Ativan Detox

What Is Ativan Detox?

Ativan is a benzodiazepine (benzo) commonly prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety disorders or insomnia. Ativan is a short-acting benzodiazepine, but its side effects can still linger and lead to a higher risk of dependence with long-term use. Over time, the body can form a benzodiazepine dependence, making it harder to function without it and increasing the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when quitting.

Ativan detox, or detoxification, is a supervised process designed to eliminate Ativan (generic name: lorazepam) from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms.

A medically supervised detox is critical for individuals who have developed a dependence on Ativan, whether due to prescription use or misuse because symptoms of Ativan withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Typically, Ativan detox occurs in a treatment center equipped with medical professionals, emergency resources, and medications to ensure safety and comfort.

In many cases, detox can occur in an outpatient setting for people with milder physical dependence, but inpatient detox is often recommended for moderate to severe cases of addiction or if the person is taking much higher doses of Ativan.

What Is Tapering?

Often, the medical detox process for Ativan involves a carefully monitored and gradual tapering of Ativan, where the patient will follow a specific tapering schedule to gradually and safely reduce their dosage.

Your doctor may have you taper using Ativan, or they might prescribe a similar but longer-acting benzodiazepine (like diazepam) for your tapering plan.

Tapering helps to prevent dangerous withdrawal side effects, such as seizures, severe anxiety, or rebound insomnia.

Doctors and medical professionals create a personalized tapering schedule based on factors like the individual’s dosage, duration of use, and overall health.

Is It Safe to Detox from Ativan at Home?

It is not safe to detox from any benzodiazepine without medical guidance, so quitting Ativan cold turkey is NOT recommended.

However, for many people, an outpatient detox is still an option when quitting Ativan, where you can remain at home and self-monitor your progress.

Your doctor or healthcare provider will consider the following to determine whether outpatient detox is the right solution for you (or your loved one):

• Severity of the Ativan addiction
• Length of use
• How much Ativan was being taken
• Existence of co-occurring mental health disorders
• Physical health status
• Whether a support system is in place

If your doctor deems you a good candidate for outpatient medical detox, they will help you create a plan ahead of time, which usually includes a tapering schedule.

They will also educate you on possible symptoms and what to expect or do in the event of severe withdrawal symptoms.

Again, detox should only occur at home with the right education, plan, and support.

What to Expect During Ativan Detox

Any benzodiazepine withdrawal process can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous without proper supervision.

During Ativan detox, you can expect a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms as your body adjusts to functioning without the medication.

As Ativan is gradually eliminated from your system, your body begins to relearn how to regulate itself to get back to how it functioned before it developed an Ativan dependence.

Ativan Withdrawal Symptoms

Ativan withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly depending on factors such as how long the drug was taken and how high the dosage was.

Withdrawal symptoms can be divided into two categories: acute and protracted (post-acute).

Acute withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6 – 24 hours after the last dose. They can last anywhere between 2 to 10 days, but that number will vary depending on the individual.

Acute benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms (including Ativan) may include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Irritability and agitation
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
• Abdominal cramps, nausea, and/or vomiting
• Sweating and chills
• Tremors or shakiness
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Coma

Protracted withdrawal symptoms (also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS for short) can last for weeks or even months after the acute phase has resolved. PAWS symptoms are less intense but can still impact daily life.

Protracted withdrawal symptoms might include:

• Ongoing anxiety or panic attacks
• Occasional cravings for Ativan use
• Mood swings and/or depression
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Digestive issues (nausea, weight loss)
• Muscle pain, weakness, or fatigue
• Sensory hypersensitivity (sensitivity to light, sound, or touch)
• Cognitive difficulties (memory loss or difficulty concentrating)

Ativan Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for Ativan withdrawals typically lasts 4 to 7 days, though some withdrawal symptoms (typically the PAWS list) may last for weeks or even months for individuals with severe Ativan dependence or long-term substance abuse.

Lingering side effects of Ativan withdrawal can include anxiety, insomnia, “brain fog,” and fatigue.

The exact duration and intensity of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on factors such as the length of use, dosage, and any co-existing health conditions.

However, relying on a detox treatment program—which often provides a tapering schedule—significantly reduces the intensity of withdrawal symptoms AND minimizes any risks.

While a detox program may extend the overall withdrawal process, it makes things much more manageable and greatly minimizes any symptoms or risks to your health and well-being.

What Happens After Ativan Detox?

Detox is only the first step in addiction recovery, as it clears the drug from your system but doesn’t resolve the psychological, emotional, or behavioral factors associated with substance use disorder.

After detoxing from Ativan, the next step for anyone diagnosed with substance use disorder is often some form of addiction treatment.

Ativan Rehab (Inpatient or Outpatient)

Inpatient treatment is an option for those with more serious addictions, plus those who are unstable, lack support, or are withdrawing from multiple substances at the same time and need direct supervision.

Outpatient rehab may be considered for those with a milder addiction who can remain at home and even work or attend school during detox. Outpatient rehab is also a great option for those who have just finished inpatient rehab and want to continue care from home.

Counseling

Counseling can be helpful at all stages of Ativan detox. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an especially helpful treatment option when recovering from drug use and addiction.

During CBT, your therapist can help walk you through each stage of the detox process to help you tackle the psychological symptoms associated with detox.

After detox is complete, your therapist can also assist in recognizing negative thoughts and patterns that could lead to relapse. They will also help you develop healthier habits that don’t rely on drug use as a coping mechanism.

Ativan Addiction Support Groups

There are support groups specifically tailored for individuals recovering from benzodiazepine addiction, including Ativan, and others that focus on general substance use recovery.

Recovery support groups offer a safe, judgment-free space to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding.

Regular participation can help reinforce healthy habits, provide accountability, and offer tools for managing cravings and preventing relapse.

Support groups can provide invaluable assistance for individuals in recovery, whether they are newly detoxed or seeking ongoing support to maintain long-term sobriety.

Find Ativan Detox and Addiction Treatment

Detoxing from Ativan is a significant step in recovery, and having the right support can make the process safer and more manageable. Consulting with a medical professional or addiction specialist ensures you have a personalized plan for a safe and effective detox experience.

For guidance and support, reach out to your primary care doctor, a mental health professional, or an addiction specialist. They can help you plan and prepare for your detox and recovery journey.

If you don’t know where to start, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers resources to connect you with local treatment options. Visit SAMHSA’s online treatment locator or call their confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for 24/7 assistance.