Drugs like Lorazepam are part of the Benzodiazepine family. They are used to help patients with a wide range of medical issues. Because this classification of drugs is psychoactive, it changes brain function to alter mood, cognition, or behavior, and as such can be quite addictive. Attempting to detox from Lorazepam without professional help is difficult. At Ambrosia Treatment Center, our addiction specialists utilize the latest in drug abuse treatments, including contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help people suffering from addiction to controlled substances like Lorazepam. These treatments have proven to be effective for our clients with substance abuse issues.
At Ambrosia Treatment Center, we combine the efforts of motivational enhanced therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people move into a path of abstinence at all of our three locations throughout Florida and one in Pennsylvania. Our motivational enhanced therapy treatment helps recovering individuals contrast the drug with the benefits of achieving and maintaining recovery. While our cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals learn skills to assist them in dealing with addiction-related situations as they arise. We offer a holistic and supportive approach within our nationally-recognized rehab program that focuses on each one of our client’s individual needs.
When you or a loved one are struggling with a drug dependency to Lorazepam there is help. You don’t need to feel ashamed or feel as though you have to do it on your own. Ambrosia Treatment Center’s addiction specialists are well qualified to help anyone suffering from an addiction to any type of controlled substance. Our state-of-the-art treatment facilities provide a serene environment perfect for drug addiction rehabilitation and recovery.
What is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam or Ativan as it is commonly known is a psychoactive drug from the benzodiazepine family. This type of drug works by creating a fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring chemical compounds to increase the function of the GABAA receptor in the brain. They release larger doses of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. GABA creates a sedated, calming sensation in patients and so Ativan or Lorazepam is a tranquilizer and is prescribed to handle a number of medical issues, including:
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety or panic disorder
- Nervousness
- Muscle spasms or tension
- Seizures including Status Epilepticus
- Insomnia
Lorazepam is a particularly potent benzodiazepine and is quickly habit-forming and prone to abuse. It is known under the following street names; silence, control, tranks, downers, candy, sleeping pills, or simply benzos.
Ativan Side Effects
As with any drug, there are potential side effects to watch for when using a drug like Lorazepam. Common side effects include:
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Feeling weak or unsteady
There are more serious possible side effects for Lorazepam users as well. If experiencing any of these it is important to contact a physician as soon as possible.
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe drowsiness
- Changes in behavior, irritability or erratic behavior
- Restlessness or overly excited
- Suicidal thoughts
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Dark urine
These side effects can be compounded when Ativan is mixed with alcohol, some other drug, or if a person has overdosed. If this is the case it is imperative they seek medical attention right away or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 for more instruction.
How Can You Tell if You Are Addicted to Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a long-acting benzo which alters the chemistry in the brain, providing an overall calm feeling. It can work in as quickly as 30 minutes, the effects last for up to 8 hours, and it has a half-life, the amount of time until half of the drug is out of a person’s bloodstream, of 10-20 hours. A typical Ativan dosage is 2-6mg a day given in divided doses of two or three times a day. However, the longer a person uses this type of drug the more their brain will need it to feel steady, and the larger a dose they will require to achieve the same effects which can quickly lead to a dependency and addiction.
Some of the signs to watch for to understand if a person is dealing with addiction to Ativan include:
- Needing a larger dose to feel the drug’s effects
- Heightened anxiety or insomnia even when using the drug
- Weakness or chronic headaches
- Cravings for and obsessive thoughts about the drug
- Continued usage even after the physical issue is dealt with
- Continued use at the objection of friends and family
- Feelings of isolation and hiding usage from friends and family
- Ignoring daily obligations and responsibilities
5-Star Lorazepam Addiction Treatment Center Near You
Ambrosia Treatment Center Drug & Alcohol Rehab & Detox in-patient, out-patient, detoxification, substance abuse rehab centers provide advanced addiction recovery treatment. Get your health, future, and family back with top-rated compassionate care at one of our Drug Alcohol Rehab Centers. Recover at our therapeutic, sun-filled, palm tree-lined, addiction rehabilitation centers. Ambrosia’s drug & alcohol rehab experts have been featured in the media hundreds of times including at CBS, NBC, CNN, Washington Post, Forbes & The Wall Street Journal. You’re in the right place to make real change.
