{"id":1570,"date":"2021-10-25T13:28:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T17:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/?page_id=1570"},"modified":"2022-09-13T13:00:55","modified_gmt":"2022-09-13T17:00:55","slug":"ativan-addiction","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/ativan-addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Ativan Addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ativan is a Schedule IV controlled substance that can cause addiction, dependence and a variety of side effects. Fortunately, treatment is available for Ativan addiction.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Article at a Glance:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine and an addictive Schedule IV controlled substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking Ativan triggers the brain\u2019s reward circuit, increasing the risk for addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After decreasing for several years, benzodiazepine overdose deaths are once again rising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ativan addiction treatment can include detox as well as inpatient and outpatient care.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Is Ativan Addictive?<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

Ativan (lorazepam) is an extremely addictive benzodiazepine medication. Due to the drug\u2019s addictive potential, potency and fast-acting nature, Ativan\u2019s\u00a0package labeling recommends<\/a>\u00a0using it at the lowest dose possible for the shortest possible length of time.<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is Ativan?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Ativan is a powerful anti-anxiety medication that is part of a drug class called benzodiazepines. These psychoactive drugs are primarily used to treat anxiety, but they can also treat panic disorders and seizures. In some cases, benzodiazepines can also be used for anesthesia, sedation before medical procedures, muscle relaxation or drug and alcohol withdrawal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIs Ativan addictive in small doses?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

As a Schedule IV<\/a> controlled substance, Ativan can be addictive at any dose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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What Causes Ativan Addiction and Dependence?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like other drugs of abuse, Ativan triggers the brain\u2019s reward circuit by increasing the amount of dopamine<\/a>, the brain\u2019s feel-good neurotransmitter. This causes a person to want to keep taking Ativan to achieve the same feel-good effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People may think that if they take a very small dose of Ativan, they\u2019ll be less likely to develop an addiction. However, this isn\u2019t necessarily true. Everyone\u2019s body is different, and a person could develop an Ativan addiction even when taking a smaller dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ativan Addiction Sign, Symptoms and Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There may be some outward signs that a person is using Ativan, particularly if they take high doses. Signs of Ativan misuse may include side effects like<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n