Is Ativan Addictive in Small Doses? Use & Abuse | Resurgence (2024)

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Understanding Ativan

Ativan, a benzodiazepine, is a very effective medication when taken as prescribed. Some even wonder is Ativan addictive in small doses? It absolutely can be.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, it is used “for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, or sleep difficulty due to anxiety or stress, status epilepticus (continuous seizures), and as a medication given right before anesthesia.”

But, as with all benzodiazepines, it comes with a high risk of dependence or abuse.

To learn more about Ativan addiction and how we treat it at Resurgence, read on to learn more.

Is Ativan Addictive in Small Doses?

Is Ativan addictive in small doses? Yes, we have seen Ativan addiction stem from even small doses when taken with a prescription. However, we understand how hard it is to detect abuse or addiction when it comes to taking a prescription drug. That’s why you need to be diligent when following your Ativan prescription. Because of the habit-forming nature of benzodiazepines, you should only be prescribed to use it for a short period of time, at a very low dose. The doctor will also suggest you take it intermittently.

It also has a higher potency than other benzodiazepines, which is why Ativan is addictive in small doses.

What are The Effects of Small Doses of Ativan?

Even in small doses, Ativan abuse can be accompanied by a number of unfortunate side effects. The trouble is determining which side effects signal an addiction. That’s why we encourage you to understand the side effects of an Ativan habit in you or a loved one.

The quicker you can spot a problem, the better. Some of the most common side effects you may experience from Ativan addiction or dependence include:

• Fatigue and insomnia
• Problems with kidney and bowel
• Loss of memory, confusion, and disorientation
• Headaches
• Mouth sores
• Seizures
• Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms

Ativan abuse and dependence are, unfortunately commonly linked to overdose and death. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, there were 10,734 benzodiazepine-related deaths in the United States.

How Do Small Doses of Ativan Affect Mental Illness?

While Ativan is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, a mental health concern, it can also adversely cause mental health problems. That’s why, even in small doses, you should consider your mental health before taking Ativan.

According to the Federal Drug Administration, or FDA, “Pre-existing depression may emerge or worsen during the use of benzodiazepines including lorazepam. Ativan (lorazepam) is not recommended for use in patients with a primary depressive disorder or psychosis.”

The connection between Ativan and mental illness even goes further. Research has also shown that Ativan may be more habit-forming for those with undiagnosed mental illness creating a path to fuel a transfer addiction.

So be sure to extensively speak with your doctor before receiving an Ativan prescription to avoid any mental health issues. And if you come to us with an Ativan addiction and mental health concerns, we have a program that treats both.

Resurgence Payment and Insurance

We firmly believe that every patient should receive the best care possible to treat your Ativan addiction or dependence. And this means not having to worry about the cost, especially when dealing with a hard-to-break habit.

At Resurgence, we will build your treatment plan at an affordable cost while still providing the best care possible. For our services, we accept most PPO insurance as well as private forms of payment for treatment.

We will also communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf to ensure that you or your loved one is provided with a custom recovery program for your situation without the high cost.

Ativan Addiction Treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health

At Resurgence Behavioral Health in California, we understand the difficulty in dealing with Ativan abuse and addiction. Luckily, our team of experts has experience in monitoring and assisting in the rehabilitation of all kinds.

And post-withdrawal, we also offer drug rehab to treat your substance abuse. We are here to ensure you will beat any addictions you come in with. That is why we offer a whole range of treatment: detox programs, rehabilitation programs, and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) post-recovery.

We also have a variety of counseling options to treat any mental illness alongside your Ativan addiction, including our dual diagnosis program.

Detox Programs

We offer two types of detox programs, social and medical. Both are supervised by medical professionals and put safety and comfort at the forefront.

One allows you to go at your own pace, while the other involves medication and a more monitored schedule. Don’t worry; together we will decide the most effective Ativan withdrawal for you.

And whichever detox you choose, we will evaluate the level of your Ativan use, stabilize you, and prepare you for further rehabilitation. This will not only ensure a safe Ativan withdrawal. Hopefully, it will also lessen some of the discomforts of Ativan withdrawal symptoms and prepare you for further treatment. Read on to learn more about our post-detox treatment options.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

We understand that everyone’s Ativan dependence and usage are different. Our outpatient drug treatment is an alternative option for those who cannot attend our residential program.

It is ideal for employed people who cannot leave their jobs or those who cannot leave the family. It is also a more affordable option. Each inpatient facility provides close supervision by highly trained staff, 24-hour medical care, individual and group therapy sessions, healthy meal options, and a relaxing environment.

Our Approach to Rehabilitation

We take a customized, patient-centric approach to rehabilitation. We understand Ativan addiction needs special attention. Even if you have only been taking small doses.

If you come to us trying to recover from Ativan abuse, we will begin by completing an assessment to devise a plan for your full recovery. Our treatment programs address all the underlying conditions for addiction to allow you to take ownership of your recovery.

Our customized approach, coupled with our staff of highly motivated and well-trained professionals, ensure that you or your loved one will receive excellent care during and after treatment.

Some of the rehabilitation treatments we offer include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Stress Management
• Group Therapy
• Medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings

Intensive Outpatient Program

If you complete recovery with us in an inpatient or outpatient setting or if trying to continue your Ativan rehabilitation, please check out our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Breaking an Ativan habit can be especially difficult for anyone. In IOP you will have the flexibility to maintain much of your normal daily routine while working on maintaining sobriety.

IOP, is a good treatment option if you do not have the means to leave your job or if you have to stay home for any other reason. You will receive support from therapy groups and gain the ability to apply the skills you learned during treatment, all while maintaining your normallifestyle.

Contact Us

We are here to help and support you through finding your truest self while leaving your most destructive self behind.

We understand what it takes to get you through your Ativan addiction and the emotional and psychological support you will need from us to become your best self.

Please, contact us today with questions or concerns.