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Ativan Addiction Treatment That Actually Works

For more than a decade, we’ve helped people with substance abuse and addiction through our comprehensive, personalized treatment programs. Our continuum of care, which includes inpatient, outpatient, and even virtual addiction treatment, was created to treat the whole person for a lifetime.

By taking a scientific approach that uses evidence-based therapies administered by board-certified psychiatrists, physicians, and other experts, our program has proven effective in 84% of patients, much better than the 50% rate with traditional 12-step programs.

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Treatment options for Ativan addiction

Even when taken as prescribed, benzodiazepine drugs such as Ativan have the potential for abuse and dependence. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting Ativan can be extremely unpleasant – even dangerous – without proper medical supervision.

In order to quit safely and effectively, most people need to start with an inpatient drug rehab program that can address the physical symptoms of addiction and withdrawal while also identifying and treating any psychological issues that contributed to and/or resulted from the Ativan addiction.

Enterhealth offers supervised medical drug detox for Ativan addiction, which involves carefully tapering a patient’s dose down over time to reduce cravings and anxiety, as well as to prevent seizures and other potentially life-threatening side effects of Ativan withdrawal.

Importantly, medical detox is NOT considered a treatment for Ativan addiction. Rather, it’s a necessary first step that allows patients to fully participate in a long-term treatment program of behavioral therapy and psychological counseling that addresses any co-occurring issues.

Counseling occurs on an individual- or group-oriented basis and may include families when necessary. Continuing Care programs are also available and are considered an essential part of any discharge plan, as they provide counseling and continued support over a number of years.

Treatment plans may include:

  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy sessions
  • Pharmacotherapy (medication management)
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
  • Supportive Outpatient Programs (SOP)
  • Maintenance Outpatient Programs (MOP)
  • Wellness, nutritional, and stress management education

A range of treatment options based on you

Each person’s path to addiction is unique with different neurological, emotional, social and environmental contributing factors. That’s why the Enterhealth journey to recovery is personalized to meet individuals and families where they are. Whether you need immersive inpatient care or outpatient treatment, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options and innovative therapies. Enterhealth is the only facility with highly trained on-site addiction specialists, including PhDs, MDs and Master’s Level Therapists, who coordinate care at every stage. Because we understand the science behind addiction, we are best equipped to assess and treat individuals and families. Contact us to see why we’re the only facility with an 84% success rate.

RESIDENTIAL

PROVIDING A HEALING PLACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

Enterhealth Ranch offers inpatient care that’s on your side, not on the clock. It’s a nurturing environment where treatment is highly personalized and intensified. Every patient has a private room and 24/7 access to addiction trained specialists who use evidence-based treatments and comprehensive care, including medical detox, in-depth medical and psychological assessments, individual and group therapies, life skills and more.

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OUTPATIENT

PROVIDING EXCELLENCE IN YOUR CONTINUUM OF CARE

Enterhealth’s Outpatient Center of Excellence, conveniently located in the Park Cities, is expertly staffed with board-certified addiction specialists. Our comprehensive program is designed for continued recovery care and provides individuals and families the support they need to reconnect with each other and thrive in recovery.

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ALUMNI

FINDING CONNECTIONS TO STRENGTHEN RECOVERY

The Enterhealth Alumni Association offers a unique opportunity for our patients to continue and thrive in their recovery by building relationships through shared experiences. This one-of-a-kind support environment provides a nurturing space where participants can gain understanding, learn from others and continue to rebuild their lives.

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CORPORATE SERVICES

SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES IN THEIR RECOVERY

Recovery is one of the most important benefits you can give your employees. Enterhealth provides comprehensive, evidence-based residential and outpatient programs and continued 24/7 technological support with Enterhealth Connect. It’s a tool employees can use to access expert care that fits their schedule for online consultations with highly trained addiction specialists, dynamic content including blogs, podcasts, videos, and continuously updated tools and resources that will aid in their recovery journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ativan Addiction

What is Ativan?

Ativan is a popular brand name for the drug lorazepam. Belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (along with Restoril, Valium, and Klonopin), Ativan is commonly prescribed for short-term management of conditions such as anxiety, panic, or sleep disorders.

How does Ativan work?

Benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan affect the brain and central nervous system by boosting the levels of a neurotransmitter chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This leads to a suppression of sensory excitation and communication between nerves in the brain and body, which causes a reduction in anxiety and tension, as well as sleepiness, loss of coordination, and impaired judgment.

Why is Ativan so addictive?

Besides increased levels of GABA, Ativan also causes a larger-than-normal release of dopamine (one of the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals), which brings on feelings of euphoria and relaxation. With repeated use, the body starts to build up a tolerance, meaning users need to take more and more to get the same effects. Over time, the brain will start to depend on the drug to trigger GABA/dopamine release and allow for normal functioning.

As a result, when long-time Ativan users suddenly stop taking it, their brains are unable to produce and release appropriate levels of GABA and dopamine. Without enough of these neurotransmitters, the brain and nerves become extremely sensitive and agitated, which causes withdrawal symptoms.

What are Ativan withdrawal symtoms?

The physical and mental withdrawal symptoms typically set in within a few hours following the last dose. Factors such as duration and frequency of use, as well as dosage, cause withdrawal symptoms to vary from user to user, but they may include:

 

  • Increased anxiety and nervousness
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Panic
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Muscle spasms/tension
  • Intense sweating
  • Memory issues
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

How do you treat hydrocodone withdrawal?

Detoxing off hydrocodone (a process also called withdrawal stabilization) involves using longer-acting opioids such as Suboxone as a substitute for the shorter-acting drugs of abuse. This stabilizes the patient and reduces their withdrawal symptoms as they slowly taper off the substitute.

Patients usually experience the most discomfort during the first one to three days of the opioid withdrawal phase. During this period, additional medications may include a combination of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, as well as a mild sedative.

How do you treat Ativan withdrawal?

The most effective way to treat Ativan withdrawal is with a combination of medically supervised detox and psychological support to help them learn to cope with stress and anxiety.

Medical detox for Ativan usually involves carefully tapering down a patient’s dose under careful medical supervision. Gradually reducing the dose, as opposed to discontinuing it completely, allows the body to slowly adjust to lower and lower levels without inducing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physicians may also prescribe other medications, including longer-acting benzodiazepines like Valium, as well as aids such as antidepressants or beta-blockers that have been shown to alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms.

How long do Ativan withdrawal symptoms last?

Ativan is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, so its effects wear off fairly quickly, and withdrawal symptoms typically set in as soon as the drug is out of a user’s system – about 12-20 hours after the last dose.

The amount of time a person will experience withdrawal symptoms depends on individual factors like how long they’ve been taking it and at what dosage, but the typical timeline looks something like this:

Initial withdrawal phase (~1 – 4 days) – Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Acute withdrawal phase (~4 days – 2 weeks) – This phase is where most people experience the worst symptoms and are at risk for things like seizures that require close medical supervision.

Post-acute withdrawal phase (~2 weeks – months, years) – Duration and severity of post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary greatly, especially if there are underlying psychological issues such as anxiety or panic disorder.

What are Ativan side effects?

Ativan abuse can result in a number of unpleasant effects, including:

 

  • Short-term memory loss
  • Flashbacks
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Uncontrollable muscle twitches
  • Migraines
  • Seizures
  • Interpersonal conflicts
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Depression

What are the other dangers of using Ativan?

One of the biggest dangers associated with benzodiazepine abuse is that many users combine them with other substances such as alcohol and opiates – which can greatly amplify the effects of both substances.

This polysubstance abuse can profoundly impair a user’s short-term memory, judgment, and coordination, increasing their chance for accidental injury and/or a potentially fatal overdose.

How do you know if someone is addicted to Ativan?

The exact signs and symptoms of chronic Ativan abuse vary by the individual, but often include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Sleeping for long periods of time
  • Impaired thinking and judgment
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of coordination
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Sluggishness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Delirium

Chronic Ativan abuse may lead to changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and work performance. Users with anxiety/panic disorders often experience a rebound effect once the medication wears off, leading to extreme anxiety symptoms.

Can you overdose on Ativan?

Overdosing on Ativan is possible if taken in excess of the prescribed maximum dosage, and the likelihood of a severe or fatal overdose increases when it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

High doses of benzodiazepines can have serious side effects, including:

 

  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness
  • Slurred speech
  • Memory loss
  • Lack of coordination
  • Difficulty breathing

Coma

*State standard is 1:10 clinical staff to patient ratio