Getting Help in Orange County for Ativan

Ativan is the brand name of the medication Lorazepam, which is commonly used to treat seizure, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Of course, most prescribing doctors will only prescribe Ativan for short periods of time.

This is because this medication poses a high risk for abuse and drug addiction. While its medicinal properties are no doubt useful, it is important to only use Ativan as prescribed and for short windows of time.

If you are struggling with Ativan abuse, it can be difficult to stop on your own. There are many Ativan detox options in Orange County to help you overcome your substance abuse, including the proven and time-tested options at South Shores Detox and Recovery.

Keep reading to learn more about our Ativan detox Orange County services, and how South Shores can offer you or your loved one a solid foundation for benzo recovery today!

What is Ativan?

Ativan belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, and is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in this drug class. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia caused by anxiety or temporary situational stress, nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment, and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Ativan works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is a natural chemical that helps to calm the brain and nerves. By increasing GABA activity, Ativan can help to reduce anxiety, insomnia, and other symptoms.

While Ativan is generally safe when used as directed by a doctor, it can have some side effects, including a risk for addiction, so it is important to take it only as prescribed and not to stop taking this medication suddenly.

Understanding the Benzodiazepine Drug Class

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning that it slows down the activity of nerve cells.

Benzodiazepines increase the activity of these neurotransmitters by binding to GABA receptors, which are located on the surface of nerve cells. This binding makes it easier for GABA to attach to the receptor, which in turn increases the amount of chloride ions that flow into the nerve cell.

The influx of chloride ions hyperpolarizes the nerve cell, making it more difficult for it to fire an action potential. This results in a decrease in overall brain activity, giving benzodiazepines their sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.

What Makes Ativan Addictive?

There are several factors that contribute to Ativan’s addictive potential, and it is important to understand how each of these may increase your risk of physical dependence while using this medication.

Tor starters, because of the way Ativan works, its effect can be pleasurable. This can lead people to want to take more Ativan to experience the same feeling. Continuing to misuse Ativan can eventually lead to a dependence on the drug, meaning you will need to take it in order to feel normal.

Immediacy of Onset and a Brief Half Life

The speed at which it takes effect is another factor that contributes to Ativan’s addictiveness. Ativan starts working quickly, giving you relief from your symptoms almost immediately after taking it, which can make you want to take it again and again.

Furthermore, if you take Ativan for a period of time and then stop suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be unpleasant and even dangerous, and they can make you want to take Ativan again to avoid them.

Finally, there are several personal factors that can increase your risk of becoming addicted to Ativan, including your genetics, personality traits, or a family or personal history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Recognizing the Signs of an Ativan Addiction

Ativan addiction can have serious consequences for a person’s life, so it is important to know how to recognize this problem so that you can get the help you need as soon as possible. The signs of benzodiazepine addiction can vary depending on the individual, but some of the most common include:

• Becoming accustomed to the drug and needing it in order to function normally.
• Needing to take more of the drug in order to achieve the same effect.
• Experiencing intense cravings for the drug.
• Being unable to control your use of the drug, such as taking more than prescribed, or using without a prescription.
• Experiencing negative consequences in your personal and professional life, such as losing your job, your relationships, or your health.

Combining Ativan With Other Substances

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there has been an increase in cases of people drinking alcohol and using other addictive drugs alongside benzodiazepines like Lorazepam.

This has created an increased need to provide actual treatment for those who are struggling with drug and alcohol dependence as a means of decreasing severe emergency visit outcomes and overdose death rates.

If you are taking Ativan with other drugs, it is important to understand that this can cause you serious emotional and physical harm. It is always best to speak with your doctor about what substances are safe to take with your medication.

Why is Detox Necessary for Ativan?

Detox is necessary for Ativan because it can be dangerous to stop taking the drug abruptly. As a benzodiazepine, this medication works by increasing the activity of GABA in the brain. When someone takes Ativan for a long period of time, their body becomes dependent on the drug to function normally.

This means that if they stop taking Ativan suddenly, their brain will not be able to produce enough GABA on its own, and they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These can be both physical and emotional in nature, and in most cases will be severe.

Attempting to stop using this medication “cold-turkey” or without help can result in life-threatening side effects. Seeking medical support through detox services can help ensure that you are able to navigate the benzodiazepine withdrawal process safely and successfully.

What are the Typical Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms?

The withdrawal symptoms from Ativan can be very severe, and they can even be life-threatening. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms that occur when stopping this drug include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Hallucinations
• Delirium
• Psychosis

In addition to these symptoms, there have even been cases of people experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms such as heart attacks and seizures while attempting to stop their ativan use without help.

Because the withdrawal process can be so detrimental to your physical and mental well-being, it is important to seek help from addiction specialists to help make this process easier and safer.

Understanding the Ativan Withdrawal Timeline

Before seeking out medical detox services, it is important to know what the Ativan withdrawal timeline can look like. This can help you choose a drug detox program that is right for you and prepare you for this journey.

Typically, Ativan’s half-life can range from 10-12 hours, meaning that withdrawal symptoms for this drug can begin fairly quickly after taking your last dose. On average, most people will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within 3-4 days.

Acute vs Post Acute Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The acute withdrawal phase will have both physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, including anxiety, rapid heart rate, insomnia, and several other side effects. Some people may experience protracted withdrawal, which can last for around 10-14 days, or even up to several months.

This is more common amongst individuals who were taking very high doses of Ativan, or who have co-occurring mental health or medical conditions that may complicate their detox process. Because the detox phase can be so unpredictable, it is important to seek out supervised medical detox services to help you navigate this process.

What to Expect from the Ativan Detox Process

Withdrawing from Ativan can be extremely difficult and dangerous, so you will not begin your initial detox process until you have been settled into a safe environment. Once you are at your treatment center, you will begin to be slowly tapered off of your drug use.

This will be done under careful medical supervision, with the assistance of addiction medicine, regular fluids, dietary counseling, and other services. This intensive care and professional supervision will help you safely and successfully recover from your substance use disorder.

It will also make sure that you are able to receive immediate attention in the event of any medical emergencies, giving you your best chance at successful recovery and building a solid foundation for further treatment.

The Benefits of Seeking Drug and Alcohol Detox In Orange County

Seeking out an Orange County detox center is one of the best choices you can make for yourself when working to achieve long-term sobriety. These detox centers offer the best of sunny California with their close location to beautiful beaches, scenic valleys, and magnificent mountain ranges.

At South Shores Detox and Recovery, our treatment center in Southern California offers you the extensive medical care and support you need to safely manage your withdrawal and recover from your addiction in a restorative environment.

Seeking Treatment at South Shores Detox and Recovery

In order to achieve long-term recovery from Ativan addiction, you will need comprehensive and effective care. At South Shores Detox and Recovery, we can offer you just that. We provide an extensive variety of treatment options to each of our clients, including:

• Inpatient detox
• Residential treatment
• Outpatient programs
• Individual therapy
• Group counseling
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare planning

There are many factors that go into the rehabilitation process, and we are prepared to help you meet every single one of them head on. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses every aspect of your addiction, so that you can leave our facility ready to take on long-lasting sobriety.

Start Your Recovery From Drug Abuse Today!

If you are looking for an Orange County detox facility, you need look no further than South Shores Detox and Recovery. Our addiction treatment program offers the comprehensive detox care and support you need to safely navigate the recovery process.

You can reach out to us at any time to learn more about our treatment center and the services we have to offer for your addiction recovery needs.

Make the confidential call now to learn more information about our programs today!

FAQs on Ativan Detox Orange County Programs

How Much Ativan Should I Be Taking?

The amount of Ativan you should be taking depends on a number of factors, including your age, weight, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms. The usual dose of Ativan for adults is 2-6 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. However, your doctor may prescribe a lower or higher dose depending on your individual needs.

Is Ativan Safe to Use Long-Term?

No, Ativan (lorazepam) is not safe to use long-term. It is a benzodiazepine, which is a type of drug that can be addictive and have serious side effects, including addiction and dependence, physical and mental health issues, and rebound effects, just to name a few.

If your prescription for Ativan has run out and you are still experiencing symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor about other medications or options for managing your condition.