Physical effects of Ativan addiction in women

Ativan is the brand name for a generic medication called lorazepam. This medication is widely prescribed throughout the U.S. For a number of reasons, women make up a large percentage of people who take Ativan. This medication can provide essential benefits. However, if abused, it can also harm your physical health. Are you affected by Ativan problems? With help from an Ativan addiction treatment program, you can successfully recover.

Women’s Recovery is dedicated to helping women affected by substance problems. Among our many offerings is a specialized Ativan addiction program. This program provides the treatment needed to face your addiction and recover from its effects.

Ativan belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Doctors usually prescribe it as a treatment for serious anxiety. You may also receive it as a treatment for specific other health issues.

All benzodiazepines have the potential to trigger addiction. Some of these medications produce relatively high addiction risks. The risks for others are much lower. Ativan belongs to the high-risk category. That’s true because it:

• Has a high level of potency
• Only remains in your system for short amounts of time

Together, these factors can set the stage for a rapid cycle of Ativan use. If you get trapped in this cycle, you may find yourself on a short path to abuse and addiction.

The main physical effect of Ativan addiction is physical dependence. This occurs when your brain develops a physical need for the medication. If you don’t meet that need, you will go into benzodiazepine withdrawal. Common physical aspects of this withdrawal include:

• Stiff and painful muscles
• Tremors in your hands
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Sweating

Even if you don’t go into withdrawal, some physical issues may occur. Examples of these problems include headaches and sleeplessness. They also include muscle weakness and weight loss. All of these things can happen to both women and men.

The average woman will not abuse Ativan more often than the average man. However, women are more likely to receive a prescription for the drug. This means that taken as a whole, women have greater exposure to abuse and addiction.

Other important differences exist. For example, more often than men, women take Ativan as a treatment for an anxiety disorder. In many cases, this anxiety is linked to a history of major trauma. Unfortunately, trauma can also make women more likely to abuse a range of substances. That includes benzodiazepines like Ativan.

Men and women addicted to Ativan receive many of the same treatments. The first step is slowly detoxing from the medication. Once Ativan is out of your system, help is provided in the form of psychotherapy. This therapy helps you understand why you started abusing the medication. It also enables you to adjust to a life without Ativan.
Women often need additional help to recover from the effects of Ativan addiction. One common need is some form of nutrition therapy. In addition, many women need trauma therapy that helps them resolve past traumatic experiences.

If you’re affected by Ativan addiction, seek help at Women’s Recovery. We have extensive experience treating this form of benzodiazepine addiction. Our treatment options include multiple forms of psychotherapy. They also include targeted therapy for nutritional issues and trauma. In every case, the care you receive is fully customized to your situation. This way, you get the full advantage of your time in treatment. For more information on how we can help, call us today at 833.754.0554. You can also reach us through our online form.