Ativan Withdrawal & Detox

Ativan is a brand formulation of lorazepam, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.¹ While they have a number of therapeutic uses when prescribed, benzodiazepines also carry a potential for abuse and dependence, particularly in individuals who misuse other substances.¹ Though it may be prescribed for medical use, Ativan is also widely diverted for non-medical misuse.^1,2 Misuse increases the risk of developing physiological dependence on Ativan, at which point individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms from Ativan when attempting to cut back on or altogether quit use.³ This article will discuss the symptoms of Ativan withdrawal, including how long it lasts, what to expect during and after detox, and how to find Ativan addiction treatment.

What Happens During Ativan Withdrawal?

Even when Ativan is used as prescribed, some degree of physical dependence may develop in as little as two weeks.³ Dependence develops as a result of our bodies adapting to lorazepam over time. A person can essentially become so used the drug’s presence that, should they reduce their usage or stop completely, withdrawal symptoms begin.⁴

The Ativan withdrawal syndrome includes several characteristic symptoms, including anxiety, dysphoria, tremors, and even seizures.1 The dose and duration of Ativan use can affect withdrawal symptom severity.¹ Unpleasant Ativan withdrawal symptoms are one of the reasons many people find it hard to stop using the drug.⁴

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from lorazepam can include various unpleasant physical and mental symptoms, but the specifics may be different for everyone. Symptoms and side effects of Ativan withdrawal can range from mild to severe and depend on various factors. Although withdrawal is different for everyone, lorazepam withdrawal symptoms may include:^1,3

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be unpleasant to experience. In more severe cases, it can be dangerous if left untreated. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of Ativan withdrawal, always consult a medical professional to determine appropriate next steps to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Ativan Withdrawal Timeline

How long does Ativan withdrawal last? Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can last between 1-4 weeks when use abruptly ends or, in instances of therapeutic use, take 3-5 weeks when reducing the dose gradually over time under the guidance of a doctor.⁵

Some symptoms may emerge after the more usual acute Ativan withdrawal period as part of a phenomenon known as protracted withdrawal.⁵ Protracted withdrawal from Ativan may include symptoms of fluctuating severity that can resemble those associated with conditions such as generalized anxiety, agitated depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or schizophrenia.⁵ Should they emerge beyond the acute withdrawal period, these fluctuating protracted withdrawal symptoms can persist for months, but will gradually resolve with continued abstinence.⁵

Factors that Impact Ativan Withdrawal

The course that benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms take can be difficult to predict. Various factors can influence your Ativan withdrawal symptoms, their intensity, and how long they will last. Any person who has taken a benzodiazepine, such as Ativan, for more than 3-4 weeks is at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.⁶ Some people may be more likely to experience intense withdrawal symptoms than others.

Some factors that can impact Ativan withdrawal include:^1,3

• The dose of Ativan you last took. Having been consistently taking a larger dose of Ativan may lead to a more prolonged withdrawal period or more severe symptoms.
• How long you have been using Ativan overall. Using Ativan long-term may result in a longer withdrawal.
• Whether or not you have used other drugs at the same time as Ativan, such as opioids. Polysubstance abuse may lead to a more complicated or severe withdrawal syndrome and can be additionally dangerous.
• Whether you have reduced the dose of Ativan you are taking but are still taking a smaller amount. To stop taking Ativan cold turkey may result in relatively rapid onset of acute withdrawal symptoms. Doing so without medical management can be unnecessarily uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Always talk to a healthcare provider before discontinuing use.

Because of the risks, a supervised Ativan detox program may be recommended, as outpatient detox is recommended only for individuals who take benzodiazepine doses as prescribed; do not have polysubstance dependence; and have a stable, supportive environment at home where they can be monitored.⁷ Your healthcare provider will assess the risk factors mentioned above and protective factors like your support system, readiness for change, and housing stability.⁶ Depending on this assessment, an Ativan detox program may help you to safely go through the withdrawal process at the start of your recovery efforts.

Is Ativan Withdrawal Dangerous?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be unpleasant to experience and, for some people, it can be dangerous if left untreated. Additionally, those who use more than one substance at a time and are dealing with polysubstance abuse may experience more complicated or severe withdrawal symptoms.³ Withdrawal symptoms can also be more extreme for those who have decided to stop using lorazepam and quit cold turkey. This could lead to a rapid onset of acute withdrawal symptoms that could be uncomfortable or even potentially dangerous.²

Because there is potential risk associated with Ativan withdrawal, it is recommended that individuals seek a medical detox so that their withdrawal symptoms can be managed in a safe and comfortable environment.

Medical Detox for Ativan

Professional Ativan detox programs vary in their approach based on your needs, strengths, and risk factors. If you are at lower risk of complications, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to manage withdrawal and/or monitor your withdrawal progress in an outpatient setting.^6,7 Higher-risk patients may need to be stabilized in a hospital setting to prevent medical complications, then stepped down to a residential therapy setting after completing detox.^6,7

Medications used to manage withdrawal during a medical detox may include relatively longer-acting benzodiazepine substitutions for Ativan.^6,7 Regardless of whether medication is utilized, the main goal of professional Ativan detox programs is to monitor your symptoms and help you to withdraw safely.⁶

When it comes to treatment, it’s important to find the program that is right for you. To learn more about detox, residential addiction treatment, outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs, and additional treatment options, reach out to on of our admissions navigators today at . They can provide the information, support, and guidance that you need as you begin on the road to recovery.

What to Do After Detoxing from Ativan

For many people, detox may be only the first step of treatment after withdrawing from Ativan. After detox and successful withdrawal management, continuing forward with additional, more comprehensive treatment programming can help people as they work toward long-term recovery.

While currently there are no medications specifically approved to manage sedative use disorders,  behavioral therapy can help individuals understand the triggers that lead them to using.⁷ This can include approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy or motivational interviewing.^5,6 It may also include participation in peer support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous.⁵ Regardless of the approach, professional detox programs can help you detox from Ativan and begin your work toward long-term sobriety.

If you are unsure about where to start when it comes to looking for treatment, contact one of our admission navigators and they can assist you in finding the right program for you. You can also look at some of the facilities listed below to see if they provide what you are looking for:

• California: Laguna Treatment Center
• Florida: Recovery First Treatment Center
• Florida: River Oaks Treatment Center
• Nevada: Desert Hope Treatment Center
• Mississippi: Oxford Treatment Center
• Texas: Greenhouse Treatment Center

If you or a loved one are struggling with Ativan misuse, We are available 24/7.

Check Your Insurance Coverage For Ativan Detox & Treatment

American Addiction Centers can help people detox from Ativan misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs). Many people want to use health insurance coverage for addiction treatment. To find out if your insurance covers treatment at an American Addiction Centers facility, click here, or fill out the form below. Your information is kept 100% confidential. If you don’t have insurance, or think your plan might not cover the costs of treatment, you can find out about alternative payment options.You can also click here to find a rehab near me.