Ativan Substance Abuse Treatment
What is Ativan?
Ativan is the marketed brand name for the drug Lorazepam, one of the benzodiazepines that are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of short-term anxiety disorders. The 5 intrinsic effects that characterize Ativan and other benzodiazepines are classified as:
- muscle relaxants
- hypnotics or sedatives
- anxiolytics
- anticonvulsants
- amnesics
Doctors will oftentimes prescribe this drug for insomnia, hospital patients that display aggressive behavior, anxiety disorders, and acute seizures. It targets one of the brain’s neurotransmitters and inhibits the central nervous system to decrease mental and physical excitement. Unfortunately, this drug appeals to the recreational substance user. Today, there are many addiction treatment and recovery centers that offer Ativan substance abuse treatment programs to help individuals who have developed an addiction to this drug.
Abuse and addiction to Ativan
Ativan carries the same high potential for abuse and addiction just like other Lorazepam medications. The addiction exhibits itself in one of two ways. It can be used as prescribed over the long-term even though the prescribing physician may eventually advise against further use or it used recreationally to get high. However, abuse of Ativan has been increasing which is why many drug rehab centers now offer Ativan substance abuse treatment programs.
Side effects of Ativan use or abuse
Ativan side effects are classified as being common or severe. Common side effects include weakness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness or fainting, and clumsiness. Severe allergic reactions, memory loss, extreme mental changes, and erratic mood swings are the more severe side effects. Severe allergic reactions may include:
- difficulty breathing
- tightness in the chest
- swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, or face
About the Delray Recovery Center and our programs
The expertise of our licensed staff professionals includes the drug Ativan and how the addiction to it oftentimes develops. The Delray Recovery Center offers one of the most successful Ativan substance abuse treatment programs in the US today. In addition to this, you will be welcomed into a residential environment and be provided an apartment like setting to recover and relax in during your stay at our facility.
Our Ativan substance abuse treatment program consists of exciting and unique therapies, educational materials, group and individual counseling, holistic therapy, life skills workshops, and 12-step workshops. Additionally, there are 15 different groups that you can participate in while you are in residency here including co-dependency, emotions and feelings, relapse prevention, and much more (see “Treatment Programs” at our website).
At the same time, we offer a more personalized focus on recovery so that when you return home to society, you will remain substance-free.
