Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms and Signs, and Detoxification

• PrintArticle Summary
• Withdrawing from Ativan: Treatment Methods and Options for Help
• Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab and Recovery
• Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Ativan withdrawal occurs when someone who is dependent on or addicted to this medication abruptly stops taking it. Ativan is a brand name for lorazepam, which is part of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Ativan is often prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders. It has habit-forming tendencies, so it should not be used for extended periods of time.

Ativan withdrawal symptoms are the body's physical and psychological reactions to the abrupt cessation of Ativan use. Benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan have strong sedative/hypnotic effects that aid in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures by slowing down the production of chemicals in the brain that cause anxiety. If Ativan is used for an extended period, patients may find that they require higher or more frequent doses in order to achieve the same effects, and this is when dependency or addiction can develop.

When a patient stops using Ativan, withdrawal symptoms occur and may include headache, dizziness, dysphoria, numbness in extremities, tremors, sweating, muscle cramps, abdominal pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, delirium, diarrhea, seizures, or convulsions. The severity and duration of these symptoms often depends on the dosage and the amount of time Ativan is used. Typically it takes between 18 and 36 hours for Ativan to be completely removed from your body and for the more severe withdrawal symptoms to fade. Ativan withdrawal treatment in a medically supervised recovery program can ensure successful Ativan detoxification. To discuss your options with trained professionals in a confidential manner, call our hotline at 1-888-658-5242.

Withdrawing from Ativan: Treatment Methods and Options for Help

During detoxification, Ativan withdrawal symptoms can be treated in order to eliminate them entirely or to reduce their intensity, which makes the detoxification less uncomfortable. Detoxification is the period of time in which you first stop using Ativan until the Ativan withdrawal symptoms have stopped.

Traditional detoxification methods provide a slow and careful withdrawal from Ativan. Typically a physician will reduce the dosage in increments to minimize withdrawal symptoms, and patients may be given medication or care to aid in the process. This method of detoxification is most effective in an inpatient treatment program, since the patient can be supervised through the entire process to reduce the chances of relapse. However, if the dependency on Ativan is considered mild, it is possible to detox using an outpatient treatment program.

Rapid detox is another Ativan withdrawal treatment that is usually carried out at inpatient or residential treatment facilities. In this method of detoxification, the patient stops using Ativan completely, and the withdrawal symptoms are managed by a team of medical professionals. One type of rapid detox, also called RDD, uses a general anesthetic to sedate the patient and to eliminate the most severe Ativan withdrawal symptoms. The procedure usually takes about two hours, and the patient is under sedation for at least an hour of this time.

Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab and Recovery

Detoxing from Ativan can take up to two weeks, with mild symptoms lingering for up to two months. Once Ativan withdrawal symptoms have abated, the psychological part of the addiction can be addressed in rehab. Most rehab and recovery programs use a combination of therapy and support programs to help you through the recovery process. Depending on the level of Ativan dependency, each program may offer a slightly different approach. Most rehab and recovery facilities offer individual, group, and family therapy options, as well as support groups to ensure successful long-term recovery.

Rehab and recovery from Ativan addiction can be carried out on either an inpatient or an outpatient basis. With outpatient treatment programs, your doctor, a therapist, or a counselor will monitor your progress and offer one-on-one support to help you remain on the path to recovery. Inpatient care, on the other hand, provides you with 24-hour support and medical care from a team of professionals in a private environment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing Ativan withdrawal, consider contacting our drug addiction helpline at 1-888-658-5242 to receive free, confidential, no obligation information about your treatment options.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

How Long Do Ativan Withdrawals Last?

The duration of withdrawals from Ativan varies depending on the length of time and intensity that substance abuse or addiction took place. The timeline of withdrawals is two to three weeks; typically the symptoms get worse and reach their peak three to five days after discontinuation of the substance.

Do You Have a List Popular Slang or Street Names for Ativan?

Common street names for Ativan and other drugs that are used to depress the central nervous system include benzos, downers, nerve pills, goofballs and heavenly blues.

What are Common Misspellings?

Attivan withdrawl, adivan withdrawls, ativan withdrawel, attevan withdrawels

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

No home remedy has been scientifically proven to effectively aid in the detoxification of Ativan. While you may prefer to seek alternative methods or natural medicine as a rehab approach, ultimate relief and enduring success may be most effective under the direction and help of a medical professional or closely monitored treatment program. A medical professional is trained to help ease substance abuser victims of their addictions and symptoms, and cope with their new physical and mental challenges with ease.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Ativan?

Complete detox of Ativan from your system may vary based on the severity and length of drug abuse as well as the treatment programs used. Detox may take anywhere from three weeks to three months, including psychological treatment. Contact a professional rehab center for detox treatment options by calling 1-888-658-5242 or visiting our locator page today.