Some of the most prescribed drugs on the market are called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, or more commonly known as “benzos,” uniquely impact the body, causing dangerous mental and physical effects on those using the drug. Benzos are very helpful in treating many mental illnesses and sleep disorders, which is why they are so commonly prescribed. However, how these drugs, especially a benzodiazepine with the trade name of Ativan, impact brain chemistry which can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. This is especially true when they are used improperly or illegally. This is why the drug is prescribed for short-term use only.
Do you need a benzo rehab center? Call us today at 866.931.6429.
How Benzos Lead to Addiction Problems
Most people who abuse benzos choose the higher potency ones and take a shorter time to feel the effects. A short-acting drug like Xanax is popular because of the rapid, intense buzz that results. The popular, stronger benzodiazepines are also more addictive than low-potency drugs, but any of them could lead to addiction when abused. For those who have a history of addiction or those who know they have addictive tendencies, understanding the available strengths and what the drug can do is important, even before taking them as prescribed.
More on Ativan And Other Potent Benzos
Like all different kinds of prescription medications, benzodiazepine drugs are made for different levels of efficacy and potency, leading to various half-life time frames it takes for the drug to leave the body. Ativan, medically known as lorazepam, is a long-acting benzo with a half-life that makes it potent, powerful, and ripe for abuse.
Ativan is a stimulant drug that is sometimes used as a party drug. It is similar to methamphetamine and can produce similar effects, including increased energy, alertness, and pleasure. Ativan use can also lead to side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and aggression.
Ativan use comes with a number of risks. The most serious risk is that of overdose, which can lead to death. It is also a highly addictive drug, meaning that those who use it regularly can quickly develop a tolerance and dependency. This can lead to financial, legal, and personal problems. Finally, Ativan use can result in long-term health problems such as liver damage and brain damage.
This drug is strong. In fact, Ativan is one of the most potent drugs out there on the market, offering a maximum half-life of 24 hours, with only takes 30 minutes to be able to feel its effects. The more potent a benzodiazepine, the faster you will feel its effects, and the more it will produce the sedative-like and calming effects that these drugs are known for. How long these drugs will last before you need another dose is referred to as the drug’s half-life.
Some Key Facts About Ativan Misuse
- Ativan tablets and liquid start to work in around 20 to 30 minutes. The full sedating effect lasts for around six to eight hours.
- The most common side effect is feeling sleepy (tired) during the daytime.
- It’s not recommended to use Ativan for longer than four weeks.
- If Ativan makes you feel sleepy, do not drive, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Ativan. It can make you sleep very deeply.
It’s possible to become addicted to Ativan. Withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours of your last dose and can include sweating, shaking, confusion, and anxiety. If you take too much Ativan, it can slow down your breathing and heart rate so much that it becomes life-threatening.
Evoke Wellness at Cohasset Can Help
No matter the strength, the potency, how long the benzo lasts, or how fast it takes effect, they are all capable of causing dependency and addiction. This is where Evoke Wellness at Cohasset can help. The health threat posed by withdrawal is one of the main reasons a benzo detox is necessary. Our team performs benzo detox on a medical basis, prescribing replacement drugs on a decreasing schedule until the withdrawal symptoms dissipate. Unfortunately, it is incredibly difficult for long-term benzo users to stop independently. Evoke Wellness at Cohasset detox allows the benzo user to continue their life during the process. The patient leaves our program stabilized, in good health, and ready to start their lives again.
Create your own success story. Call us today at 866.931.6429 and take that first step toward recovery.
