The FDA classifies Ativan as a prescription benzodiazepine. It is typically prescribed by doctors when treating conditions related to anxiety disorders and sleeping issues. Its generic name is lorazepam, and it acts to suppress the central nervous system, having a calming effect on the brain and the body. It is also highly addictive when used in ways other than prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist. If you think that you or anyone you know might be developing an addiction to it, you can take ease in knowing that its treatment is easily available.
Whether patients or drug users abuse the substance on the street, Ativan can create a significant addiction. When it happens, which is far too often, addiction treatment is the only realistic way someone will recover from their Ativan addiction.
Here, look at the treatment options available when the addiction sufferer is ready for help.
Recognizing the Signs of Ativan Addiction
For anyone who might be unclear, there are indications one could use to identify that they or someone they know is under the throes of an Ativan addiction. The symptoms of Ativan addiction include:
- The alarming decrease in breathing capacity
- Inability to maintain short-term memory
- Lack of motivation to deal with normal activities
- Feelings of aggression and paranoia
- Obsession with securing the medication illegally
- Signs of withdrawal after missing doses
- Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
Inpatient Ativan Addiction Treatment
The type of treatment an addiction sufferer should choose should be directly related to the depth of their addiction and the circumstances surrounding their life. If an addiction sufferer has a significant addiction and the ability to live within the confines of an inpatient treatment program, inpatient care would be the right option.
Inpatient programs for Ativan addiction will typically last 30 to 60 days. If necessary, a detox program would be included. Clients will live in the facility for the duration under very strict rules.
During an inpatient Ativan Addiction treatment program, the client would go through intensive therapy sessions designed to get at the root causes of their addiction. Multiple therapy sessions would be made available every day.
In the modern drug rehab center, a variety of treatment modalities might be used in an inpatient setting. Some of the modalities used for this kind of treatment would be:
- Evidence-based options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy
- Holistic treatment programs
- Family and Group therapy
- Dual Diagnosis Therapy for co-existing Disorders
- Standard counseling
During inpatient care, clients do have downtime. It gives them a chance to rest, contemplate, and get involved in recreational activities with other clients.
Outpatient Ativan Addiction Treatment
There are circumstances under which inpatient care isn’t necessary or might be inconvenient for the addiction sufferer. That would make outpatient care the next best treatment option.
As part of outpatient care, clients would live at home. They would only need to report to the addiction treatment facility for predetermined sessions. With three common outpatient options available, the right option would be determined by the extent of the addiction sufferer’s addiction problem. These options include:
- Standard Outpatient or OP – therapy sessions would be scheduled for 1-2 times a week at about 2 hours a session
- Intensive Outpatient or IOP – intensive individual therapy sessions would be scheduled for 3-5 times a week at about 4 hours a day
- Partial Hospitalization or PHP – Individual, family, and group therapy sessions would be scheduled for 3-5 times a week at about 4-6 hours a day
While clients are permitted to live at home and maintain their employment, they are still accountable for following the guideline set forth by the rehab center. If they follow the rules and make progress, they can continue on an outpatient basis until recovery is established. If they can’t follow the rules or make progress, they might have to consider submitting to inpatient care.
Someone who is addicted to Ativan may engage in risky sexual behaviors, which could increase their risk of contracting an STD. For example, they may be more likely to have unprotected sex or to have sex with multiple partners. If you are concerned about your risk of contracting an STD, you should check at STD test in Rego Park, NY or talk to your doctor.
If you feel you are in the throes of an addiction to Ativan, it’s incumbent on you to find a reputable rehab center and seek out the best treatment option.
