Despite Ativan’s legitimate medical uses, it is frequently diverted for misuse when taken in higher doses, which raises the question, “Is Ativan addictive?” Research says the U.S. has a higher intake of Ativan when compared to other countries, and nearly 20% of the overall doses account for misuse.
A person physically dependent on Ativan can develop a tolerance and needs the drug to function normally. This dependence can also impact mental health, affecting mood and overall well-being. In an episode of the HealingUS Podcast, Sue Miller reveals her journey through personal struggles and triumphs. She discusses issues like feelings of not fitting in, complex family dynamics, mental health challenges, and recovery. Sue’s story highlights the impact of mental health awareness and the strength of the human spirit.
For those consuming Ativan abusively, dependence and addiction can become a severe problem. Is Ativan addictive? How does an Ativan addiction begin? What are the signs to watch for? And how can Ativan addiction be treated effectively? Let’s clear all of your questions in this blog.
How does Ativan addiction start?
Ativan is a benzodiazepine that works as a central nervous system depressant by boosting the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid. This increase in GABA activity reduces brain excitatory signals, which helps to manage stress and anxiety. Usually, there is a balance between inhibitory and excitatory signals in the brain, but conditions like seizures disrupt this balance completely.
Ativan can be helpful for the short-term management of stress, anxiety and other conditions. However, its impact on GABA can also slow the activity of brain cells that regulate dopamine release. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter connected to reward and reinforcement, so changes in its levels can affect behavior.
Excessive use of benzodiazepines like Ativan can lead to a surge in dopamine activity, increasing the risk of addiction. This happens because dopamine, linked to reward, can reinforce the compulsive use of the drug, making it harder to stop using it.
How does Ativan work?
Lorazepam increases the effects of GABA, a naturally occurring chemical in the body that has a calming effect. Lorazepam attaches to specific GABA binding sites (receptors), making it also easier for GABA to bind to them. This increased GABA activity has several positive and negative effects, including muscle relaxation, reduced anxiety, seizure control, drowsiness, worsening coordination, and trouble remembering things.
Positive Effects
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduced anxiety
- Seizure control
Negative Effects
- Drowsiness
- Worsening coordination
- Trouble remembering things
Metabolism and Liver Considerations
Lorazepam is metabolized in the liver without using liver enzymes, making it a better option for those with liver issues. This helps manage anxiety or seizures with less strain on the liver.
Ativan abuse: Is Ativan addictive?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists Ativan as a commonly abused drug, noting that benzodiazepines, along with opioids and stimulants, are among the three most commonly misused prescription drugs.
Schedule IV Controlled Substance
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies lorazepam (Ativan) as a Schedule IV controlled substance. While it poses less risk than Schedule I or II drugs like heroin and cocaine, Ativan still has known potential for abuse and dependence. Its euphoric effects make it particularly addictive among benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax.
Risks of Unsupervised Use
Taking Ativan without a doctor’s supervision increases the risk of dependence. A doctor carefully assesses factors that might raise addiction risks, such as:
- Family Issue
- Personal History
- Method of Misuse
- Mental health Issue
If a high risk is identified, a doctor may recommend an alternative to Ativan or non-pharmacologic treatments.
Becoming dependent on Ativan
Like other benzodiazepines (Xanax, Restoril, Klonopin, etc.), Ativan can cause significant physical dependence, especially with excessive doses, frequent use, or prolonged use. When taken abusively, the person is Ativan addictive.
Ativan is meant for short-term use, typically up to 2 weeks to a few months. Using it longer than recommended reduces effectiveness, increases the risk of developing compulsive use patterns, and can lead to significant physical and psychological dependence. While not all physical dependence results in addiction, it often accompanies it.
Potential Signs of an Ativan Addiction
Diagnosing Ativan addiction, or sedative use disorder, should be done by a professional. However, some warning signs that may indicate a developing addiction include:
Excessive Effort to Obtain Ativan
The first sign of addiction is spending significant time and effort to get more of that drug and in this case, Ativan. Faking symptoms, forging prescriptions, visiting multiple doctors, buying from the black market, and using money intended for other purposes to purchase Ativan all indicate addiction.
Neglecting Responsibilities
Struggling to fulfill work, school, or home responsibilities without Ativan, which was originally taken to manage stress or discomfort, indicates a dependency on the drug.
Increased Tolerance
Requiring larger doses of Ativan to achieve the same effects as before can lead to a cycle of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Experiencing severe and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including physical and psychological discomfort when trying to stop Ativan intake, is a clear indication of drug addiction.
Withdrawing from Ativan
Acute Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Autonomic nervous system symptoms: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, tremors, fever, sweating
- Psychomotor agitation
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Severity and Duration
- Withdrawal effects vary based on:
- Duration and amount of Ativan use
- Rate of tapering off the drug
- Mental and physical health
- Use of other drugs
Stopping Ativan, especially for those dependent on it, requires careful management. Gradual reduction is recommended, as quitting abruptly (cold turkey) can be very uncomfortable and risky.
FAQs: Is Ativan addictive?
Que: Is taking 1mg of Ativan daily addictive?
Ans: Yes, even at low doses like 1mg, Ativan can be addictive because it can lead to physical dependence over time.
Que: Is it safe to take Ativan daily?
Ans: Using Ativan every day can lead to physical dependence, which can happen in as little as 3-4 weeks of regular use.
Que: Can you stop taking 1mg of lorazepam suddenly?
Ans: No, it’s important to talk to your doctor before stopping Ativan. They may recommend gradually reducing your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Que: Can Ativan cause rebound anxiety?
Ans: Yes, after using Ativan, some people experience rebound anxiety, where anxiety symptoms return and may worsen temporarily.
Que: Is Ativan a sleeping pill?
Ans: The FDA approves Ativan for short-term treatment of insomnia caused by anxiety or stress, although it’s also used off-label for other types of insomnia.
Conclusion
The answer to “Is Ativan addictive?” depends on various factors, including dose, weight, metabolism, and medical history of the patient. Withdrawal symptoms from Ativan can appear quickly, even if you follow your doctor’s prescription. Some people may experience withdrawal after just one week of use. Prolonged abuse leads to more severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when stopping.
The more Ativan is used and the longer it’s used, the more intense the withdrawal can be. A treatment program or medically assisted detox can help manage withdrawal effects and support a successful recovery.
