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Lorazepam abuse and other forms of substance abuse causes significant health problems. Ativan is the most well-known brand of Lorazepam. This article provides details about addiction to Lorazepam and its treatment. It also answers the question whether Lorazepam can be addictive in small doses.
What Is Lorazepam
It is part of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications typically act at various points in the brain to inhibit the activity of brain neurons. This action on the brain gives a similar relaxing effect as sedative-hypnotics.
It has a short-time of onset and an intermediate action time, so is useful for various purposes including:
- Treatment of anxiety disorders
- Sedation of patients about to receive anesthesia for surgery
- Termination of seizures
It provides a relaxing effect which increases its potential to be abused, either alone or in combination with other substances. For this reason, it is prescribed only with strict caution by doctors.
To answer the question whether Ativan is addictive in small doses, yes it is. Even in small doses, it still has the potential for addiction, especially if this small dose is taken frequently.
Effects of Lorazepam Abuse
Excessive use of Lorazepam can have various effects on bodily functions, and the side effects can manifest mentally or physically.
Mental Effects
Lorazepam users may experience mental side effects:
- Memory loss
- Lack of orientation
- Depression
Physical Effects
Physical effects include:
- Tremor
- Constipation
- Weakness
Symptoms and Signs of Lorazepam Use
Prolonged use of Lorazepam could severely alter a person’s behavior and functionality. This may manifest as physical, psychological and behavioral signs and symptoms, and include:
- Convulsions
- Low blood pressure
- Low moods
- Random emotional outbursts
- Nausea
- Excessive sleeping
Lorazepam Addiction Treatment Options
Addiction to this medication can be difficult to treat due to its potential to severely affect quality of life and also its risk of relapse. Successful Lorazepam addiction treatment requires a combination of medical and psychological therapies.
Medical Treatment for Lorazepam Addiction
This entails the tapered use of the drug itself, with or without other supportive medications. The goal is to gradually clear the medication from the body while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. This could be achieved on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Psychological Treatment for Lorazepam Addiction
Psychological treatment is a complementary therapy for people with addictions. It comprises interventions to modify their behavior and thoughts, and may either be in the form of individual or group therapy. They are geared towards:
- Helping people with addictions adhere to treatment
- Helping them adopt behaviors to avoid the use of the drug after treatment
- Helping them fix their work and social relationships
Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment for Lorazepam Addiction
The treatment plan for Lorazepam addiction could be on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
In outpatient treatment, patients are not admitted but treated during their regular clinic visits. This is usually done for patients:
- Who recently became addicted to Lorazepam and don’t take high doses
- With a low risk of severe withdrawal symptoms
For inpatient treatment, patients are admitted into our facility and are placed under 24-hour supervision by medical professionals. During this time, they are administered their medication, monitored for symptoms of withdrawal, and undergo psychological therapy. This is most effective for patients:
- Addicted for long periods and who use higher doses
- At risk of serious withdrawal symptoms
- At risk of self-harm
Process and Stages of Lorazepam Addiction Treatment at Dr.Vorobjev Clinic
At Dr.Vorobjev Clinic, the treatment for Lorazepam addiction involves multiple stages. They are:
Diagnosis of Lorazepam Addiction
This is the first step in the treatment of addiction to Lorazepam. During diagnosis, the addiction is confirmed, the severity of the addiction determined, and an appropriate treatment plan agreed on. The patient will be asked a series of questions to determine the onset of their use of Lorazepam, how it started, the amount and frequency of the drug used initially, and the amount and frequency used at the time of seeking treatment.
To determine the severity, several questions about the presence of Lorazepam dependence symptoms, and how it affects their life will be asked.
Lorazepam Detoxification Treatment
The process of Lorazepam (Ativan) detoxification involves a controlled and gradual tapering of the amount of the medicine administered. This is to reduce the adverse symptoms associated with withdrawal, although they usually still experience some of these symptoms. These side effects can be reduced with medications.
Psychological Treatment
In the treatment of any addiction, psychological therapy should run concurrently with medical therapy and continue afterwards. This therapy aims to assist in detoxification, prevent relapse after treatment, and rehabilitate the patients.
Average Length of Lorazepam Addiction Treatment
The exact time needed for the complete treatment of Lorazepam addiction usually ranges from a few weeks to months and depends on various factors:
- The duration of Lorazepam dependency
- The severity of the addiction and withdrawal symptoms
- Presence or absence of relapse during treatment
Effectiveness of Treatment for Lorazepam Addiction
Statistics show better outcomes for people who undergo Lorazepam addiction treatment with detoxification and psychological therapy. At Dr.Vorobjev Clinic, we combine these methods to deliver top-quality care, and it is for this reason that our facility records an impressive success rate of treatment.
Cost of Lorazepam Addiction Treatment
The cost of the treatment depends on the severity of the addiction, the type of treatment and the length of treatment. The cost starts from 2,700 €. The specific cost of your treatment will be determined after a detailed discussion with your doctor.
Doctors
At Dr.Vorobjev Clinic, our doctors are licensed and highly-experienced professionals who use up-to-date methods and patient-centric care in the treatment of Lorazepam addiction.
Patents and Certificates
At Dr.Vorobjev Clinic, we have highly-skilled medical staff and a conducive environment for treatment. We have full certification and a license for the treatment of Lorazepam addiction.
Reviews
Our clinic is one of the best when it comes to the treatment of addictions. The quality of our services regularly receive great reviews and recommendations from many of our satisfied clients.
If you are looking for the best quality of care to help you overcome your addiction to Lorazepam, then look no further than Dr.Vorobjev Clinic.
