Lorazepam Addiction Help

Lorazepam addiction help

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug, largely prescribed for anti-anxiety purposes or in order to facilitate regular sleep cycles. However, despite lorazepam’s reputation for safety when used as prescribed, many prescription and recreational drug users develop addictions to the pharmaceutical.

Due to physical withdrawal symptoms, accumulation of the drug within the body as use continues, and psychological dependence on lorazepam, many users of the benzodiazepine cannot cease use until they have been professionally treated for drug addiction.

The Effects of Lorazepam on the Body

Benzodiazepines have enjoyed frequent prescription over the last decade, particularly as barbiturate prescription and use has declined. As part of the benzodiazepine family of drugs, lorazepam has been considered a “safer” alternative to prior pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of anxiety.

In fact, among drugs prescribed for treatment of depression, anxiety disorders and sleep disorders, lorazepam, alprazolam and diazepam have collectively become three of the most popular benzodiazepines. Upon taking the drug, lorazepam causes users to experience relaxation, sleep induction and general feelings of calm and well-being. To achieve these effects, lorazepam slows down nerve signal transmission in the body.

Lorazepam Addiction and Withdrawal

Though lorazepam is generally prescribed for episodic use with panic attacks or short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, some users remain on a prolonged course of the drug or continue taking the drug through illegal means. In cases where lorazepam use continues for periods that are too long, withdrawal symptoms can set if use suddenly ceases.

Lorazepam withdrawal symptoms can include perspiration, muscle and bone aches, shaking and tremors, chills and persistent, severe headaches. In some cases, the digestive system also becomes affected by lorazepam withdrawal, leading to nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Severe lorazepam withdrawal symptoms can even include heartbeat irregularities and seizures, with some instances of severe withdrawal even becoming fatal. Psychological impacts of lorazepam withdrawal can run the gamut from changes in appetite, worsened anxiety, the onset of depressive symptoms, lowered energy and even delirium. In severe cases, users can experience complete breaks with reality, requiring hospitalization.

Lorazepam Detoxification and Rehabilitation

For users who consume high amounts of lorazepam, withdrawal signs can even set in during the period between doses. Most of these withdrawal symptoms resolve within two weeks of abstinence from lorazepam, though many users find total abstinence difficult to achieve without professional detoxification and drug rehabilitation services.

Fortunately, many inpatient drug treatment centers offer viable solutions for lorazepam addiction recovery, offering psychological counseling, addiction education, stress management skill acquisition, and full, medically supervised physical detoxification.