Ativan Pictures: Understanding Addiction and Treatment

Drug misuse, abuse and addiction changes lives tremendously and Ativan pictures are no different. Between 2006 and 2011, 800000 ER cases were due to prescription abuse; 32% of which were benzodiazepine related. Also called Lorazepam, Ativan is primarily a prescription medication for anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia and sedation. This drug is particularly abused due to the high potency of its benzodiazepine content, unlike what most mainstream over-the-counter antidepressants offer. Ativan works like any other alcoholic drink; it slows down the overall functionalities of the brain and central nervous system making the user feel relaxed. Per se, this creates a high probability of abuse and consequent addiction which results in severe consequences.

Ativan Medical Use

It occurs as a white concentrate that is largely water and oil insoluble, and is thus concocted as tablets, syrups, intravenous injections, or skin patches. Medical practitioners typically prescribe the drug strictly for short-term use (usually not more than 4 weeks and not recommended for children and the elderly). Originally introduced for interim treatment of anxiety disorders, Ativan's powerful sedative and hypnotic effects have extended its application to a range of cerebral and nervous system related disorders. With a short half life of between 10 to 20 hours, Ativan pictures show that it has a high potential for abuse when a patient deviates from what is prescribed even slightly.

Combined with its potent sedative and anxiolytic effects, Ativan is used as premedication to induce short-range amnesia particularly when administered together with an anesthetic. It reduces the amounts of anesthetic required, heightens submission, reduces agitation, and moderates unpleasant awake procedures for instance endoscopy. This amnesic effect may be detrimental when the drug is overdosed; pharmacologists advise not more than 2mg a day. Ativan is also used in conjunction with other medication for treatment of epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, adverse effects of chemotherapy due to antiemetic effect, among other disorders.

Misuse and Adverse Effects

Ativan is a powerful drug providing a wide range of immediate solutions for a myriad of problems. Essentially, Ativan pictures show that there are six benzodiazepine effects; sedative, amnesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antiemetic, and muscle relaxation. Each of the intrinsic actions is complemented with equally powerful hazards when the drug is abused.

Long-term use creates tolerance, which in most cases reintroduces the initial disorders which were being treated. Tolerance to Ativan forces the user to get more of the drug which increases the risk of dependence due to high doses. Since only high dosage can achieve the desire effects, reducing intake means the risk of adverse effects. Such high dosage retards the nervous system, normal cognitive functions and even respiratory functions. Typical effects of overuse include sedation, depression, lethargy, confusion, clumsiness, lack of muscle coordination (ataxia), impaired memory, and increased aggression just to mention a few. Abnormal use of benzodiazepines is also attributed to suicidal tendencies especially for psychiatric patients and persons with personal disorders.

Withdrawal Syndrome

More than 30% of Ativan users develop dependence for the drug after 4 weeks of continued use. Given its short half-life, potency and efficacy, sudden withdrawal from Ativan produces more acute effects than other abused drugs. Even standard and short-term users may experience withdrawal symptoms. As such, slow and progressive abating is recommended regardless of the level of usage.

Ativan pictures of withdrawal symptoms reveal a range in severity depending on the dosage, duration of use, conditions treated, age of patient, as well as psychological and physiological status of the body. They include intensified rebound effects, anxiety, panic attacks, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, seizures, dysphoria, short-term memory loss, tachycardia, cardiovascular and respiratory depression, coma and even death.

Ativan Addiction Treatment

Detoxification should only occur under the guidance of a trained specialist. Supportive emergency techniques (e.g. antidote such as Flumazenil) differ depending on the medical complications. Common detox processes involve substituting with other long-acting benzodiazepines such as Valium, Ambien, Klonopin and Xanax. This switch makes reduction of dosage and gradual withdrawal less unpleasant. Stabilizing Ativan doses through equally divided portions of the drug for an extended period helps maintain body balance. This is followed by a steady switch to another benzodiazepine with an equivalent dosage. An Ativan rehabilitation program should have a comprehensive stabilization plan as well as psychological counseling, coping mechanisms, behavioral modification programs, cognitive therapy, and peer support.

Just like any other addiction such as cocaine and crystal meth, Ativan pictures are grim, but more difficult to handle considering that Ativan is not illegal. Success in fighting this addiction lies in understanding how the drug works, the motivation for abuse, and a tactful approach in rehabilitating abusers.