Lorazepam Addiction & Treatment
Prescription drug addiction is a major health problem in the U.S. While opioid addiction often gets top billing in the news, benzodiazepine abuse is also a serious problem nationwide. Substance use disorders involving benzos like Lorazepam have increased just as prescriptions for this medication have increased–quadrupled–since 1999. With drug addiction treatment and detox in Los Angeles, people addicted to Lorazepam can manage their condition and achieve lasting addiction recovery.
The Detox Center of Los Angeles offers multiple levels of care that include detox programs, residential treatment, outpatient rehab, medication assisted treatment, and dual diagnosis treatments. At our Los Angeles drug rehab, benzodiazepine addicts can get the support they need to end their dependence on prescription drugs like Lorazepam.
What Is Lorazepam?
Lorazepam is the generic form of the drugs Ativan and Lorazepam Intensol. A benzodiazepine prescription medication, Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety disorder and anxiety caused by depression as well as insomnia and some seizure disorders. Doctors may also prescribe Lorazepam to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms as alcohol treatment for addiction. Lorazepam is available in tablet, solution, and extended release capsules.
People who take Lorazepam as directed feel relief from their symptoms of their symptoms of anxiety, for example. Some users abuse Lorazepam because of the calm and relaxation it induces. Like other benzodiazepines, it is associated with a high risk for abuse and can also be extremely addictive. As a Schedule IV drug, Lorazepam is safe for use when prescribed by a physician but it is addictive, which is why it’s often prescribed for short-term medical use.
Lorazepam Effects
Lorazepam works by slowing down the central nervous system. When the central nervous system is triggered, it doesn’t always slow down on its own for people with anxiety or panic disorders. Medications like Lorazepam slow it down, allowing the people with these conditions to experience relief from the symptoms. Some users take the drug to experience intense relaxation or sedation. It can trigger feelings of euphoria as well as drowsiness.
Signs of Lorazepam Abuse and Addiction
Lorazepam addictions and abuse are associated with some common signs and symptoms such as:
- Using the Lorazepam or brand equivalent drugs without a prescription
- Increasing the dose of this drug without a doctor’s recommendation or prescription
- Doctor shopping in order to obtain a supply of the drug
- Taking someone else’s prescription drug prescription or purchasing it on the street
- Thinking about using the drug often
- Experiencing problems at home or work because of the drug
- Needing to use more Lorazepam to experience its effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after not taking Lorazepam for a period of time
Lorazepam Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone addicted to Lorazepam suddenly stops taking the drug, they can experience withdrawal symptoms that include:
- Heart palpitations
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and muscle aches
- Confusion / concentration problems
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
In some cases, Ativan withdrawal can even trigger seizures, which is a medical emergency. Los Angeles drug rehabs that include a detox treatment center are the safest settings to undergo the withdrawal process and medical detox. The Detox Center of Los Angeles offers benzodiazepines detox in a safe and medically supervised setting. We can provide medication assisted treatment to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and treat benzodiazepine addiction.
Long Term Side Effects of Lorazepam Abuse
Lorazepam / Ativan addiction can affect both mental and physical health in the long term. Drug addictions involving prescription drugs can undermine health just like street drugs when abused. Some of the long-term effects related to Lorazepam substance abuse and addiction include:
- Abdominal bleeding
- Confusion and disorientation
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Kidney problems
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Memory issues
- Seizures
These are serious health concerns, and the potential of overdose is also ever present. With detox treatment and addiction treatments like behavioral therapy at our Los Angeles, California alcohol and drug rehab center, you can successfully manage substance use disorders like benzodiazepine addiction.
Lorazepam Addiction Treatment
Relapse prevention plays a strong role in addiction treatments at The Detox Center of Los Angeles. Our luxury rehab features top rated Los Angeles addiction treatment that includes medically sanctioned therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy CBT and dialectical behavior therapy DBT. Other treatments include experiential therapy, saltwater therapy, 12 step facilitation, family therapy, dual diagnosis treatment and more. Our drug rehab can customize a treatment plan for your needs. With effective Lorazepam / Ativan addiction treatment, you can enjoy addiction recovery.
