Lorazepam Addiction
Lorazepam users can encounter a very challenging process if they develop symptoms of Lorazepam addiction. Our Sedona drug treatment programs at Alternative to Meds Center have discovered efficient techniques of Lorazepam addiction help to ease this process, and eliminate potential symptoms of protracted withdrawal.
Lorazepam dependency is a challenging problem for many people, and can occur with individuals in all walks of life. In 1999, an estimate of 9 million people ages 12 or older had used prescription medications such as benzodiazepines for non-medical purposes, which is about a quarter of the number that was reported for first time use of prescription medications non-medically in the prior year. This emphasizes the rapidly growing rate of prescription medication abuse. Lorazepam is the generic name for Ativan, an anti-anxiety drug. It is classified as a benzodiazepine, sedative, mild tranquilizer and also a depressant to the central nervous system. It is manufactured in the form of pills and also as a liquid to be used for injection.
Benzodiazepines are very addictive. Therefore, many Ativan users become physically and psychologically dependent and can easily fall into Ativan addiction. Ativan tablets are nearly a white powder, and abusers of this drug will often crush the pills and insufflate them in an attempt to feel more powerful effects or to feel the effects faster. The effects of using this drug are usually felt within five minutes after administering it intravenously, within 30 minutes of muscular injection, and within 1 to 4 hours of oral administration. When an individual has become dependent on this drug, they eventually become tolerant to it too. They start to not feel the same effects from the drug as they did when they first began to take it. This can drive individuals towards Ativan addiction, as their tolerance will make them crave higher doses of the medication.
Tolerance only continues to build, and benzodiazepine addicts will continuously have to increase their intake to feel the desired effect. This leads to using amounts that are potentially dangerous, particularly when the medication is taken in combination with alcohol, opiates, other central nervous depressants, and several prescription medications can cause dangerous interactions when used with Lorazepam. Substances or drugs that can interact dangerously with Ativan include but are not limited to: Clozapine (Clozaril) – when taken with Lorazepam can increase loss of coordination and sedation; Lithium – when taken in combination can decrease body temperature; Oxycodone (Percocet) or other depressants to the central nervous system - can cause slower breathing and heart beat rates; sleeping bills, other benzodiazepines, and sedatives in combination with Lorazepam could cause death, and alcohol when combined with benzodiazepines can lower blood pressure and breathing resulting in unconsciousness. The dangerous problems associated with using this drug often require professional Lorazepam addiction treatment to overcome.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used specifically as combination drugs to either decrease or enhance the high from another substance. For example, individuals may take benzodiazepines to come down off of an amphetamine high. Or, they may take this medication to enhance the effects of the high which narcotics produce, such as heroin. Benzodiazepines are commonly related in drug overdoses, particularly when these drugs have been mixed at high doses with alcohol or other drugs. Symptoms of an overdose from benzodiazepines are degrees of depression to the central nervous system, in serious cases hypotension, ataxia, hypnotic state, coma, or even death can occur. Another aspect of Lorazepam dependency is withdrawal. This is also one of the reasons that will encourage a person to use more of the medication, as they want to avoid withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms from this medication, are similar to those of alcohol and barbiturates, and can include sweating, tremor, convulsions, muscle and abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
The Alternative to Meds Center Arizona benzodiazepine addiction treatment program works with collaborating doctors in order to aid individuals in overcoming symptoms of Lorazepam addiction. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to relieve anxiety or promote sleep; when used long term though, they often produce more problems than they were prescribed to address, including benzodiazepine addiction and pronounced medication withdrawal. This class of medications is the one which we most commonly address, as unguided Lorazepam withdrawal may be incredibly challenging or even dangerous. Our Sedona drug treatment program uses diverse methods for this certain type of drug including careful tapering techniques, removal of the neurotoxins which have accumulated in the individuals body as a result of the drug or environmental sources, natural substances targeted to create neurochemical support, and the benefits of numerous therapies created to promote relaxation such as acupuncture, sauna, massage and meditation.
Do you feel that you have tried all possible methods of stopping benzodiazepine use and nothing helps? Do you feel that your nervous system could be in a state of over stimulation from toxins? For most individuals, a rapid approach to withdrawal won’t relieve any real problems, because the anxiety stays although the drug is gone.
We know this complication well, as we’ve worked with around 1,000 persons in a residential Arizona addiction treatment 24 hour environment. We graduate former benzodiazepine users every week. Their friends and family members attend, who can hardly believe that an answer was found for the problem and the participant has learned the knowledge of how to uphold a supportive lifestyle for their newfound happiness.
Please call us to find out more about what Lorazepam addiction help can be provided to your loved one, or you. We are here to help handle the problem successfully.