Lorazepam Addiction:
Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Lorazepam, better known by its brand name Ativan, belongs to a class of medicines called benzodiazepines. It is prescribed to relieve anxiety, promote sleep due insomnia caused by anxiety, control seizures, and to calm down patients suffering from temporary situational stress prior to surgery.
Whilst Lorazepam works effectively for these conditions, it may be habit-forming and cause dependency, which is why long-term use and misuse of the drug is to be avoided. This guide takes a comprehensive look at Lorazepam addiction – its effects, symptoms, and treatment forms available for affected individuals.
What is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam is a benzodiazipine medication that increases the levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which
which works as a tranquiliser. This drug slows down the central nervous system by increasing the levels of the calming brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a short-acting drug, which starts working within 20 – 30 minutes after it is taken and lasts for 6 – 8 hours.
Doctors prescribe Lorazepam to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, control seizures, and induce and maintain sleep. It is also given as a preoperative drug to help calm patients with high levels of anxiety before surgery.
The drug is generally safe but it should only be taken as directed or under medical supervision. However, because it works effectively in making people calm and relaxed, Lorazepam can be misused which may result in addiction. Some people with chronic symptoms may take larger doses or continue to use the drug beyond the length of time prescribed, whilst others use it specifically to experience its euphoric effects.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
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What are the Effects of Lorazepam?
As discussed above, doctors prescribe Lorazepam to alleviate anxiety, facilitate sleep, relax muscles, and sedation before medical procedures. However, misuse, prolonged or nonmedical use can have very harmful effects. The intended and misuse effects of Lorazepam are listed below:
- Intended effects
Reduced levels of anxiety, improved sleep, relaxed muscles, sedation. - Misuse effects
Euphoria, drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor coordination, memory issues.
Misusing Lorazepam for a prolonged period can result in tolerance requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. When an individual reaches this point, physical dependence on the drug has developed.
Signs and Symptoms of Lorazepam Addiction
Ceasing to use Lorazepam can be very hard and dangerous. This is especially true for individuals who have been taking high doses or using it for an extended period. Quitting the drug “cold turkey” is not advised as it may result in serious potentially lethal effects such as seizures, convulsions and suicidal thoughts. It is especially dangerous if Lorazepam is mixed with other substances such as alcohol and illicit drugs therefore, it is best to withdraw from Lorazepam under medical supervision.
Below are the common withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety and restlessness
Rebound anxiety (the temporary return of the symptom initially treated, but with heightened intensity). - Physical symptoms
Tremors (especially in the hands), nausea, sweating, muscle pain, and an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. - Sleep problems
Insomnia and nightmares - Psychological symptoms
Panic attacks, depression, mood swings, depression, and seizures or hallucinations in severe cases.
What Causes Addiction to Lorazepam – Who is at Risk?
The chances of an individual developing an addiction to Lorazepam is influenced by several factors including the following:
- Extended use
Lorazepam is intended for short-term use. Taking it longer than prescribed can lead to tolerance and dependence. - Misuse
Increasing the dosage and taking it more often than prescribed significantly increases the risk of addiction. - Underlying mental health issues
Individuals suffering from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression may self-medicate using Lorazepam. This misuse of the drug considerably increases the risk of addiction. - Genetic and environmental influences
Individuals with a family history of substance abuse and those regularly exposed to environmental stressors (e.g. a chaotic home life, substance-abuser friends, social media that portrays drug use as acceptable or desirable) are highly vulnerable to addiction of any kind.
How is Lorazepam Drug Addiction Treated?
Treating Lorazepam addiction is exactly the same process as treating any kind of substance use disorder. The treatment process involves three crucial steps in order: detox, therapy, and aftercare.
Lorazepam drug detox
Detox from Lorazepam involves gradually tapering off the medication under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure that it is done safely and to minimise withdrawal symptoms, making the process easier to endure.
There is also what is called substitution taper. In this process, an alternative medication is prescribed. One that has the same effect as Lorazepam but taken fewer times throughout the day. Therefore, instead of tapering from the original drug Lorazepam, it will be the substitute drug that will be slowly tapered down. In addition to detoxifying the system, this approach also helps break the drug use habit.
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Therapeutic approaches for Lorazepam addiction
Lorazepam addiction has both physical and psychological effects. For this reason, comprehensive therapy is a crucial element of addiction treatment post-detox and below are the most effective ones:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT involves helping individuals identify and change their negative thought patterns, ideas, and behaviours that led them to their addiction. Therapy also includes developing healthy coping mechanisms to help alleviate anxiety and stress without the use of medication.
- Motivational interviewing
This approach focuses on helping individuals resolve their ambivalence about quitting their drug habit. It involves guiding them in finding innate reasons to want to make positive changes in their lives.
- Group therapy and support groups
Group therapy gives individuals a chance to interact with peers in similar situations, exchanging experiences and advice. Support group members also support and encourage each other which becomes their motivation to stay on track.
- Holistic therapies
Dealing with the temptation to turn to drugs can cause stress and anxiety. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, as well as physical exercise are effective in helping manage stress and promote overall health which are vital for continuous recovery.
Lorazepam addiction aftercare and relapse prevention
Aftercare is a bespoke, personalised plan designed to provide continuing treatment and support to help individuals maintain sobriety and avoid substance use after completing the rehabilitation program.
The key elements of aftercare include the following:
- Continued therapy
By attending regular therapy sessions, individuals receive assistance and continued support in dealing with their ongoing life issues. This also helps reinforce their positive coping strategies.
- Support systems
Support groups provides ongoing emotional support and accountability for recovering addicts, especially including family and close friends.
- Lifestyle adjustments
Making healthy lifestyle choices (a balanced diet, proper stress management and a regular exercise regimen) is encouraged to support overall health and recovery.
- Relapse prevention strategies
Developing a personalised plan in order to effectively deal with triggers and challenging situations is essential to prevent relapse.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
In-Patient vs. Out-Patient Rehab Treatment Options
Patients with less severe cases can be treated on an out-patient basis, whilst those with severe addiction are recommended to receive in-patient treatment.
In-patient rehab treatment
Similar to hospital confinement, this treatment type offers round-the-clock comprehensive care. During in-patient treatment, individuals undergo detoxification, therapy, and aftercare planning. This is for individuals with severe addiction or those whose home environments are not ideal for recovery.
Out-patient rehab treatment
With this flexible arrangement, individuals are allowed to live at home but come for scheduled therapy sessions. This is for those with less severe addiction who live in a supportive home environment. It also works well as a follow-up to in-patient treatment.
The benefits of in-patient rehab for Percocet addiction
Thousands of people have successfully overcome Lorazepam addiction by taking advantage of the structured and supportive setting offered by rehabilitation centers. Discussed below are the specific benefits of this treatment and recovery set-up:
- Controlled environment
Rehab centres offer an environment that is free from triggers and distractions, allowing individuals to fully focus on recovery.
- Integrated care
All aspects of addiction are addressed using a holistic approach, integrating medical detox, psychological therapy, and aftercare planning.
- Community support
At rehab centres, individuals can interact with others who are also undergoing similar experiences, reducing isolation and allowing them to support each other’s recovery through shared experiences.
- Personalised treatment programs
Rehab centres offer programs specially designed to meet each individual’s specific needs, such as dual diagnosis treatment and holistic therapies.
Your Next Steps
After learning more about Lorazepam addiction, it is time for you to take the next step. Begin by talking to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. He or she will inform you of the different treatment options and help you develop a personalised recovery plan. It is also essential to join support groups and learn as much as you can about Lorazepam addiction from informed sources.
Always remember that your recovery will never happen until you take that first step. With the appropriate treatment and right support, you can be addiction-free for life.
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