Table of Contents
What is Ativan?
Ativan (Lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, active seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. It is also used to manage nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients. Ativan was introduced to the United States in 1977 and is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. The drug is often lauded for its effectiveness and safety in the healthcare system. Ativan comes in the form of a white or yellow round pill. Advances in pharmaceutics have made the drug available in the form of a skin patch, oral solution, sublingual tablet as well as intramuscular and venous injection. If you are searching for Ativan addiction treatment in NJ or out-of-state, we are connected with New Jersey drug rehab programs that can help.
Ativan Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
The high gotten from Ativan is short-acting but the drug in itself has a very long half-life. On average, it takes up to 36 hours to wear off from the body. Thus, it causes physical dependence and addiction very easily, which is characteristic of a benzodiazepine. For this reason, and its popularity among American teenagers who take it for recreational purposes, Ativan is only recommended or prescribed for short-term use. Nonetheless, there is still a marked incidence of addiction and overdose from Ativan in the United States. This is due to doctor-shopping and prescription forging as well as its availability on the black market. Ativan addiction becomes more severe with the use of higher dosage over a long period and stopping for any reason can quickly escalate into experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal effects, if not medically managed, can be potentially fatal.
These withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Increased body temperature
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Short-term memory loss
Finding Addiction Treatment for Ativan in NJ
The first step towards recovery from Ativan addiction is acknowledging that there is a problem. Then you need to make an informed decision for your recovery and long-term sobriety. Due to the vast and often generic information out there, sometimes it feels as though the right treatment for you is not out there. NJ Addiction Resources acknowledges that addiction is unique and we are committed to connecting you with a recovery center that shares your recovery goals.
At these New Jersey Ativan rehab centers, addiction treatment professionals have developed effective means to help you recover. Detox, under medical supervision, is the first step in Ativan addiction treatment. It is promptly followed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is used to identify the root of the addiction. It draws insight and observations, which will be helpful during treatment.
You will also work with your therapist to develop a means to deal with stressors and triggers that are unique to you. Ativan addiction treatment in NJ and out-of-state may take place in an inpatient (residential) or intensive outpatient setting. The choice of treatment setting depends on the severity of the addiction, your unique needs, and the result of an evaluation conducted by your therapist.
For New Jersey residents, we have made access to Ativan addiction treatmen as easy as 1-2-3. Start healing today and contact us for a confidential assessment.