Ativan is the trade name for the drug lorazepam. It's one of the members of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. As a group, these are sedative-hypnotic medications. As the name implies, they slow the functioning of the central nervous system. Ativan is primarily used as an anti-anxiety medication. As with other drugs in this family, Ativan has abuse potential. Long-term use can result in physical tolerance, psychological dependence and addiction.
Physical Tolerance
Physical tolerance develops after extended use of Ativan because the body adapts to having the drug in the system. Once tolerance to Ativan has occurred, the person must take larger amounts of the medication to get the same results. Although tolerance in itself isn't necessarily dangerous, withdrawal from Ativan can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Any attempt to stop taking Ativan after prolonged use should be according to a schedule dosage reduction (titration) program provided by a physician. Side effects of abrupt discontinuation can include many physical symptoms such as anxiety, headaches, restlessness, confusion, irritability, sweating, numbing and tingling sensations of the upper and lower extremities of the arms and legs, and dizziness.
Psychological Dependence
Psychological dependence can be observed when the person's mood or emotions become affected by the presence or absence of the drug. The drug ceases to be just a solution to anxiety and the person begins to believe he needs to take the drug to feel normal. Abrupt discontinuation of Ativan use can cause multiple psychological side effects such as depression, dysphoria, derealization and depersonalization.
Addiction
Addiction is a complex syndrome consisting of physical tolerance, psychological dependence, emotional isolation, denial and loss of control. Addiction is recognized by physicians as a distinct disease and not a weakness or lack of willpower. Due to the complicated nature of addiction, several different approaches must be used to achieve a recovery--including cognitive and behavioral therapy, counseling and the 12-Step program. Addiction can be fatal if left untreated. Although much progress has been made in recent years in diagnosing and treating addicts, the majority of them do not recover.
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