If a person is snorting Ativan, it is likely they are struggling with drug abuse. Ativan is one of the benzodiazepine drugs, and benzodiazepine abuse is a serious issue with potentially fatal consequences.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Repeated use over time can lead to physical and mental dependence. Acute benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to overcome.
Snorting, as a method of drug abuse, can cause some unpleasant symptoms and serious health problems. It is important to seek treatment for any substance addiction and begin the path to recovery.
What is Ativan (Lorazepam)
Ativan (Lorazepam) is a drug typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders or seizure disorders. It can be prescribed as a tablet, or in liquid form. Ativan is very effective in reducing panic attacks as a result of panic disorder.
Ativan affects the central nervous system (CNS) and works as a central nervous system depressant. This means that it works by changing the pathways in the brain to reduce activity.
Taking Ativan and other drugs classed as benzodiazepines can produce euphoric effects. As they are sedative, a person will feel extremely calm after ingesting.
Is Snorting Ativan Dangerous?
If someone is suffering from a substance use disorder, they could begin abusing Ativan. When it is prescribed in a tablet form, it can be abused by crushing the tablet, making a powder which is then snorted.
People suffering from Ativan addiction may choose to snort Ativan. Snorting is a common method of drug abuse as it leads to a faster high. Snorting drugs activates the effects faster for the nasal passages are full of nerves.
However, snorting Ativan comes with its own unique problems and risks. People who engage in Ativan abuse may struggle to obtain the desired dose of the drug legally. As a result, they could purchase Ativan illegally and be unsure of its purity.
Many overdose deaths caused by drugs are a result of impurity. A person may believe they have purchased an Ativan tablet or another benzodiazepine, but it could be mixed with other toxic substances. Accidentally ingesting high doses of a stronger substance can have lethal consequences.
Effects of Snorting Ativan (Lorazepam)
Taking Ativan and other drugs by snorting poses its own unique health risks. Snorting primarily affects the respiratory system.
The mucous membranes inside the nose are delicate and foreign substances can cause damage. This can affect a person’s ability to breathe normally. Inserting drugs into the nasal passages can also lead to:
- Sinus infections
- Chronic runny nose
- Nosebleeds
- Slurred speaking
- Sores
- Frequent cold/flu symptoms
Snorting can cause respiratory depression. This is a breathing disorder that affects breathing effectively. A person with this condition would take slow and shallow breaths.
Health Risks Of Snorting Ativan
One of the most serious risks posed by snorting Ativan is the potential for overdose. An Ativan overdose is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment help. If left untreated, it could be life-threatening.
Signs that someone has overdosed on Ativan include:
- Drowsiness
- Memory issues
- Slowed cognitive processing
- Confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Slow breathing
- Decreased heart rate
- Coma
- Death
Too much Ativan can result in coma or death, so knowing the warning signs are important. If you suspect someone has taken too much Ativan, call the emergency services immediately.
Ativan Addiction Signs and Symptoms
It may be difficult to spot the signs that someone is addicted to Ativan. Ativan addiction can be easy to conceal for some time. American addiction centers advise that someone who is addicted to Ativan may:
- Search for Ativan on the internet
- Ask friends or family for benzodiazepines
A person who struggles with substance use disorders may also have mood swings. If a person has ingested high doses of Ativan, you may notice a change in their behavior or cognitive functioning.
A person who is addicted to Ativan may also do what’s known as ‘doctor shopping’. This means going to different doctors in the hope of getting an Ativan prescription more than once.
Who Is At High Risk of Developing An Ativan Addiction?
Substance abuse can affect anyone, of any age, gender, race, or occupation. Data rates show that those who are often affected are:
- People in difficult economic circumstances
- People suffering from mental illness
- People prescribed pharmaceutical drugs for pain
Sometimes people take Ativan to get through anxiety from alcohol withdrawal. However, it can be dangerous to mix benzodiazepines and alcohol. Mixing substances is a form of substance abuse.
Ativan Withdrawal
Drug withdrawal occurs when a person regularly takes a drug and suddenly stops. Withdrawal symptoms can be mental and/or physical, and depending on the substance and severity, they can range from mild to severe.
Ativan dependence occurs when a person regularly takes Ativan. If a person snorts Ativan, it is a good indication that they are possibly a heavy user.
Ativan dependency occurs when a person’s body is so used to the presence of Ativan in the system, and sudden cessation of the drug can lead to some difficult withdrawal symptoms.
In rare cases, a person can get what is known as protracted withdrawal. This is when withdrawal lasts longer than acute, or typical, withdrawal. If you snort Ativan, you are probably taking a high dose. This increases the chance of struggling with long-term withdrawal.
This occurs when someone has engaged in substance abuse for such a long time that the molecular and chemical structure of the body is altered. For example, taking Ativan over a long period of time could cause permanent nervous system damage.
This is another reason why it may be necessary to attend treatment facilities to detox. Suddenly removing a substance the body is dependent on can send the body into shock.
Acute withdrawal symptoms
In general, acute Ativan withdrawal can come on suddenly after stopping the drug and generally peaks at around two weeks. A treatment process may be required to medically detox safely if someone is physically dependent on the drug.
A person going through Ativan withdrawal may be:
- Anxious
- Depressed
- Restless
- Emotional
They may experience physical symptoms such as:
- Migraine
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Inability to concentrate
- Tremors
- Shakes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Ativan abuse can be difficult to overcome. Addiction treatment programs can help manage the symptoms of withdrawal. It doesn’t have to be done alone.
Addiction Treatment
There are many different types of addiction treatment at American addiction centers all over the country. For a physical dependence on a substance, a person may need immediate treatment help. Withdrawal symptoms from drug addiction can be life-threatening.
Medical detox at a treatment center can be a supportive and effective method. You should discuss with a medical professional to find a treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. The NP Addiction clinic in Port St. Lucie, Florida offers round-the-clock care with expert staff.
Addiction is a lifelong illness. To achieve long-term recovery, American addiction centers have found that counseling, support groups, and behavioral therapy are effective. NP Addiction clinic treats every addiction, from Ativan addiction to opioid dependence.
At the NP Addiction Clinic, you can speak with a treatment specialist today to explore your treatment options. We believe that healing is found through connection and we can help you find a suitable treatment from one of our addiction treatment programs.
