Ativan is the name brand for a prescription benzodiazepine medication called lorazepam. Lorazepam is primarily used to treat anxiety conditions and panic disorder, as it decreases abnormal activity in the brain. However, because Ativan can be addictive, it is only intended for short-term use.[1]
When abused, Ativan can cause a euphoric and drowsy high. Long-term use will cause your brain and body to become accustomed to the presence of Ativan, leading to potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. If you or a loved one has developed an addiction to lorazepam, it’s important to be aware of the risks of withdrawal.
Ativan withdrawal can cause dangerous symptoms like seizures, so you should never attempt to detox on your own. Instead, you should seek medical support from an Ativan detox center in California. These programs help you overcome withdrawal by offering 24/7 medical monitoring, medications to lessen your symptoms, and therapies to help you overcome the psychological symptoms you might be facing.
What are the Symptoms of Ativan Withdrawal?
Ativan belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using them. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines like Ativan are notorious for causing withdrawal seizures that might be life-threatening without medical assistance.
Common symptoms of Ativan withdrawal include:[2]
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Weight loss
- Irritability, anxiety, and panic attacks
- Mood swings
- Seizures
Withdrawal symptoms can range from challenging and uncomfortable to life-threatening, and they can change rapidly, so medical detox services are necessary to ensure your safety.
How Do Ativan Detox Centers in California Help You Overcome Withdrawal?
The goal of Ativan detox is to ensure that you remain physically and psychologically stable during the withdrawal phase of recovery. This is achieved through various services, including medications to lessen symptoms, constant medical supervision, and evidence-based therapies.
24/7 Monitoring From Trained Medical Staff
Ativan withdrawal can be difficult to cope with, so having experienced medical professionals monitoring your symptoms is extremely important. During a benzo detox program in California, you will have 24/7 access to medical staff, who will be monitoring your vital signs consistently to ensure you remain stable and comfortable throughout the entire process.
Nurses will visit you routinely to check your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiration rate. If anything is out of the ordinary, you will receive prompt treatment, allowing you to rest assured that you will remain safe during the withdrawal phase of recovery.
Individualized Treatment Plans
While there are a variety of withdrawal symptoms associated with Ativan, each person might experience them differently. Additionally, Ativan withdrawal can last anywhere from 10 days to two weeks, usually depending on the severity of your addiction. Since Ativan withdrawal can vary from person to person, detox centers in California offer individualized treatment plans to ensure that you are getting the type of care you need.
Medically-Assisted Detox and Safe Prescribing Methods
During Ativan detox programs in California, you will be provided with medications that lessen the symptoms of withdrawal and prevent you from dealing with severe cravings. Typically, people recovering from Ativan addiction will be prescribed a benzodiazepine on a taper, meaning the dose will be slowly lowered until it is no longer needed. Medications are carefully regulated to prevent diversion or misuse.
Evidence-Based Counseling Services
Lastly, therapy plays a huge role during Ativan detox]. First, Ativan can cause psychological withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, and even panic attacks. Counseling can ensure that you have healthy coping mechanisms to deal with these symptoms when they arise.
Additionally, evidence-based therapies are used to help you begin recovering from the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. For example, therapy can help you identify and address the root causes of your Ativan abuse, change negative patterns of behavior, and teach you vital relapse prevention skills.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Ativan Detox Center in California
If you or a loved one struggles with Ativan addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. When recovering from any addiction, the first step should always be detox. Medical detox programs in California can offer you the treatment and support you need to overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably.
At Arise Treatment Center, we offer a continuum of care that includes both detox and residential addiction treatment. This means you can transition into our inpatient rehab program after you complete detox, providing you with a strong foundation of sobriety to rely on.
To learn more about our Ativan detox program in California, contact Arise Treatment Center today.
References:
- Medline Plus: Lorazepam, Retrieved January 2024 From https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682053.html
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, Retrieved January 2024 From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/