Knoxville Ativan Rehab Center

Get Help for Ativan (lorazepam) Addiction and Abuse

Tennessee Wellness Center is a family-oriented addiction treatment facility that is passionate about helping individuals and families who are struggling with all types of addictions, including addiction to benzodiazepines like Ativan. Though Ativan has been prescribed throughout the country for years and helps many people with conditions like anxiety, it’s also known to cause addiction among patients and non-patients alike. Quitting on your own can feel impossible. Our Knoxville facility offers specialized Ativan addiction treatment to give you the tools and support you need to make a full recovery.

Contact our team today online or by phone to learn how we treat benzodiazepine addiction at (865) 205-2770. We provide a family approach to treatment and genuinely want to help you recover.

On This Page:

• Ativan & the Dangers of Benzodiazepines
• Common Signs of Ativan Addiction
• Why Do I Need Professional Treatment for Ativan Addiction?

Ativan & the Dangers of Benzodiazepines

Ativan, the brand name for the generic drug known as lorazepam, is a part of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Also known as tranquilizers or sedatives, benzodiazepines are typically prescribed to treat anxiety and seizures because they attach to GABA receptors in the brain to produce a calming effect. In 2011 alone, more than 27 million prescriptions for Ativan were written.

Ativan is often prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety and insomnia and comes in tablet form. When taken in large doses, Ativan can produce intense highs, followed by a steady state of calmness. These pleasant feelings are why many people abuse the drug and later develop a tolerance to it, which can escalate into an addiction.

Some common effects associated with Ativan abuse include:

• Euphoria
• Calmness
• Drowsiness
• Muscle relaxation

Some people who abuse Ativan will also mix it with substances like alcohol to intensify the high. One major problem with Ativan and other benzos is that because they’re commonly prescribed, people see them as harmless prescription drugs. This can encourage users to take more of the drug, increasing the risk of an overdose.

Common Signs of Ativan Addiction

Whether you have an Ativan prescription and are worried that you’ve developed an addiction or you’re concerned about a family member, it helps to know the signs of Ativan addiction so you can get the help you need before it’s too late. In 2011, more than 50,000 people were admitted to emergency rooms due to lorazepam (Ativan) complications.

Some signs of Ativan abuse or addiction may include:

• Turning to Ativan as a coping mechanism
• Taking more Ativan than prescribed, or continuing to use Ativan after your doctor has recommended stopping
• Isolation
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Financial issues
• Doctor shopping to acquire additional prescriptions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lying about Ativan use

Ativan addiction can also lead to overdose and dangerous side effects that can put your life at risk. Some examples of severe side effects include seizures, tremors, memory impairment, loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and excessive sedation. Because Ativan acts on the central nervous system, it can cause permanent changes in brain functioning.

Why Do I Need Professional Treatment for Ativan Addiction?

Tennessee Wellness Center takes a whole-person approach to addiction treatment. If you need to get clean before beginning rehab, our team can connect you to a detox center before we check you into one of our programs, which include intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) treatment.

In our programs, you’ll get to engage in a variety of therapies to address your addiction, including group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, while still having the freedom to go home at the end of each day. This approach can help individuals better transition to life after rehab and may be an ideal choice for those who have to care for their families. Our team is happy to sit down with you to learn more about your relationship with Ativan and your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ativan addiction be treated without professional help?

While it's possible to overcome Ativan addiction without professional help, it's highly recommended to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Professional guidance can help ensure a safe and effective recovery process.

Is Ativan addiction physically dangerous?

Yes, Ativan addiction can be physically dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. Professional medical supervision is crucial during the detoxification process.

Can I experience long-term effects from Ativan addiction?

Yes, long-term effects of Ativan addiction can include cognitive impairments, anxiety, depression, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

Can I take Ativan if I have other mental health conditions?

If you have other mental health conditions, it's crucial to discuss your medication options with a healthcare provider. Ativan may interact with other medications or exacerbate certain conditions.

What is the relapse rate for Ativan addiction?

The relapse rate for Ativan addiction can vary, but it's important to note that relapse is a common challenge in addiction recovery. Ongoing support and aftercare services can help reduce the risk of relapse.

Want to learn whether intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization treatment is right for you? Call our Knoxville facility for Ativan addiction treatment today at (865) 205-2770.