Is Ativan Addictive? Lorazepam Addiction Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

Is Ativan addictive?

Ativan is a potent benzodiazepine that has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Slang terms for Ativan include goofballs, heavenly blues, stupefy, or simply benzos. Taking Ativan for any period can lead to physical and psychological dependence based on several factors, including genetics and personal history. People with a history of drug and alcohol abuse or untreated mental health disorders are at a greater risk of developing an Ativan dependence.

Those who are addicted to Ativan may experience cravings and continue to use despite any problems it may cause in their life, such as:

• Issues with family or friends
• Failing to follow through with work, or home obligations
• Getting into dangerous situations
• Losing interest in what used to matter
• Social Isolation
• Financial Issues

Is Ativan habit forming? A habitual user will eventually need more Ativan to produce the same effects. Often, clients addicted to benzo are aware they have a problem and may even desire to quit, but they cannot. Withdrawal symptoms can make quitting even more difficult. Getting admitted to an Atavan rehab facility can help those struggling with Ativan dependence overcome their habit as safely and successfully as possible.

How Addictive is Ativan?

Is Ativan addicting? Ativan is a strong benzodiazepine with a high risk of abuse and dependence. Ativan is known by slang names including Goofballs, Heavenly Blues, Stupefy, or just Benzos. Based on a variety of variables, including genetics and personal history, taking Ativan for any length of time might result in physical and psychological dependence. An increased risk of Ativan overuse exists in those with a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse or untreated mental health conditions.

Can Ativan Get You High?

Yes. When taken in higher dosages than recommended, Ativan, like many addictive anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping prescriptions, can cause a high. Getting high on Ativan can be detrimental because of its well-known ability to become addictive and habit-forming. Ativan can have negative side effects that could potentially be deadly when taken in higher doses than recommended, just like any prescription medication.

Understanding Ativan (Lorazepam)

Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam; an anti-anxiety medication also prescribed to treat other ailments ranging from insomnia to epilepsy.  It is classified as a long-acting benzodiazepine and is rarely prescribed for longer than four months at a time due to its high potency.  Instead, Ativan is commonly prescribed during alcohol detoxification to temporarily manage withdrawal symptoms.

Ativan belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, or “benzos.”  These drugs block the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) to slow hyperactive mental processes.  The substance is typically sold as a quick-dissolve tablet, though it is sometimes found in concentrated, colorless liquid as well.  When used as prescribed, Ativan is usually consumed orally.  However, it should only be administered intravenously through IV drip by a healthcare professional due to the high potential for abuse.

After taking Ativan, it takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to feel the drug’s full effects.  After that, it typically takes 20 to 100 hours for the drug to leave a person’s system.

Learn More:

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95 %

The proportion of patients admitted to the hospital for Benzodiazepine abuse who were also abusing another substance.

Source: NCBI

10.5+ Million

Number of prescriptions for Ativan written in 2020.

Source: NIH

Ativan Effects and Abuse

What does lorazepam feel like? Because Ativan is legal to use with a prescription, some people may not realize they’re abusing the drug.  Taking more significant amounts of Ativan than prescribed, taking medicine more often than prescribed, and taking the medication for longer than prescribed are considered abuse.  Using Ativan without a prescription to achieve a high is also abuse.

Ativan helps balance chemicals in the brain that can cause anxiety.  When taken in substantial doses, it binds to particular receptors in the brain to produce a fleeting, intense high, followed by a prolonged state of calm.  The effects of Ativan include:

• A Sense of Calm
• Muscle Relaxation
• Drowsiness

• Depression
• Memory problem
• Learning difficulties

• Rebound anxiety
• Restlessness
• Loss of pleasure in day-to-day experiences

Signs of Ativan Overdose

When combined with other substances, like alcohol, the relaxing effects of Ativan are even more substantial.  In addition, because Ativan is very potent and can seem harmless as a prescription drug, it is a prime candidate for both accidental and intentional abuse, as well as an accidental overdose. 

• Mental Confusion
• Slurred Speech
• Lack of Energy
• Loss of Control of Body Movements
• Muscle Weakness
• Low Blood Pressure
• Slow Breathing
• Passing Out
• Coma

Serious Side Effects

• Shortness of breath, trouble speaking, feeling very tired, dizziness, or passing out.
• Increased heart rate, headache, memory impairment, irritability, restlessness
• Some clients are taking benzodiazepines to develop a severe allergic reaction and swelling of the face.  This can occur as early as the first dose.
• Some people taking benzodiazepines for sleep have experienced various behaviors while asleep/not fully awake, such as sleep-driving, making phone calls, and preparing or eating food.  The individuals have no memory of the events when they awaken.
• Signs of feeling depressed or low mood, thoughts of harming or killing yourself, or lacking interest in life.

Common Side Effects

How addictive is Ativan? Like many medicines, Ativan can lead to physical dependence. Physical Ativan dependence is characterized by two major symptoms. To achieve the desired therapeutic impact or recreational “high,” a person must first build up their tolerance to the drug in their body. Unfortunately, the risk of overdosing rises as tolerance develops and dosage increases. Second, because of their heightened tolerance, those who abuse Ativan frequently experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it altogether or use it just in small doses. Addiction can be distinguished from physical dependence.

Addiction has a component of dependence, however, not everyone who is physically reliant will develop an Ativan dependence. Ativan dependence typically manifests as mental and behavioral symptoms. For instance, procuring and taking Ativan frequently requires more time, effort, and resources, which has a detrimental influence on duties to one’s job, family, community, and/or self.