Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

January 6th, 2025

Lorazepam Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

Struggling with anxiety or insomnia can be incredibly overwhelming, but Lorazepam has helped many people around the world find relief. It is a fast-acting and effective medication, bringing a soothing calm to racing thoughts and restless nights. Yet, behind this quick relief lies the real threat of Lorazepam addiction, a potentially devastating condition that can transform Lorazepam from a useful medicine into a debilitating dependency. If you or someone you know is suffering from Lorazepam addiction, this page can help you understand more about the condition and how to begin recovery.

What is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam, also known as Ativan and other brand names, is a prescription-only benzodiazepine. This is a type of medication that works by calming the brain and nerves. It was first developed in the 1960s and introduced to the market the following decade when it became widely prescribed for anxiety and insomnia and to prevent seizures.

Lorazepam gained huge popularity due to its effectiveness and relatively short duration of action, but as its use increased, so did awareness of its potential for addiction and abuse. This recognition saw new Lorazepam regulations come into place in many countries, including the UK where it is classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and as a Schedule 3 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

Common Lorazepam side effects include:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Weakness
Confusion
Headache
Nausea
Blurred vision

What is Lorazepam addiction?

Lorazepam addiction means not being able to stop using a drug, even if it’s hurting you or causing problems in your life. Like all forms of benzodiazepine addiction, it can affect both your brain and behaviour, making it increasingly harder to control your use of Lorazepam.

There are various routes to Lorazepam addiction, but for many people, it starts with a legitimate prescription. Imagine dealing with a lot of stress from school and personal life. Maybe you have some unresolved trauma, and your anxiety is through the roof.

Your doctor prescribes Lorazepam to help you calm down and get some sleep. At first, the medication helps you feel more relaxed and able to sleep through the night which seems like a lifesaver during such a difficult time.

Over time, you realise that the same dose of Lorazepam isn’t as effective as it used to be. Your body has gotten used to the drug, and now you need a higher dose to achieve the same feeling of relaxation. Even though you’re taking more than your doctor prescribed, it doesn’t work as well as it did in the beginning.

Soon, you find that you can’t function at all without Lorazepam. Your body has become dependent on the drug to feel okay, and you experience Lorazepam withdrawal symptoms whenever you stop taking it. At this point, Lorazepam addiction takes hold with the drug taking over your life, and it becomes the sole focus of your time and energy.

Signs of Lorazepam addiction

Recognising the signs of Lorazepam addiction early can help you or someone you care about get the necessary help. Here are some things to watch for:

Are you using more Lorazepam than your doctor recommended or taking it more often than you are supposed to?
Do you visit different doctors to get extra prescriptions?
Have you started avoiding your friends, family or hobbies?
Are you feeling excessively tired or sleepy all the time?
Do you have strong urges to take Lorazepam whenever you miss a dose?
Are you having trouble remembering things or feeling confused?
Have you started spending a lot of money to get Lorazepam?
Do you experience Vicodin withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, restlessness or insomnia when you don’t take it?

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek help right away. Early intervention can make a big difference.

The dangers of Lorazepam addiction

Lorazepam addiction can have serious and far-reaching consequences. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Lorazepam overdose: Taking too much Lorazepam can slow down your breathing to dangerous levels, leading to overdose, which can be life-threatening.
Increased anxiety and depression: While Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety, over time, Lorazepam addiction can make these feelings worse.
Cognitive problems: Long-term Lorazepam use can affect your memory and ability to think clearly, even for simple things.
Mood swings: Lorazepam addiction can cause dramatic changes in your mood, leading to irritability, anger or depression.

Relationship strains: Lorazepam addiction often leads to withdrawing from friends and family, damaging relationships.
Financial strain: The cost of obtaining Lorazepam, especially if you are buying it illegally, can quickly drain your finances and lead to significant debt.
Neglecting all your important responsibilities: You may start to ignore school, work or home duties, causing your life to unravel.
Risky behaviours: Lorazepam addiction can push you to engage in dangerous activities, such as driving under the influence or engaging in illegal activities to obtain the drug.

What makes Lorazepam addictive?

While Lorazepam’s effects can encourage habitual or excessive use, not everyone who takes Lorazepam will become addicted. Here are some reasons why some people are prone to addiction to others:

Your family history

If you have family members with addiction problems, you might be more likely to get addicted. This is why doctors should ask patients about their family history before prescribing Lorazepam or other potentially addictive drugs.

Mental health problems

If you already have anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, you might be more likely to rely on Lorazepam to manage the symptoms.

Stress and trauma

People who have a lot of stress or have been through traumatic events might turn to Lorazepam to feel better and become reliant on it to cope.

Long-term Lorazepam use

Because of tolerance and dependency, the longer you take Lorazepam, the more likely you are to become addicted. Recognition of this is why Lorazepam is usually prescribed only for short-term use.

Certain personality types

Some people have personalities that make them more likely to take risks or act impulsively, which can lead to the abuse of substances like Lorazepam and a resulting addiction.

Your social environment

If you are around people who use drugs or if you don’t have supportive relationships, you might be more likely to misuse or abuse Lorazepam and get addicted.

How is Lorazepam addiction treated?

Lorazepam addiction treatment involves a comprehensive approach to recovery. Detox ensures a safe and comfortable withdrawal process guided by medical professionals. In benzodiazepine rehab, personalised therapy and support address the underlying causes of Lorazepam addiction and help develop techniques for you to cope with stress and other issues more effectively without drugs. After completing rehab, aftercare services and relapse prevention planning provide ongoing support, helping you to maintain your hard-earned sobriety and build the life that you deserve.

Take back control today

If you are struggling with Lorazepam addiction, Linwood House is here to help. Our dedicated team provides a safe, supportive environment where you can begin your recovery journey. Don’t wait – reach out to us now to find out how we can help you regain control and live a Lorazepam-free life.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get addicted to Lorazepam?

The time it takes to get addicted to Lorazepam varies for each person. Still, dependence can develop in as little as a few weeks of regular use, especially at higher doses. Factors such as your biology, dosage and frequency of use can all play a role in how quickly Lorazepam addiction can occur.

Are there any other common names for lorazepam?

Yes, lorazepam is commonly known by its brand name, Ativan.

Is it dangerous to mix lorazepam with alcohol?

Yes, mixing lorazepam with alcohol is dangerous. Both are central nervous system depressants, and combining them can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, impaired coordination, and a higher risk of overdose.

(Click here to see works cited)

NCBI. “Benzodiazepines – StatPearls.” NCBI, 30 January 2024, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159/. Accessed 13 June 2024.
NCBI. “Lorazepam – StatPearls.” NCBI, 25 May 2024, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890/. Accessed 13 June 2024.
NHS. “About lorazepam.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lorazepam/about-lorazepam/. Accessed 13 June 2024.
UK Rehab. “Lorazepam Rehab | Lorazepam Addiction Treatment Process.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/prescription-drug-rehab/benzodiazepine/lorazepam/. Accessed 13 June 2024.