Ativan addiction is a medical condition which includes physical dependence, drug cravings and uncontrolled use of the drug. The length of time that it takes for Ativan addiction to develop is dependent on many factors including drug dosage and frequency of use. Personal biological factors such as drug metabolism rates may also play a part. Addiction to benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan can develop very quickly.

Development of Ativan Addiction

Because physical dependence on Ativan develops rapidly, it is recommended only for short-term use. The recommended therapeutic timeframe is two to four weeks. These recommendations are based on facts such as the following:

• Physical dependence (evidenced by drug withdrawal when Ativan is not regularly consumed) develops in about one-third of people who take the drug at medically approved levels for longer than four weeks
• Addiction symptoms can be seen after only a week of Ativan use
• Within three months of beginning regular benzodiazepine use, almost a third of users develop a full addiction
• Ativan generally loses medical effectiveness after four to six months which is evidence of extensive brain adaptations in users

Ativan Addiction Risk Factors and Complications

Although anyone can become addicted to Ativan, those who abuse alcohol are at higher risk. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that people who abuse alcohol are 18 times more likely to use prescription drugs like Ativan non-medically than people who don’t drink. They also note that people under the age of 25 are most at risk of abusing both alcohol and prescription drugs.

People who were originally prescribed Ativan to treat a medical condition may have more trouble determining whether or not they have become addicted than people who began taking the drug recreationally. Part of the difficulty that people sometimes have is that withdrawal symptoms mimic conditions for which they may have originally been prescribed the medication. Anxiety and insomnia, in particular, are symptoms that may have originally prompted Ativan use, but are also symptoms of withdrawal and physical dependence on the drug. Addiction treatment professionals can help determine whether or not an underlying problem still exists and needs to be treated along with the addiction, or whether or not symptoms are likely to resolve with addiction treatment.

Taking the Next Step in Ativan Abuse or Addiction Recovery

If you have questions about Ativan addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, we can help you find answers. Our 24 hour helpline is staffed with people ready to provide you with the information you need to plan your next step. We can discuss your options and check your insurance coverage, if desired. The call is toll-free and confidential, so you have nothing to lose. Call today.