Ativan Addiction Withdrawal

Sudden or abrupt cessation of the consumption of any drug, especially after taking it for some time, brings about undesirable effects known as withdrawal. This is as a result of the body readjusting to the unfamiliar territory of operating without the chemicals from the drug it has become used to.

Ativan, currently one of the most highly abused drugs, also results in withdrawal if an addicted individual stops using suddenly. The medication is prescribed to treat sleeping disorders, muscle spasms and anxiety. It operates in more or less the same way as alcohol. It slows down the functioning of the central nervous system and the brain, thereby making the user feel relaxed. When an individual takes the drug for the first time, they become uncoordinated and feel drowsy until they are used to having the medication in their system.

This drug is not designed for long-term use. Actually, it should not be used for longer than four months. However, even short term use of as little as a week can result in addiction. This is because brain function is altered so it does not rely on the endorphins produced naturally but on the drug. Dependence on the drug makes the individual crave the drug even when it is not required.

Over time, the individual becomes tolerant to the drug in which case it’s effectiveness in treating not only anxiety, muscle spasms and insomnia but also in inducing euphoria is compromised. In effect, this means that the individual has to increase the amount of drug taken or take it more frequently than recommended in order to have the same effect.

This results in a higher level of chemical tolerance meaning that the individual has to continue increasing the medication in order to maintain the initial results. This may actually lead to drug overdose which is very dangerous given the ability of the drug to depress the respiratory system and the central nervous system.

Withdrawal results as the body reverts from its dependence on the drug to the endorphins. Withdrawal symptoms are dangerous and distressing. They actually discourage many people from quitting drugs particularly because of the intensive craving for the drug which lasts about 18 to 36 hours. However, withdrawal symptoms decrease with time as the chemical residues in the blood go down.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:

To limit Ativan addiction withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek the help of healthcare providers. The practitioner will take you through the withdrawal process and limit symptoms as well as monitor the rehabilitation process overall.