Lorazepam Treatment and Rehab
Lorazepam Info
Also known by its brand name, Ativan, lorazepam is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Typically, it’s prescribed for treating anxiety disorders and other related conditions. Physicians tend to limit prescriptions to several weeks at most,as the drug is not suited to long-term usage. This is because dependence can develop quickly, even after only a few weeks of use.
It’s possible you didn’t start out with the intention of abusing the drug. However, you could soon find yourself dependent on it due to the nature of the medication itself. If you’re concerned that you might have become dependent or addicted, please seek help immediately by contacting your doctor or calling an addiction helpline now.
Here, you’ll find a great deal of information detailing all you need to know about treatment and rehab if you or a loved one is indeed addicted.
Lorazepam addiction treatment
Abuse of this drug is a serious matter that requires professional attention. There are a number of treatment options available, but they typically start with detoxification before anything else. Detox refers to a process whereby your body cleanses itself of drug-related toxins, and is best carried out under medical supervision.
Detox is accompanied by withdrawal, which is your body’s response to the absence of the substance it has become used to. Withdrawal symptoms are often very uncomfortable and can range from moderate to serious in terms of severity. In an inpatient facility, they can be managed by means of medication, plus you’ll have round-the-clock medical supervision to ensure you detox safely.
Therapy and counselling follows detox, which forms the bulk of your formal treatment programme. Once you’ve run the entire course of formal treatment, you will likely be transferred to aftercare.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
Lorazepam dependence: Treatment suggestions
While it’s true you will receive professional help from addiction treatment specialists, the ultimate success of your treatment depends on you. There are a number of ways you can ensure that you successfully recover. Firstly, it is important to maintain a positive attitude, because you are more likely to complete your treatment programme if you do so.
It’s also important to be honest with yourself about your addiction. That way, it becomes easier to understand the root causes of your addiction and avoid relapsing. There are times when the recovery journey might feel too difficult, but it’s important to keep going no matter what.
Follow the advice of your counsellors and commit to life-long sobriety. Also, try to surround yourself with supportive friends and family members. You can even make new friends when you join a 12-step programme.
Why you should seek treatment and rehab for lorazepam abuse and addiction
Using lorazepam continuously beyond what is considered to be safe can result in serious health complications. Often, by the time you realise you’re addicted, it may be too late to stop of your own accord. If you believe you or a loved one have reached that point, it’s best to seek treatment immediately, because further delay will only make matters worse.
Reduced memory function is one of the most common health problems that can arise and waiting too long to seek treatment could cause permanent damage. Problems with your memory are bound to have a profound effect on your life and can adversely affect performance in work or school.
There are other serious risks associated with abuse and addiction, including increased tolerance to lorazepam overtime. This puts you at risk of overdosing. You must also consider the possibility of being involved in an accident due to negligence whilst under the influence. Not only can you seriously hurt yourself, but you can also harm others around you. Please seek treatment immediately in order to prevent these potential scenarios from happening.
How to help a loved one seek treatment
If a close friend or family member is addicted, then there’s no doubt you will want to do everything in your power to help them. The best way to start is by learning all you can about their addiction and the effects of lorazepam abuse.
As you learn, you need to talk to them about their substance dependence in the hopes of getting them to seek treatment on their own. As much as you might want to force them to get treatment immediately, they need to be ready and willing to take that crucial step themselves.
While you may try your best, it’s possible that you will eventually need professional help to get your loved one to seek treatment. Work with other close relatives and friends to stage an intervention with the help of a professional intervention counsellor.
Why seek rehab at a treatment centre for lorazepam addiction?
Rehab provides an all-round approach to treatment that is certain to get you or your loved one on the road to recovery. Typically, treatment in a rehab facility starts with detoxification, during which your body will be allowed to expel all traces of drug toxins. Whilst in in rehab, your chances of successfully recovering are improved, since you won’t have any access to Lorazepamand the chances of relapsing are therefore reduced.
After (or even during) detox comes therapy and counselling, which can be regarded as ‘rehab proper’. In group or individual sessions, you will work with a therapist, whose aim is to tackle the underlying causes of your addiction, whilst equipping you with much needed skills to help maintain long-term sobriety on your own, once formal treatment is over.
Lorazepam addiction treatment
In order to avoid the problems that can be caused by addiction, we strongly advise that you seek treatment as soon as possible. One of the most important aspects of proper treatment is medical detoxification in a hospital, detox facility or rehab centre.
Medical detox helps to ensure that you get through withdrawal safely, have round-the-clock supervision, experience reduced severity of withdrawal symptoms, and have a smooth transition to comprehensive treatment.
Therapy typically follows detox and its goal is to address the behaviours, emotions and thoughts involved in addiction. There are a number of other therapy approaches that may be utilised, including Dialectal Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), amongst others. Beyond these treatment options, other help such as 12-step programmes are also available.
What’s lorazepam rehab like?
Each rehab facility works slightly differently, but most follow a standard framework. You can expect your days to be organised and structured, as this serves to keep uncertainty and stress to a minimum. The environment is also kept structured to ensure you have the most supportive and safest conditions for recovery and healing.
A typical day in rehab is likely to start with an early breakfast, meaning you may have to rise early. In some rehabs, morning meditation or yoga classes may follow to help you start your day in a relaxed state of mind. A group therapy session might also take place, with the most intensive treatment constituting a series of therapeutic sessions, starting in the middle of the day.
In addition to regular therapy sessions, you may also participate in alternative therapies such as biofeedback, dance therapy, art or music therapy and so on. While your days will be structured, you will most likely get a few hours of free time to spend as you wish.
Treatment and therapy options
If you’re continuing after detox with inpatient treatment, you’ll reside in the rehab centre and continue to participate in therapy sessions for the duration of your stay. If you carry on with outpatient treatment instead, you’ll still attend therapy sessions, but will have to commute to the treatment centre from home.
Therapy can take on different forms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the most well-known therapy approaches, typically deployed in one-on-one settings. Group sessions are also popular and can help you develop a sense of fellowship with others in treatment. Other therapy options include family therapy, specialised sessions such as stress management and alternative therapies such as music therapy.
Types of lorazepam addiction treatment
It can be tough to get clean and sober if you’ve become addicted, especially if you are experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, as those can be particularly difficult. One of the most popular forms of treatment is inpatient treatment, whereby you get to reside in the rehab centre throughout the duration of the programme. Inpatient programmes can be classified into different types: standard, luxury and executive rehab.
Standard rehab programmes provide essential addiction recovery services such as detox, therapy and aftercare planning. You will most likely have to share a room. Luxury programmes offer the essentials as well as extra amenities such as yoga, beach access, swimming and so on. Meanwhile, executive programmes are specifically designed to help business executives or CEOs remain in contact with their work commitments whilst undergoing rehab.
Whilst inpatient treatment is the best option in most cases, you could find outpatient treatment a better fit if you’re unable to take time off from school, work or responsibilities at home.
Which to choose: Inpatient vs. outpatient
The basic difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is that you’ll have to reside in the treatment facility for the duration of the programme if you opt for inpatient treatment. If you’re receiving treatment on an outpatient basis, you’ll have to commute from home to the treatment facility for sessions whilst maintaining your home and work responsibilities as usual.
Inpatient rehab is best suited to you if your addiction is severe. It provides an all-round treatment programme to help you get on your feet again. You’ll have medical supervision throughout your stay and the structured environment can be extremely beneficial in helping you avoid a relapse.
It may be that your addiction is not severe enough to warrant staying in a rehab facility for the entire duration of treatment. If you’ve been able to function well enough in work, school or any other aspect of your daily life, despite your addiction, outpatient treatment may be suitable for you. It allows you to carry on with your regular life as you attend treatment sessions, most likely during evenings and weekends.
Choosing the best lorazepam rehab centre
It can be tough choosing the best rehab centre for your needs, but it doesn’t have to be once you know what you’re looking for. One of the most important considerations is the cost. First, find out the extent of your insurance coverage (if you have private medical insurance) and determine what your budget is. The cost of treatment will depend on whether it’s inpatient or outpatient based, the kinds of amenities available and the duration of your stay, amongst other factors.
You’ll also need to consider the location of the rehab facility. In cases of severe addiction, it’s often better to attend rehab away from your local area, to avoid the temptations and triggers that may be present. You’ll also need to consider your finances and how much travel to the rehab centre will cost, if you opt for outpatient treatment. Another important factor to consider is how qualified and experienced the staff are to handle your particular case.
Other considerations include the facility’s philosophy, whether or not it is accredited and the visitation policy. Even when you know what to look out for, finding the right rehab is not easy, but help is available.
Specialised treatment and therapy options
If you require special attention or have not responded well to previous, less intensive recovery efforts, it might be best to look in the direction of specialised treatment options. There are many types available that use strategies designed around your specific needs.
Specialised treatment options are important, because they go beyond the basics and tackle other deep-seated, complicated issues that require attention. Such problems may include legal or financial woes, educational or employment ramifications, damaged family relationships, problems with living situations and mental and physical conditions.
Examples of specialised treatment options include age specific rehab, dual diagnosis rehab, substance abuse assistance for pregnant women, substance abuse treatment for victims of sexual abuse, spiritual substance abuse treatment (such as Christian-centred rehab) and so on.
Continuing and follow-up care
Treatment does not stop after rehab. In fact, most of the recovery journey takes place once you have successfully completed rehab and to provide the support you need, follow-up care becomes crucial.
Continuing care may take on a number of different forms, including occasional therapy sessions at the treatment centre, 12-step programmes and sober-living homes. It may also be provided via continued medical care, especially if you have a condition that wasn’t fully addressed during addiction treatment.
12-step programmes and sober-living homes are crucial, as they provide an element of community that you’re not likely to get in individual therapy sessions. You might be able to connect more easily with other people in such programmes, since they are on the same journey as you.
Relapse prevention
The risk of relapse is real. While it’s not unusual for it to happen, it’s best that you never allow yourself to succumb to the temptation to use lorazepam again. One way to help yourself is to join the closest support group to you.
While support groups are important, it’s also crucial to have your family and close friends involved. Creating a solid support system at home could make all the difference you need to stay on track.
It’s also important to practise what you learnt in rehab and avoid any triggers at all costs. Making the extra effort to live healthily and take care of your body can help a great deal, as can sticking to a schedule to help fill your day.
Lorazepam treatment costs and payment options
There’s no doubt the cost of treatment will be on your mind as you consider getting help for your addiction. There is no definite structure for determining the cost of rehab, because costs vary depending on factors such as the amenities available, whether treatment is inpatient or outpatient and so on. You can expect inpatient treatment to cost more than outpatient programmes and you will most likely have to pay more the longer you stay in rehab.
As far as payment options go, your first point of call should be private medical insurance, if you have it. If you don’t, or if your health insurance won’t cover your treatment costs, you might want to consider talking to your Human Resources Manager at work (if applicable) about Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that your organisation might have in place. You could take out a loan, pay on your credit card or look to friends and family to help with donations or private loans. Many facilities also offer the opportunity to pay for treatment in instalments, to help you spread the cost.
Live a sober life again
It can be difficult to assess addiction to a drug like lorazepam, particularly if you were initially given a legal prescription. The line between using and abusing a prescription is very thin and can easily become blurred.
What you need is to find a treatment programme that will address the underlying causes, as well as the addiction itself.
FAQs
What are the effects of lorazepam on the body?
Lorazepamis a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it causes unusual activity in the brain to slow down. The result is relief from symptoms of anxiety. While the medication does provide relief, tolerance can develop in a matter of weeks.
Due to the role the drug plays as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, it can negatively affect reflexes, response times, memory, learning and cognitive function when abused, causing problems like memory loss, disorientation, fatigue, kidney problems and so on. If used with other CNS depressants, it can result in a fatal overdose.
Is lorazepam addictive?
Yes. Lorazepamcan cause dependence within a relatively short period of time and is not typically prescribed for long-term usage. It is a central nervous system depressant and can lead to feelings of euphoria and calm, which can encourage you to abuse the drug.
Even if you don’t start out with the intention of engaging in substance abuse, you can become addicted nearly as quickly as someone else without a prescription. It’s a common misconception to believe that lorazepam is harmless because it is a prescription medication.
How do you know if you’re addicted to lorazepam?
If you suspect that you might be addicted to lorazepam, there are notable symptoms to look out for, comprising physical, psychological and behavioural signs. The physical symptoms are associated with withdrawal and may include signs such as muscle and bone pain, tremors, runny nose, stomach cramps and diarrhoea, amongst others.
As for behavioural signs, you may find yourself visiting your doctor frequently, hoping to obtain a prescription. You may also resort to jumping from one doctor to another to source multiple prescriptions, buying the drug illegally, or even forging prescriptions.
What does lorazepam treatment entail?
Treatment typically starts with supervised detox in a treatment facility or detox centre. During the detox phase, your body will rid itself of all related drug toxins in your system. You can expect to be given medication to help manage any withdrawal symptoms.
Following withdrawal and detox, you’ll begin to participate in therapy and counselling sessions on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Therapy is aimed at getting to the underlying causes of addiction and helping you learn how to manage triggers and live better in order to maintain long-term sobriety.
What types of lorazepam addiction treatment programmes are available?
The two main types are inpatient and outpatient treatment programmes. Inpatient treatment requires you to reside in the facility for the duration of treatment. Usually, such treatment is reserved for more serious cases. You have the option of receiving treatment in a luxury rehab facility, an executive rehab facility or other specialised rehab programmes.
Outpatient treatment programmes are flexible and allow you to live at home throughout the duration of the programme. You will have to commute to the treatment centre for sessions as often as needed.
Do I need an inpatient lorazepam rehab facility?
The first factor to consider when trying to decide whether inpatient treatment is right for you is the severity of your addiction. If your case is considered by medical practitioners to be severe, there’s every chance you’ll need inpatient rehab.
Also, if you have a co-occurring condition that requires medical attention during addiction treatment, then you’ll most likely be better off in an inpatient facility, where medical personnel can provide round-the-clock monitoring.
How long does lorazepam rehab take?
There are a number of factors that will ultimately determine how long you spend in rehab, but you can expect your treatment to last from one to six months or even longer. One of the major factors that might come into play is the severity of your addiction.
Another crucial factor is the nature of any co-occurring conditions. It may take longer to treat your addiction if there is another condition that must be treated simultaneously. If your budget is limited – or you simply don’t have enough time for an extended stay in rehab – then your stay might
be shorter.
Are lorazepam rehabs private and confidential?
Yes. Rehab centres are typically careful about safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of their patients’ information, so you have nothing to worry about. The only people authorised to see your records are those who are directly involved with your treatment. No unapproved personnel will be able to gain access to them.
There are even rehab facilities that advertise themselves as confidential, because they want to cater to patients who are extremely sensitive about their privacy. So, if you are a public figure and don’t want anyone knowing you’re in treatment, such a facility could be ideal.
Are there lorazepam treatment programmes for teens?
Yes, there are. If your teen is addicted to Lorazepam, they can get the treatment they need in an environment designed just for teens.
From detox right down to psychotherapy and everything in between, teen treatment programmes are specially designed to cater to the needs of teenagers. Your child will learn to work on self-efficacy, ensuring that they can confidently resist any future temptations to abuse drugs.
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