Lorazepam Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

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

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.

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.

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

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:

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.

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.