for treating Ativan abuse. Options include inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab, behavioral therapy, art therapy, sober-living homes, 12-step programs, and support groups. When treating most drug addictions, medical professionals recommend inpatient rehabilitation for the user to go to and seek care and rehabilitation. At drug rehab centers, you will have access to around-the-clock care and supervision from a team of fully trained medical staff. The staff will help you learn relapse prevention once you are back on your own, along with learning coping mechanisms and life skills. If you or a loved one is abusing Ativan, reach out to a behavioral health professional and discover your next steps to recovery.
