Woman with red hair rubbing her temples from stress

American adults are more anxious than ever before. A 2024 mental health poll found that 43% of people felt more anxious than they did the year prior, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022. 

The good news is that more people are seeking help for their anxiety. The concern is that this has led to an uptick in benzodiazepine prescriptions. Arizona has a relatively high benzodiazepine prescribing rate at 65%. This refers to the frequency at which a benzo is prescribed within a given population. 

While benzodiazepines like Ativan are effective in reducing anxiety, the calming effects make it appealing to some individuals. Even at low doses, Ativan can cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction. This is why it’s important to recognize the signs of a potential Ativan addiction and how to respond. 

Wolf Creek Recovery wants you to know that if you or a loved one is showing signs of Ativan misuse, we can help. Let’s learn more about the signs of a potential Ativan problem, the timeline in which symptoms occur, and tips for staging an effective intervention. 

Signs of Ativan Addiction

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine that slows the nervous system down. It is used for the short-term relief of anxiety. However, due to its pleasant effects, people can grow dependent on the medication. This is usually a gradual process that starts with tolerance. You might find that you’re taking Ativan more frequently or in higher doses to achieve the same calming effects. You could also start to feel anxious or irritable if you miss a dose, and you might experience persistent thoughts or cravings for Ativan throughout the day. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, this is a clear indication that your body has become physically dependent on the medication. 

How to Identify Ativan Misuse

The signs of Ativan misuse often become apparent when a person develops both a physical and psychological reliance on the medication. Even though it can be difficult to admit that you or a loved one may be misusing Ativan, there is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Early recognition allows you to seek professional support and prevent a mild issue from turning into a severe benzodiazepine use disorder. Let’s explore the most common physical, behavioral, and social signs that may indicate the misuse of Ativan. 

Physical Signs of Ativan Use

Ativan reduces anxiety by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, slowing down activity in the mind and body. Because of this, the physical signs of Ativan use are typically related to drowsiness, fatigue, and sedation. Individuals may seem “out of it,” with droopy eyelids or difficulty staying awake. Other physical signs of Ativan use are slurred speech, slowed reflexes, impaired coordination and balance, dizziness, and shallow breathing. Some people may also look detached from their surroundings. 

Behavioral Signs of Ativan Use

When a person grows more dependent on Ativan, the substance becomes the focal point of their life, leading to a number of behavioral changes. You might notice that the person “spaces out,” appearing detached from conversations or tasks. They may withdraw from family and friends, lose interest in hobbies that once brought them pleasure, and avoid responsibilities. Shifts in mood and personality are also common behavioral signs, as is doctor shopping, which involves visiting multiple physicians or pharmacies to obtain extra prescriptions.  

Social Signs of Ativan Use

As one can imagine, it’s difficult to have healthy relationships when your life gradually revolves around obtaining and using Ativan. Withdrawal from social activities is a red flag for Ativan misuse, as are changes in friend groups and secretive or evasive behavior. People who misuse Ativan might miss important appointments or gatherings because of sedation or forgetfulness, and they may have trouble in their relationships due to mood swings, broken promises, or lack of responsibility. 

Couple in therapy

Timeline of Ativan Dependence Signs

A person does not become dependent on Ativan overnight. There is a process that unfolds, though things can escalate quickly. This is why Ativan is typically prescribed for short-term use only. However, even at low doses, the cycle of tolerance and dependence can still occur. The timeline of Ativan dependence typically moves in the following stages: Early Stage (days to weeks), Middle Stage (weeks to a few months), and Late Stage (several months to years). 

Early Signs of Ativan Use

The early signs of Ativan misuse typically show up in the first few weeks and months of taking the substance. They include needing higher or more frequent doses (tolerance), a growing preoccupation with the medication, shifts in behavior or mood, and attempts to secure extra prescriptions. The thought of being without Ativan can be distressing, as people start to believe that they can’t function without it. Mild withdrawal symptoms between doses can also occur, such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability, or trouble sleeping. 

Late Signs of Ativan Use

Ativan use disorder is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time if it’s not treated. The symptoms listed above tend to get more severe, and additional complications occur as well. Severe tolerance and dependence happen, causing the person to need significantly higher doses to feel “normal” and prevent distressing withdrawal symptoms like tremors, agitation, or seizures. Daily routines tend to revolve around Ativan, responsibilities often go neglected, and there may even be financial or legal consequences. Other late signs include physical and mental health deterioration, escalating social and relationship problems, risky behaviors, and an inability to quit.   

Recognizing the Need for Help 

Recognizing Ativan misuse involves noticing physical, behavioral, and emotional changes that go beyond normal, prescribed use. If you notice any combination of the above behaviors—withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, mood swings, preoccupation with Ativan—consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation. People sometimes mistakenly believe that they can get better on their own or that symptoms will eventually improve, but a true “Ativan addiction” is a serious disorder that gradually worsens over time. Fortunately, there are many safe, effective treatment options that can help you overcome this problem. 

Intervention for an Ativan Problem

Staging an intervention can be a powerful and effective way to encourage a loved one to seek treatment for Ativan addiction. A well-planned intervention aims to break through denial, address concerns, and motivate the person to accept help. To ensure your intervention is successful, you’ll want to enlist help from a professional counselor, therapist, or interventionist who specializes in substance use. Below are some tips. 

  • Assemble your intervention team. Select people who have genuine concern for your loved one and who can remain calm, empathetic, and supportive. That being said, do keep the intervention team small. 
  • Plan the intervention details. Choose a neutral, private space and a time when the person is most likely to be sober. Decide what you will say, writing down clear, concise statements and examples—avoid making judgments. Also, set realistic goals for the intervention and consequences if your loved one refuses help. 
  • Gather information and resources. Research local rehabilitation facilities and detox centers that specialize in Ativan misuse. Arrange details like transportation to the rehab center, time off from work, and childcare accommodations. 
  • Conduct the intervention. Use “I” statements to express concern, present specific examples, share your treatment plan, and set and enforce boundaries. Stay focused on solutions. 
  • Follow-up and maintain support. Encourage participation in ongoing treatment, such as therapy sessions, support groups, and ongoing medical supervision. Provide emotional support—celebrating small wins, listening without judgment—and stay consistent with your boundaries. 

Group of men supporting one another in therapy

Find Treatment for Ativan Misuse Near You in Prescott, AZ

If you or a loved one is ready to start treatment for Ativan addiction, rest assured that you are doing the best thing, even if it feels hard now. Medically supervised detox is the initial step, as Ativan withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. With medical monitoring, you’ll be kept comfortable so that the process can be more tolerable and successful. 

Most healthcare professionals gradually reduce the dose of Ativan over the course of several weeks or months. Once the acute withdrawal symptoms have subsided, you can step into an inpatient or outpatient program and start working on the underlying factors that led you to misuse Ativan, such as anxiety. You can choose a local program that allows you to return home at night, or you may prefer a neutral environment to recover in, away from your triggers. There is no right or wrong decision; it all comes down to the support you need and what will benefit you most in meeting your goals.  

Wolf Creek Recovery offers client-centered treatment services for individuals experiencing substance use disorders. Our comprehensive program offers evidence-based treatments along with holistic practices to help our clients build a solid foundation for recovery. Through our outdoor therapy program, we also teach clients how to have fun and enjoy the company of others without the need for substances. Contact our admissions team at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our flexible programs. Build a life you love. 

FAQs About Ativan Misuse 

What are the signs of an Ativan problem? 

People who have an Ativan problem exhibit behavioral, social, and physical signs such as drowsiness, fatigue, sedation, withdrawal symptoms when missing a dose, a preoccupation with Ativan, doctor shopping, and social withdrawal. 

Should I stage an intervention if I suspect Ativan misuse? 

If you suspect Ativan misuse, staging an intervention can be an effective way to get your loved one support. Contact a professional therapist, counselor, or interventionist who can help guide you through this process. 

Is Ativan addiction treatable? 

Yes, an “Ativan addiction” is a type of benzodiazepine use disorder that is treatable. It responds well to behavioral therapies, family involvement, medication management for underlying disorders like anxiety, healthy lifestyle changes, and peer support.