Signs of Ativan Addiction

Ativan, a part of group of medications known as benzodiazepines, is a medicine prescribed for short-term treatment of anxiety. It is also used in treating insomnia, prevention of acute seizures and in anesthesiology. Just like other benzodiazepines, Ativan tends to be very addictive with some cases of dependency developing within a week. Signs of Ativan addiction usually manifest themselves through psychological effects. Psychological dependence frequently shows signs when a person is trying to withdraw from the medication, when stopping the drug or when reducing the dosage.

Dependency and addiction to Ativan is enhanced by any increase in the dosage. Usually, most people increase the dosage so as to manage anxiety or sleeping disorders. There are still some people, particularly recreational users, who increase the dosage in order to have a higher level of ecstasy. Regardless of the intention, increasing the dose does not only lead to heightened effectiveness, but also amplifies chemical tolerance. Here, the user has to increase the dose constantly as the effectiveness reduces.

There are numerous side effects that results from using and abusing Ativan. These are: tachycardia, nausea, blurred vision, sleepiness, abdominal discomfort, agitation, depression, clumsiness, disorientation and dizziness. Injectable Ativan can lead to increased sedation, irritation behavior and hallucination.

There are many signs that can be used to identify the addiction of Ativan. Generally, if a person has been using these medications for some time, he or she is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing the drug. It is therefore recommended that any person wishing to discontinue the use of Ativan, to consult a physician before doing so. The physician will offer the necessary advice on the correct way of withdrawal. Usually the user tapers the dose down gradually, under medical supervision.

Signs of Ativan addiction can either be physical, psychological or behavioral. Physical and medical signs of Ativan addiction include: abdominal pain and nausea, drowsiness, irritability, headaches, irregular heartbeats, and blurred vision. Moreover, some experience an overall sense of disorientation and may have trembling legs after a long period of abuse. Other physical signs include: slurred speech, abnormal temperature regulation, auditory hallucinations, doctor shopping in order to get multiple prescription, stealing prescription pads or forging prescription, and even missing work.

Behavioral signs of Ativan addiction include change in friendship circles and preoccupation with obtaining and consuming the drug. Most addicts tend to substitute old friends with new ones with questionable character. Some of them tend to have a don't-care attitude towards their loved ones and sometimes neglect their home obligations and even stop taking care of their own health. Moreover, the addict's room usually has several drug taking paraphernalia including empty bottles and needles. To add to that, if you notice that a person is taking more Ativan dose than what the doctor prescribed, it is a sign than an addiction has already kicked in. Ativan addiction can affect motor skills and brain functions, leading to decreased breath rate and blood pressure.

Addicts also show psychological signs which include loss of coordination, impaired mental capacity and confusion. Some addicts become very aggressive for no reasons, and their moods can change all of a sudden especially when highly intoxicated. When they have the drugs, they tend to have normal life, but when they run out of the drugs, they do not like associating with other people and most of the times they are preoccupied with when and where to get the drugs. Addicts also have problems in recalling events that have happened within a short or long period. Ativan can depress the nervous system, cognitive function and the spirit. This usually occurs after a long abuse of the drugs. When that happens, the user gets into deep and constant depression.

Although not all uses of Ativan can lead to addiction, it is important to consult a doctor in case you notice some of the discussed signs. An addict should never stop the use of Ativan in abrupt way, since that can be dangerous. Treating the addiction of Ativan, require slow methodical detox as well as medication treatment. The treatment can also include certified addiction counseling and even treatment at a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This can only be achieved after your doctor concludes that you are indeed addicted to the drugs. Therefore, the doctor should be informed of any pre-existing signs of Ativan addiction during a diagnosis procedure, so that the addiction can be cured properly and completely.