Understanding Ativan Abuse
Ativan abuse occurs when someone uses the drug in a manner not intended by the prescribing physician. The potential for abuse and dependence is significant because of the medication’s calming and sedative effects.
Often, people overuse Ativan as a way to alleviate stress or anxiety, escape from personal problems, achieve a euphoric feeling or enhance the effects of other drugs.
If you feel that you or someone you know is struggling with Ativan abuse, there are a few common signs that you can watch out for.
Physical and Behavioral Signs of Ativan Addiction
The symptoms of Ativan misuse will vary depending on dosage and frequency of use. Some of the physical signs may include:
- Increased tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, tremors, anxiety, sweating, nausea, muscle cramps)
- Changes in physical appearance (weight loss or gain, lack of attention to personal hygiene, and overall deterioration in physical appearance)
- Doctor shopping
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Social withdrawal
- Obsession with the drug
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Inability to reduce or stop use
Severe symptoms of Ativan addiction can significantly impact an individual’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. These can include seizures, tremors, hallucinations, extreme anxiety, and panic attacks, especially if the drug is discontinued abruptly after long-term use. Chronic use can lead to memory loss, increased risk of pneumonia and loss of liver function. High doses of Ativan, especially when combined with alcohol or opioids, can lead to life-threatening overdose.
Psychological Signs of Ativan Addiction
Ativan can provide short-term relief for certain disorders, but chronic or unsupervised use can have serious negative impacts on emotional and physical well-being. Here are some key psychological signs:
- Increased anxiety: especially during withdrawal periods or when the effects wear off.
- Depression: feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities and persistent sadness.
- Mood Swings: Unpredictable changes in mood, from euphoria to irritability.
- Memory problems: Difficulty in recalling past events or forming new memories.
- Poor judgement and risky decision-making: engaging in dangerous behaviors or neglecting responsibilities.
- Loss of control or inability to reduce medicine use
- Confusion and disorientation
- Obsessive Thoughts and Behaviors
- Social isolation
- Cravings that can dominate an individual’s thoughts
- Loss of control: Inability to control or reduce Ativan use despite a desire to do so.
- Denial or minimizing the extent of a problem.
Impact of Ativan Addiction
Ativan carries a considerable risk of dependence when misused. Physical and mental health suffer and have pervasive and profound impacts on an individual and those around them. Individuals may withdraw from friends and family, neglect responsibilities, have issues at work and school, and financial troubles. Addiction can lead to dishonesty and can strain or break relationships.
Getting Help for Ativan Addiction
Seeking help is the crucial first step on the journey to recovery. Acknowledge the problem, consult with a recovery professional and explore your options. No matter your path, having strong support is essential. Take care of yourself, be patient with yourself and maintain a recovery plan.
Detoxification: It is sometimes necessary to undergo a medically supervised detox to help manage symptoms safely.
Therapy: Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs provide support in controlled environments. Counseling can help develop coping strategies and improve relationships.
Support Groups: A sense of community and peer support can be helpful to all those affected by addiction. They can play a significant role in lifestyle changes.