Ativan Addiction Treatment

Ativan abuse and eventual addiction is a very significant problem that requires treatment. This can only be obtained in rehabilitation centers whether through inpatient or outpatient programs. The suitability of the particular program can be determined by the severity of the addiction. However, inpatient programs are found to be more effective in helping individuals rehabilitate effectively.

Ativan is a prescription medication belonging to the class of benzodiazepines. It is widely used to treat anxiety, sleeping disorders and muscle problems. However, due to the addictive properties of the drug, many individuals find themselves hooked even when the increase in dose was only an innocent attempt to control withdrawal or other symptoms.

Dependence develops when the individual craves the drug and uses it even when there is no medical need. This results in physical and psychological dependence, making it more difficult for the individual to stop taking the drug. In instances where the individual tries to stop taking the medication, they undergo withdrawal.

Withdrawal is actually one of the major reasons an individual should seek help from a qualified medical practitioner. Many people actually fail in their attempts to stop taking the drugs on their own because of the uncomfortable and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These last for about eighteen to thirty-six hours before subsiding. At this time, the individual has an intense craving for the drug and their determination to quit is put to the test.

In the treatment of Ativan addiction the method of detoxification used will have a bearing on the withdrawal that the individual undergoes. Several detoxification methods are used including rapid detoxification, cold turkey, weaning and the substitution method. Cold turkey is recognized as one of the most “cruel” methods of detoxification since consumption is ceased abruptly.

The individual undergoes serious withdrawal which would eventually subside. Rapid detoxification is the most effective and safest method used. This is where the individual is placed under general anesthesia and the toxic elements of the drug are flushed from the system. By the time the individual wakes up, the elements are gone and the pain of withdrawal is avoided. This method is however quite expensive.

As much as the detoxification process is quite important in the rehabilitation process, it is not sufficient to free the individual from addiction. Professionals also address the factors that led to the addiction in an effort to counsel the individual on how to deal with them. These could be the withdrawal symptoms, muscle pain, anxiety or simply the need for euphoria.

Treatment is not complete without cognitive behavioral therapy. This is especially for recreational users who need to make behavioral changes in order to cement the treatment and prevent relapse. Family involvement is a very important factor in the success of the treatment, especially in strengthening the individual’s resolve to quit the drug./p

In addition, it is important to seek treatment voluntarily as under coercion, treatment will eventually fail.