Lorazepam also known as Ativan, is considered to be one of the more potent benzodiazepines. Its pleasurable effects can compel users to consume increasing quantities. As frequency of consumption and dosage increase, so too does tolerance. The user is perpetually chasing the initial high and a cycle of abuse begins.
Over time, the body becomes used to the presence of lorazepam and adjusts accordingly; unable to function normally without it. Once physically addicted, if use stops, the body demands the drug by means of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, insomnia, tremors, and even seizures can occur. Someone addicted to lorazepam will compulsively seek it out despite an awareness of the adverse consequences and they may require a dedicated Lorazepam detox programme to help them recover.
Why is Lorazepam (Ativan) Addictive?
Lorazepam works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, leading to a calming, sedative effect. When lorazepam increases GABA activity, it reduces anxiety, induces relaxation, and can cause feelings of euphoria in some individuals. For those with a prescription, lorazepam can be readily available. When combined with its effects, this accessibility can increase the risk of misuse and addiction, especially if the medication is not used as directed.
Worried that your Lorazepam use has got out of hand and want help? Contact our Treatment Advisors for a free assessment.
Understanding Lorazepam (Ativan) addiction requires a deeper look into how this drug interacts with the brain and the body, why it can lead to dependence and addiction, and the impact of this addiction on individuals.
Individuals using Lorazepam may believe that they cannot manage their anxiety, stress, or daily life without the drug. This belief can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behaviour, where obtaining and using lorazepam becomes a priority over other aspects of life.
A prescription-only medicine in the UK, lorazepam is recognised as being habit-forming with a high potential for abuse.
Addiction to lorazepam develops for a number of reasons and is generally the consequence of consistent recreational abuse or unwitting misuse.
Environmental Factors
While lorazepam addiction often occurs as a result of polysubstance abuse, dependence is rising in those without a prior history.
There are factors that may influence the likelihood of lorazepam addiction. Spending time around people who abuse drugs may influence behaviour. Parental guidance plays a big part in the likelihood of someone developing an addiction. Children who are exposed to drug abuse are more at risk of developing their own problem later in life.
Peer pressure can also result in recreational drug use. Teens are especially prone to engaging in risky behaviours; the areas in the brain that manage judgement and self-control are still developing at that age.
Equally, trauma or a challenging life experience can push someone to use in an effort to self-medicate difficult emotions.
Psychological Factors
Different psychological factors can increase the risk of substance misuse. As lorazepam is used to treat mental health conditions, it’s understandably more likely to be misused and co-occur as a problem alongside the mental health issue.
Repeatedly misusing lorazepam to self-medicate a mental health condition can become habitual and result in a substance use disorder. Dual diagnosis of this type is significantly more complex and requires specialist care.
Genetic Predisposition
While some people may be able to use lorazepam therapeutically, others will feel a strong impulse to consume it to excess.
Neuroscience has shown that people have varying levels of ability and brain function to control impulsive urges. If these genes are passed down through the generations, family members can be more prone to developing addiction problems.
Changes in Brain Chemistry
Long-term lorazepam abuse affects the brain’s chemical systems and functions, resulting in psychological addiction. An addict will compulsively consume lorazepam despite an awareness of the adverse consequences. Stopping use becomes a struggle and will inevitably require professional help.
It’s also thought that taking lorazepam over a long period of time may result in physical neurological damage.
The stigma surrounding addiction and an addict’s subsequent efforts to hide their physical dependence can make lorazepam abuse difficult to identify.
Addiction tends to get worse over time. If identified early, it may be possible to avoid the major consequences of the disease. Spotting the warning signs can aid intervention.
Physical Symptoms
- Drowsiness and sluggishness
- Sleeping for extended periods of time
- Cognitive impairment
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea or vomiting
Behavioural Symptoms
- Avoiding contact with loved ones
- Repeated lying, dishonesty or deceit
- Poor performance at work or school
- Mood swings
- Decreased participation in activities or hobbies
- Self-isolation and secretive behaviour
- Neglecting daily responsibilities
Any time someone uses lorazepam without, or contrary to, a prescription, it is considered to be abuse. If used recreationally, lorazepam is often consumed with alcohol to achieve a desired buzz.
The assumption is that recreational lorazepam use involves an element of control. In reality, any abuse of controlled drugs is harmful to your health.
The term addiction usually refers to a physical dependence but it generally means a psychological one too. An inability to refrain from using lorazepam is the first symptom of addiction.
The Impacts of Lorazepam Addiction on Your Life
As drug use takes increasing priority, it jeopardises personal and professional relationships and severely impacts overall wellbeing. Lorazepam addiction creeps into every area of life, often with catastrophic consequences.
Lorazepam addiction also poses numerous health risks. Addicts are often tempted to increase their dosage or consume it with other substances, often with contraindications. If an addict consumes more lorazepam than their system can process, overdose can occur. Those suffering from addiction will require undergoing Lorazepam detox as the first step in their recovery journey.