Ativan Addition & How To Overcome It
Of all the prescription drugs available to treat anxiety and depression, Ativan is the one which causes the most people to become addicted and reliant on such medications. Unfortunately, it is unknown why Ativan is so addictive, when compared to other similar drugs. Perhaps this is why some clinicians and GPs hesitate to prescribe it to individuals who have had addiction problems in the past.
Since the drug's development in 1977, the potential for people to become addicted to benzodiazepines has been well documented. Given that it is a medium action drug with fast acting results, many users feel that they would be unable to stop taking the medication they were asked to.
Additionally, given the positive effects of the drug causes, many are worried that if they were to stop taking it, they would slip back to the way that they were previously - which may have been a more negative state than the one of the present time.
Ativan Addiction In The Brain
Addiction begins on the brain. When Ativan is administered, serotonin levels increase because of an increase in the output of melatonin being produced by the body. Melatonin is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for all of the happy, pleasurable, elated, and euphoric experiences that we encounter during our lives. It is the body's way of saying that everything is okay and that you should feel relaxed and at ease.
Clearly, given its ability to reduce stress and make us happy, the worry is that we discussed in the first segment are certainly warranted. What we must remember however is that it is not natural for the body to be breaking down these chemicals on a regular basis. Ativan addition can occur after just seven days of taking the drug, which is a relatively short time span - and one which may trick and trap a lot of consumers.
Already Addicted To Ativan?
So what if you are already addicted to Ativan? What things can be done to reverse the addiction, so that you are able to live a drug-free life without any side-effects?
One of the best things to do is to “taper” or “wean” yourself off the drug. This is the process whereby the dosage you consume each day decreases on a regular basis, eventually reaching either minimal or zero levels.
The success of such a program for Ativan addiction has been proven by research, and will no doubt be recommended by your doctor.