The Shocking Ativan Addiction Statistics

Ativan is also generically known as Lorazepam and belongs to a group of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines. It works by slowing down the brain functions and nervous system of the person taking it. It is commonly prescribed by doctors for the treatment of anxiety, depression and insomnia. Patients are left feeling relaxed and calm once the drug has had its desired effect, although it's common for a person to feel drowsy and a little uncoordinated until their body becomes used to the drug.

Addiction

Ativan addiction statistics show that 7.4 percent of teenagers admitted using prescription drugs for relaxation purposes. Although this figure covers a variety of prescription drugs, Ativan was one of the more common drugs that teenagers abused. According to a report by Treatment Episode Data Set in 2011, over 60,000 people who sought drug abuse treatment, were addicted to a type of benzodiazepine, of which Ativan is one.

If Ativan is taken in the dose as prescribed by a doctor and is only used for a maximum of four months, there are usually no problems with addiction. However, many patients develop a tolerance to the drug, and so over the course of time they need to take more of it to have the required affect. Once a person's body becomes used to Ativan, a psychological and physical need to increase the drug dosage will occur.

Ativan is always prescribed in low doses and patients are advised to take only two doses each day. This is based on the fact that each pill will have an effect for six to twelve hours. If taken orally, a patient should feel the effects of the drug within 2 hours but if injected, the effects are felt within 15 minutes.

Ativan is one of the three most commonly abused benzodiazepines in the USA and can be linked to over half of suicides which were caused by pharmaceutical drugs. The potential to become addicted to Ativan is higher than other drugs and the cravings are reported to be extremely strong and irresistible.

Ativan Addiction Statistics - Signs of Addiction

A person will soon realise that they have fallen into an unhealthy pattern with the drug, when their entire life appears to revolve around their next does of Ativan. Relaxation and sleep becomes impossible without a dose and users may also notice physical and mental symptoms such as restlessness, blurred vision, difficulty in concentrating, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and lack of coordination.

People often become so desperate to get hold of the drug that they frequently change doctors, or even steal prescription pads. Because over use of Ativan can bring about personality changes, it's not uncommon for a normally mild-mannered person to become aggressive and violent. The tension that an addict will experience could be the driving force behind unusual anti-social behaviour and criminal acts.

It's near impossible to stop taking Ativan alone so it's always necessary to visit a doctor for advice. A person who is abusing Ativan would have to be gradually weaned off the drug over a period of time to lesson the withdrawal effects. It may seem unbelievable, but many Ativan users become addicted by accident due to the fact their bodies become tolerant to the drugs effects over prolonged use. Addiction generally happens because Ativan alters the normal function of the brains reward system by slowing it down and causing an user to feel that their normal dose is no longer working. Doctors can choose to send patients who are having problems with Ativan to an Ativan drug or rehab facility which specialize in Ativan addiction.

Ativan Addiction Statistics and Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can be terrifying and confusing for a person who has suddenly stopped taking the drug. Users may have impaired motor functions and may become inarticulate and incoherent. Other commonly known withdrawal symptoms are insomnia, diarrhea, personality changes, amnesia, vomiting, anxiety, irritability and possible seizures. In some cases, Ativan users have experienced severe tremors which have actually escalated into full blown seizures and even repertory arrest.

Because of the confusion that is felt as a result of Ativan withdrawal, it's common for people to fall over and injure themselves which can often lead to further unrelated health problems. If a person becomes consumed with finding their next fix because they can no longer tolerate the withdrawal process, then they should seek help immediately no matter what time of day it is. An emergency room is a good place to start if it's the middle of the night and there are specially trained staff that can help an addict who is suffering.