Recognizing Ativan Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Ativan dependency can happen to anyone. It’s okay to wonder if you have a problem and ask for help. In fact, seeking treatment can be the best decision you can make for yourself and for your loved ones. But how do can you tell normal side effects from an unhealthy dependency?

Signs of Addiction

It’s time to get help if you find yourself developing any of these key behaviors:

• Nausea or anxiety if you miss a dose, or don’t take enough
• Social withdrawal
• Problems keeping school, work or social commitments
• Lying or stealing to support a habit
• “Doctor shopping,” or seeking out several doctors to get multiple prescriptions
• Aggression or encounters with law enforcement, especially when Ativan is combined with other substances, like alcohol

If you find yourself (or a loved one) engaging in any of these behaviors, please seek psychiatric help immediately. If you take Ativan for longer than your doctor prescribed, or take more than the recommended dose, you raise your chance of developing a dependence. If you self-medicate or use Ativan for non-medical purposes, you also run a higher risk of becoming dependent. If you are taking anti-anxiety medication, it’s important to ask your prescribing PCP or psychiatrist to refer you to a therapist, as learning anxiety coping strategies can reduce your emotional dependence on Ativan.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Ativan is a benzodiazepine, commonly known as a tranquilizer. Long-term use of these drugs can not only lead to addiction, but to changes in brain functioning. Because of this, another important symptom to watch out for is withdrawal: physical and emotional pain experienced whenever you are not taking Ativan. You may need a higher dose to achieve the usual effect, which is known as building a tolerance.

If you‘re experiencing any of these withdrawal symptoms, seek treatment today:

• Headaches
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Severe sedation
• Impaired memory

Nothing’s more important than your well-being. And even if you think you may be Ativan dependent, you can still regain your health and happiness by entering recovery. With constant treatment from caring psychiatric professionals, you can face your addiction and start to heal the emotional pain that fuels it. And some of the best care available for overcoming addiction is available through a residential treatment center for Ativan addiction.

Sobriety is an achievement. But it’s a realistic achievement, and one that’s within your grasp. To get comprehensive treatment for an emotional crisis, enroll in a residential treatment facility. Residential treatment offers a variety of care options to address complex needs, including treatment for multiple substance dependencies or for co-occurring psychiatric disorders. These facilities offer access to mental health and medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means psychiatric doctors and nurses will always be there for you, especially during detox.

When you visit a residential treatment facility, your health will be assessed. If you need to detox, you’ll be put under the care of medical doctors who will monitor your condition and help ease your transition off of Ativan. After detox, you’ll start individual therapy that’s customized for your needs, and participate in many programs. You’ll attend group therapy, where you can connect with others recovering from addictions. You’ll meet with a psychiatric care provider on a regular basis to evaluate progress and set goals. And you’ll get a long-term treatment plan to help you stay sober in your daily life with the help of aftercare.

Ativan addiction is a treatable condition you don’t have to struggle with alone. Recovery is a long-term process that can work for you if you stick with it and have patience. Remember, today is a new day, and in the present moment, you have the power to choose what you do.