Lorazepam Withdrawal and Detox

Lorazepam Info

• Lorazepam Addiction and Abuse
• Lorazepam Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Lorazepam Treatment and Rehab
• Lorazepam Withdrawal and Detox

Many people become addicted to lorazepam due to the relaxing feeling it induces. It is easily abused by people who wish to achieve this sensation as often as possible.

Because it’s a prescription drug, most people don’t set out to abuse lorazepam from the onset. Doctors administer it to patients who suffer from anxiety or similar psychological health disorders. The drug acts by boosting the production of gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA), which calms brain activity.

Unfortunately, people build a tolerance to lorazepam over time. Even those who don’t use it recreationally are still at risk of dependence if they don’t consult a physician for guidance. If you’re dependent on lorazepam or any other anxiety medication, talk to a professional today.

What is Lorazepam?

Lorazepam is a popular anti-anxiety medication. A common brand name is Ativan. This benzodiazepine drug is not typically synthesised for long-term use, so many physicians often limit prescriptions to four to six months at a time.

The drug is available in 0.5mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0mg doses. It can be ingested orally as a pill or injected. Typical dosage involves taking 1mg – 2mg every 8 to 12 hours. The maximum dosage to be taken per day is 6mg – 8mg.

Although Lorazepam is essentially a prescription drug, some people do take it recreationally. If taken without a doctor’s recommendation, this is considered abuse. Under the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), it is classified as a Class C drug. Anybody caught in unlawful possession of or dealing this substance will be prosecuted by law.

Other ailments that may be treated with Lorazepam include insomnia, seizures and nausea.

Some people still refer to lorazepamby its old marketed names, Tranquil, Alzapam or Duralozam.

What is lorazepam used for?

In 1977, Lorazepam was approved for treating anxiety, insomnia and in some cases, depression, following anxiety. It has also been used off-label to treat ailments such as psychosis, partial seizures and epilepsy symptoms.

Lorazepam works by enhancing the effect of GABA in the brain. This chemical (which is (involved in regulating brain cell communication) serves to calm the body’s impulses and reaction to external stimuli. The release of GABA in the brain automatically diminishes symptoms associated with anxiety.

Lorazepam is different from other medicines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium), because it is shorter-acting and does not build up in the body due to repeated ingestion.

Causes of lorazepam addiction

Benzodiazepines are naturally addictive, so any consistent usage can easily lead to dependence. Many people start out as with a prescription from their doctor. Since they use it regularly, most don’t realise when they have crossed the safety threshold. People who use Lorazepam daily only discover they cannot function without it when they stop using it. By this point, dependence may have taken hold.

According to a study titled ‘Evidence-Based Diagnosis in Primary Care; Practical Solutions to Common Problems’, 40% of people addicted to benzodiazepines (such as lorazepam) aren’t even aware that they’re addicted.

If you use ‘benzos’ and discover they are not as effective, you’re likely to increase the dosage until you once again achieve the desired feeling. The danger of increasing the dosage without consulting a doctor is what constitutes abuse and subsequently addiction.

Abuse and addiction are not limited to legal users alone. People take lorazepam recreationally, without a medical prescription. Causes for such addictive behaviour have been attributed to the following:

• Genetic reasons (within the family)
• Biological reasons (pleasure-seeking behaviour due to anomalies in brain structure)
• Environmental reasons (influence of surroundings)
• Social reasons

With social causes in mind, teens or university students may cave in to peer pressure and form a habit due to frequent abuse.

How addictive is lorazepam?

Addictive properties of lorazepam

The risks attached to misusing the drug are quite high. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there is a 24% – 55% increased risk of severe consequences when lorazepam is consumed with alcohol or any opioid drug than when used separately.

The drug takes hold by altering the structure of the brain to adapt to its sedative effects. Frequently enhancing GABA in the brain causes structural changes that in turn allow the body to build tolerance. With prolonged use, tolerance can lead to dependence.

When someone develops physical or psychological dependence on a substance, they are said to be addicted. This means, if lorazepam is absent from the bloodstream, their body will react negatively and trigger withdrawal symptoms.

What does it mean to be addicted to lorazepam?

If you are taking more than the physician’s recommended dosage or using lorazepam recreationally, you are abusing it. The former is the most common method of abuse, as users feel the regular dosage no longer works for them. Abusing the drug frequently can lead to tolerance, which is when you take increased doses without necessarily feeling the effects, causing you to continue.

After a prolonged period of use, dependence sets in. When the brain develops a fixation on lorazepam, it cannot function normally without the drug. Subsequently, the brain displays a physical or psychological dependence on it.

This means within six to twelve hours since last using, your body will suffer uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you don’t take any more lorazepam. At this stage, it’s considered that you’re addicted to the substance.

Spotting lorazepam abuse

Addiction is a disease that has the potential to ruin a person’s life if they don’t receive treatment immediately. Unfortunately, most addicts are in denial and will not reach out for help, at least until things reach a critical point. It’s left for friends and loved ones to identify the signs early on and seek professional help for them.

Do you suspect a close friend or relative of abusing lorazepam? They’re probably no longer as keen on family activities as they used to be. Perhaps, your colleague at work seems to be unusually relaxed most of the time or your partner has suddenly started displaying uncharacteristic changes in personality? Pay close attention to even the smallest details, as this can save them from a lifetime of regret.

• Your physician’s prescription no longer works effectively, so you’ve increased the dosage yourself
• You feel uncomfortable/restless without lorazepam in your system
• You are obtaining lorazepam unlawfully (‘shopping’ from multiple doctors or buying via street dealers)
• You borrow money to buy lorazepam

For people with loved ones who abuse the drug, the following symptoms can be observed:

• They seem fixated on their prescription, complaining constantly about how ineffective it is
• They have multiple doctors with different prescriptions
• They seem regularly unable to function (drowsy, dizzy or delayed reflexes)
• They display reduced inhibitions
• Sudden personality changes, withdrawal from friends, borrowing money and isolation

Lorazepam binds to receptors in the brain, inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. When this happens, the chemical remains in the brain longer than is necessary. This prolongs the ‘high’ experienced by the abuser, whilst exposing them to a host of psychological complications.

Researchers have also linked lorazepam abuse to conditions such as:

Since many people combine benzos and alcohol, there is a high risk of liver cirrhosis and alcohol poisoning caused by excess tolerance tolorazepam.

Short-term effects of lorazepam

People who abuse lorazepam tend to appear generally satisfied with life in the first few minutes or hours of taking the drug. They may display feelings of euphoria and reduced inhibitions. However, as the drug wears off, it can cause the following short-term effects:

Feelings of depression and cravings will force the user to seek the drug for further consumption. When they do, the cycle continues.

Long-term effects of lorazepam

Abusing lorazepam over a protracted period often results in addiction. This can cause various physical and mental health complications, from co-occurrent medical disorders to physically-debilitating ailments, including:

Combining lorazepam and substances like alcohol can shut the body down, because they are both depressants capable of slowing down bodily functions. In severe cases, overdosing leads to coma or death.

Withdrawal effects of lorazepam abuse

Withdrawal severity varies with the level of dependence. When you develop dependence, your brain is unable to function normally without lorazepam. This sends it into shock and the effect is a physical or psychological reaction.

Where a person is highly dependent on lorazepam, sudden discontinuation will trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. If they aren’t overly dependent, the symptoms will be mild. Either way, withdrawal can make it very hard to quit.

Common withdrawal symptoms include seizures, psychotic episodes, depression, insomnia, depersonalisation, photosensitivity, dizziness, restlessness and other psychosomatic ailments.

Co-occurring disorders

Co-occurring disorders comprise associated mental health problems that occur because of a person’s drug abuse behaviour. Some disorders are generally used to diagnose a person’s addiction habits.

For example, people who abuse benzos such as lorazepam tend to also abuse alcohol, so they may in turn become alcoholics. Also known as dual diagnosis, doctors must consider a co-occurring disorder when treating addicted patients.

Other co-occurrent disorders include:

In cases of addiction, you may suffer anxiety attacks when the drug is absent from the bloodstream, causing youto further seek and abuse the drug.

Who is at risk of lorazepam abuse?

The first line of individuals at risk are those who take it for medical purposes. So, if you suffer from anxiety attacks and your physician recommends lorazepam, ensure you use it with caution.

Recreational users are also at risk. Teenagers and young adults who seek the ‘high’ associated with benzos take lorazepam recreationally. As such, this group are also at risk of forming dependence. Pregnant women who use benzosmight also be exposing their unborn babiesto certain risks.

Teen lorazepam abuse and addiction

Many teenagers take lorazepam for recreational purposes, not because they suffer from anxiety. It’s easy for them to access these drugs if a parent already uses them. Unknown to many parents, their children can forge prescriptions or obtain these drugs by purchasing them on the street.

The initial euphoric effect can throw any young person into a life of addiction,as they then try to relive the experience repeatedly. In addition, many users are unaware of the addictive properties of lorazepam; when they do come to realise the danger, it’s usually too late.

The cost of lorazepam addiction

As is common with most addictions, you could find yourself spending money you don’t have to keep up the expensive habit. However, lorazepam addiction has many others costs than just financial.

Other areas of your life which could suffer include:

• Your job: Low productivity and inability to deliver
• Your relationship: Addiction strains romance and friendship
• Your children: You can lose custody because you’re deemed unfit to take care of them
• Your social life: You may become socially isolated
• Your health: Addiction is accompanied by several physical and mental health complications

Relationship between lorazepam and other substances

Likewise, mixing lorazepam with a stimulant like cocaine can produce a chemical conflict, as cocaine serves to enhance body functions, where as lorazepam is a relaxant. In both cases, the danger of overdosing is considerably high.

Lorazepam overdose explained

People who mix lorazepam with other intoxicating substances are at risk of overdosing, because each drug can negate the effect of the other. When this happens, a user will then take more to feel intoxicated.

However, excess ingestion can go beyond healthy thresholds and send the user’s body into shock. While lorazepam overdose is not considered fatal, it can cause severe respiratory depression if combined with alcohol. Symptoms may include seizures, headaches, nausea or coma, in worst case scenarios.

If you suspect someone is overdosing, call for medical attention immediately.

What to do if you need help quitting

Quitting lorazepam is usually difficult, but not impossible. With the right treatment and support, you should be able to recover and attain full sobriety. However, it will require a strong commitment on your part to do so.

Start by contacting an addiction expert or counsellor. They will ask about your abuse history and determine your level of dependence. After that, you’ll be referred to a physician, who will plan the detoxification process. They will also recommend an inpatient or outpatient rehab programme, depending on the severity of your dependence.

Physical symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Light sensitivity
• Dizziness

Psychological symptoms include:

• Depression
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Tension

Depersonalisation is another psychological symptom where the patient’s thoughts will seem disconnected from their body.

Duration and timeline of lorazepam withdrawal

The duration of withdrawal usually depends on the severity of the addiction. People with less dependence often experience a shorter withdrawal period. Conversely, those with a higher level of dependence will likely go through extended periods of withdrawal. A standard duration of withdrawal ranges from 14 – 30 days or more.

Withdrawal typically starts 36 – 48 hours after the last dose has been consumed. It begins with severe physical symptoms, which peak on the third day and gradually abate. However, psychological symptoms follow shortly afterwards. People who suffer a longer withdrawal period must deal with issues such as depression, tinnitus, anxiety, neuromuscular problems and paraesthesia.

If you’re detoxing in an accredited facility, a doctor will prescribe medication for any discomfort. Detoxing on your own or without a professional to hand is not recommended.

Lorazepam addiction treatment

Treatment for lorazepam occurs immediately after detox and follows a successful detoxification. There are two major types of rehab: inpatient service (where you’ll check in for 30 days or more) and outpatient service (where you’re able to resume home and work responsibilities whilst being treated). Inpatient treatment is often recommended for severe addiction as it provides scope for complete treatment and full recovery.

Therapy for lorazepam recovery

During rehab, you’ll have regular meetings with an addiction counsellor, who will help you understand the root cause of your addiction and how to avoid relapse. The counsellor will also use specialised methods to help you change your orientation towards lorazepam.

Common techniques include:

• Motivational therapy
• Behavioural therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Some centres use alternative methods such as meditation therapy, acupuncture, group exercise therapy and pet therapy.

Possible complications

Complications such as mental disturbances and uncontrollable seizures may occur if you don’t get help from the right professionals. Therefore, quitting ‘cold-turkey’ is ill-advised.

When to contact a medical professional

If you or someone you care about is showing signs of abuse, get help immediately. Whether you’re seeking increased dosage or suffering from cravings, find out how serious the situation is. If you’re unsure, book an appointment with your doctor.

Lorazepam recovery plan and detox

Once a doctor establishes that you are dependent, they will initiate a recovery plan. This is an itemised calendar of events for activities you will undergo from treatment through to recovery. Such a plan usually starts with detox, where you’ll gradually be weaned off lorazepam until you are considered ‘clean’. Then, you will undergo therapy and additional support, even after you’ve left rehabilitation.

Medical Detox for lorazepam

During detoxification, you’ll go through withdrawal. This stage triggers various forms of discomfort that will often be treated with medication. From flu symptoms to psychological disturbances such as depression, psychosis and paranoia, only a qualified doctor should help you through this process.

Common medications to ease lorazepam withdrawal are:

• Suboxone
• Methadone

However, it is important that the doctor administers medication with caution to avoid substituting one addictive drug with another.

Lorazepam addiction statistics

• Lorazepam is one of the most abused prescription medicines,as it is frequently issued for anxiety and similar disorders.
• In 2011, it was reported that a total of 24 million lorazepam prescriptions were dispensed.
• According to research, 12.9% of people who misuse lorazepam also misuse another drug. Meanwhile, 82.1% of those who misuse another drug also misuse lorazepam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find help?

You can consult your doctor for advice. For a more specialised solution, call one of the addiction helplines in the UK to find out more about treatment for lorazepam abuse and addiction.

External Links

• https://drugabuse.com/library/lorazepam-abuse/
• https://www.addictioncenter.com/benzodiazepines/ativan/

• https://www.greenhousetreatment.com/lorazepam-treatment/

• https://luxury.rehabs.com/lorazepam-addiction/

• https://americanaddictioncenters.org/ativan-treatment/addiction-symptoms/

• https://drugabuse.com/library/list-of-street-names-for-drugs/

• https://www.dependency.net/learn/lorazepam/

• https://www.drugfree.com/drug-guide/lorazepam-abuse/

• https://www.projectknow.com/prescription-drugs/lorazepam/

• https://www.withdrawal.net/learn/lorazepam/

• lorazepamabusehelp.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-addicted-to-lorazepam