Ativan (Lorazepam) Addiction and Abuse

Ativan (lorazepam) is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. In 2022 alone, doctors wrote 8.5 million prescriptions for the medication. However, Ativan is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it carries the risk of abuse, dependence and addiction. If you or a loved one take Ativan, making sure to take the drug only as prescribed can help you prevent the development of an Ativan addiction.

What Is Ativan?

Ativan, the brand name of lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed to treat conditions like anxiety. Ativan is one of the most common benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” and it represented about 22% of all benzos prescribed in the United States in 2022. Similar to other benzos, Ativan works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is the brain’s calming neurotransmitter. By increasing the activity of GABA, Ativan creates calming effects.

Is Ativan Addictive?

Ativan is a Schedule IV controlled substance that carries a risk of abuse, addiction and dependence. This is partly because the brain and body very quickly start to become tolerant to benzodiazepines like Ativan, meaning higher doses are required to achieve the same effects as before. Studies show this tolerance can start as soon as the second day you are on the medication.

To reduce the risk of developing an Ativan addiction, it is important to take Ativan exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Taking Ativan more frequently than prescribed, taking a higher Ativan dose than prescribed or taking someone else’s Ativan can increase the risk of an Ativan addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Ativan Addiction

When a person begins to develop an Ativan addiction, there are often signs that the person is starting to struggle with the drug.

Behavioral Signs of Ativan Misuse

When an individual becomes dependent on Ativan, they may begin to behave in ways that are out of character. Common behavioral indicators include:

• Strong cravings that steer thoughts and decisions
• Ongoing use despite recognizing physical, emotional, or psychological harm
• Overspending on the substance even when finances are tight
• Neglecting obligations such as work or social commitments
• Resorting to theft or other high-risk actions to obtain the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon stopping
• Attempting but failing to quit multiple times

Physical Indicators of Ativan Dependence

In addition to behavioral changes, there are several physical symptoms that may surface if someone is abusing Ativan. These warning signs can include:

• Lack of motivation or noticeable fatigue
• Changes in weight (loss or gain)
• Persistent drowsiness
• Slurred or slowed speech
• Coordination problems leading to falls or accidents
• Breathing difficulties and lowered blood pressure

Psychological Consequences of Ativan Abuse

Long-term or excessive Ativan use can also contribute to various mental health concerns. For people who already struggle with depression, Ativan may exacerbate their condition—especially if they are not receiving appropriate antidepressant treatment. Psychological symptoms of prolonged Ativan misuse might include:

• Trouble focusing or recalling information
• Recurring headaches
• Weakness or lack of energy
• Insomnia or restless sleep
• Heightened anxiety

How Does Ativan Make You Feel?

Ativan is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows activity in the brain. As such, Ativan often makes people feel calmer and sometimes sleepy. It is for this reason that the drug is often prescribed to treat conditions likeanxiety and anxiety-related insomnia. Ativan enhances the effect of the calming neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps relieve these conditions.

Ativan Side Effects

Like all drugs, Ativan has some side effects. When taken at recommended doses, these include:

• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Unsteadiness

Keep in mind that taking Ativan over the long term can lead to additional side effects that may be irreversible in some cases.

Long-Term Side Effects of Ativan

Ativan is meant to be taken at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible duration. However, some people may end up taking Ativan over the long term. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of some long-term side effects, including:

• Cognitive impairment, which may be long-term
• Hip fractures
• Motor vehicle crashes

It is always important to remember that Ativan is a controlled substance. The risk of Ativan addiction does not decrease over time, no matter how long a person has been taking it. Developing an Ativan addiction is always a possibility.

Ativan Side Effects in The Elderly

Experts recommend avoiding benzos like Ativan in the elderly whenever possible. This is because seniors are especially sensitive to benzos. Further, their bodies take longer to break down the drugs, which can lead to unexpectedly long durations of action. Benzos increase the risk of certain side effects in the elderly, including:

• Cognitive impairment
• Delirium
• Falls
• Fractures
• Motor vehicle crashes

Can You Overdose on Ativan?

It is possible to overdose on Ativan. An overdose of any benzo, including Ativan, is a medical emergency. In addition, Ativan overdoses often occur when someone combines the drug with other substances, which further increases the chances of potentially fatal complications.

Opioids are especially risky to take with Ativan. The overdose risk from mixing benzos and opioids is so high that Ativan carries a Boxed Warning against use with opioids. It is extremely important to call 911 immediately if you think someone has taken too much Ativan and may be having an overdose.

Signs of an Ativan Overdose

If someone takes too much Ativan, they will often start to show symptoms of an Ativan overdose. Fortunately, signs of an Ativan overdose are easy to identify. They include:

• Slurred speech
• Coordination problems
• Changes in mental status
• Slowed breathing, if taken with substances like opioids or alcohol

If you think someone is overdosing on Ativan, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Ativan Withdrawal

Benzos like Ativan can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking them. This is due to a phenomenon called physical dependence. When you are physically dependent on Ativan, suddenly stopping the drug can cause withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs when your brain and body have become used to the presence of a substance and have adapted accordingly. For this reason, stopping the medication cold turkey can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms.

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

Ativan withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other benzos and can include:

• Sweating
• Fast pulse
• Hand tremor
• Insomnia
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Seizures

Withdrawal symptoms from stopping Ativan can start six to eight hours after the last dose. The symptoms often peak on the second day and improve after four or five days. Risk factors for Ativan withdrawal symptoms include taking the drug over the long term and using high doses.

It is important to note that benzo withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable, and they may wax and wane during the withdrawal period. This means that symptoms may improve only to worsen again before improving.

Medical Detox for Ativan Withdrawal

Undergoing detox from Ativan typically consists of three key stages. Early in the process, “rebound” insomnia and anxiety may develop. The next phase, generally lasting 10 to 14 days, is often the most challenging, with symptoms ranging from mild headaches and sleep disruptions to severe issues like hallucinations, tremors, or seizures. In the final stage, anxiety may reappear and can persist if not properly addressed.

At The Recovery Village Palmer Lake Drug and Alcohol Rehab, we offer dedicated care during every phase of Ativan detox and withdrawal. Our medical team continuously assesses symptoms and provides necessary interventions to maintain your safety and comfort.

We also craft individualized tapering strategies to help lower the chances of distressing or hazardous side effects. In addition, our professionals can diagnose and treat other conditions, such as anxiety and sleep disorders, ensuring a holistic approach to your recovery.

How Long Does Ativan Remain in the Body?

The amount of time Ativan lingers in your system depends on several factors, such as how often you use it, your age, and your overall health. If your liver or kidney function is compromised, the drug may build up more readily.

Additionally, the type of drug test and whether it’s checking for Ativan or its metabolites influence detection times. In general, Ativan can be found in the body for about 50 to 100 hours after use. Below are estimated detection windows for different sample types:

• Urine: Can show traces for one to seven days
• Blood: Typically identifiable for nine to 16 hours
• Hair: May be detectable for up to 90 days, though it’s sometimes not present in hair
• Saliva: Can appear within 15 minutes of ingestion, with some tests detecting it for up to eight hours

Ativan Addiction Treatment Options

Choosing the right treatment plan for Ativan addiction depends on the duration and severity of misuse. Most individuals begin by going through a medical detox, during which they stop using Ativan under professional supervision. Following detox, many people progress to either inpatient or outpatient rehab, and then continue moving through different stages of recovery as their overall health improves.

For those struggling with Ativan dependence, a structured treatment approach—either inpatient or outpatient—is often the most effective way to achieve lasting recovery. These programs simplify the detox process and provide continuous support, guidance, and education.

Inpatient Rehab for Ativan Addiction

Inpatient rehab provides round-the-clock care in a residential setting, making it especially helpful for people with moderate to severe substance use disorders. This level of treatment often includes:

• 24-hour medical monitoring and support
• Psychiatric and medical assessments
• Individual and group counseling
• Support group meetings
• Family therapy sessions
• Recreational therapies
• Medication management
• Case management services
• Relapse prevention planning

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program offers a blend of inpatient and outpatient services. It gives patients more freedom than inpatient care but still provides regular medical and therapeutic oversight. PHPs often include many of the same interventions as inpatient rehab, although participants may reside offsite or return home in the evenings.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs require several hours of treatment each week while allowing participants to live at home or in a sober living environment. They cover much of the same therapy, education, and support found in higher levels of care. However, individuals must remain sober in their day-to-day lives outside treatment. IOPs generally work best for those with milder addictions and reliable support at home.

Outpatient Rehab for Ativan Addiction

Outpatient rehab allows you to live at home while attending therapy sessions at a treatment center. This level of care offers flexibility for work and family responsibilities. However, because patients spend significantly less time in the treatment environment, they must exercise a high degree of personal accountability. Outpatient programs still provide many of the core therapies found in more intensive settings but typically require fewer hours of participation each week. Many people step down to this level after completing an inpatient or PHP program.

Treatment for Ativan Addiction and Withdrawal

Ativan addiction can feel overwhelming and hopeless, but help is available. At The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake, we offer a full continuum of care to help you recover from Ativan abuse and addiction. Our treatment starts with a personalized medical detox program, where we wean you off Ativan so your body can be fully cleansed of the drug.

Treatment continues in our inpatient and outpatient rehab settings, where you participate in therapy to learn the skills to stay Ativan-free. Even after your rehab is complete, we continue to support you through aftercare programs that help you maintain your recovery long-term. If you or someone you love struggles with Ativan, don’t wait – contact us today to see how we can help.