What is Ativan addiction treatment at Laguna Shores Recovery in Orange County, CA?

At Laguna Shores Recovery in Dana Point, Orange County, CA, Ativan addiction treatment involves a personalized, evidence-based program beginning with medically supervised detox, followed by tailored therapies and structured outpatient care to support long-term recovery.

What is Ativan and why is it addictive in Orange County, CA?

Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety and insomnia. In Orange County, CA, misuse—even of prescription doses—quickly leads to tolerance and dependence, where users need more for the same effect; stopping can provoke severe withdrawal including seizures.

What are signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction noticed in Orange County, CA?

In Orange County, CA, signs include taking higher doses than prescribed, failed attempts to quit, preoccupation with obtaining Ativan, neglecting obligations, social withdrawal, and physical withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, tremors, or nausea.

What causes and risk factors contribute to Ativan misuse in Orange County, CA?

In Orange County, CA, Ativan misuse often stems from mental health disorders (like anxiety, depression, PTSD), genetic predisposition, chronic stress or trauma, prior substance use disorders, prolonged medical use, and easy access to prescription pills.

How is Ativan addiction treated at Laguna Shores Recovery in Orange County, CA?

Treatment in Orange County, CA begins with a safe, medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal. This is followed by individualized therapy—such as CBT, DBT, individual and group counseling—plus outpatient options like PHP or IOP, and aftercare support.

Why is dual diagnosis treatment essential for Ativan addiction in Orange County, CA?

Dual diagnosis treatment is vital in Orange County, CA because many using Ativan have underlying mental health issues like anxiety, PTSD, or depression. Addressing both the addiction and co-occurring disorders together improves long-term recovery outcomes.

Is Ativan addiction treatment at Laguna Shores Recovery evidence-based in Orange County, CA?

Yes—Ativan addiction treatment in Orange County, CA follows evidence-based protocols, combining medically assisted detox with therapeutic modalities such as CBT and DBT, all offered in a serene, supportive environment in Dana Point.

Ativan Addiction Treatment in California

Call Us: 954-688-5806

In California, the prevalence of prescription benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, misuse has become a significant public health concern, intertwining with other substance use disorders.

Recognizing the need for specialized care, Laguna Shores Recovery in Dana Point, California, offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs designed to safely guide individuals through the challenges of Ativan withdrawal.

Our compassionate approach addresses the underlying causes of addiction and provides the medical and psychological support necessary to achieve lasting recovery and rebuild a healthy, substance-free life.

Learn how to recognize the signs of drug addiction, and explore Laguna Shores Recovery’s Ativan addiction treatment program to help break the cycle and recover.

Table of Contents

Use in the United States

According to a 2018 survey published in U.S. Pharmacist, an estimated 12.6 percent of adults in the United States have used benzodiazepines including Ativan in the past year.² Of those who reported using the drug, misuse or using without a prescription was highest in those ages 18 to 25 years old. An estimated 5.6 percent of young adults reported misusing benzodiazepines.

Other Names

Street names may include:

Benzos
Goofballs
Heavenly blues
Stupefy

However, it’s important to understand that just because a person on the street says a pill is Ativan, this doesn’t mean the pill has the same components as one a pharmaceutical company makes. Illegal laboratories and drug dealers may mix these pills with other substances to increase the amount they can sell.

ativan addiction symptoms

What is Ativan?

Ativan is the widely recognized brand name for the generic drug lorazepam, which belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant prescribed by doctors to produce calming effects, making it a common short-term treatment for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and insomnia.

While it is a legal and valuable medication when used correctly under strict medical supervision, its potential for misuse is high. Illicit use often involves taking higher doses than prescribed, using it without a prescription, or combining it with other substances like alcohol to amplify its sedative effects, significantly increasing the danger of overdose and addiction. Street names for this drug include:

Benzos
Goofballs
Heavenly Blues
Stupefy

Common Misconceptions about Ativan

One of the most common misconceptions about Ativan is that because the medication is legal, it doesn’t have the potential to harm. According to NIDA, benzodiazepine misuse can cause symptoms like increased emergency room visits, suicidal thoughts, mental health disorders, and greater rates of substance abuse disorders. For these reasons, a person using benzodiazepines must do so only under a physician’s supervision and direction. Self-medicating with Ativan is not safe or healthy.

It’s also important to understand that illegal Ativan sales may include pills without the same components as those a pharmaceutical company makes. Illegal laboratories and drug dealers may mix these pills with other substances to increase the amount they can sell.

Be Brave. Get Help.

We know what it’s like to have a new chance at life. We want you to feel that, too.

Call Us: 954-688-5806

How Does Ativan Affect the Brain and Body?

Ativan exerts its effects by binding to specific receptors on neurons in the brain, dramatically enhancing the efficiency of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. This action effectively slows down the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in brain activity and inducing feelings of profound calm, drowsiness, and muscle relaxation.

In the short term, users experience relief from anxiety and tension; however, the body quickly adapts to the drug’s presence, a phenomenon known as tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same initial effect. With prolonged use, the brain becomes dependent on Ativan to maintain equilibrium, and if the drug is abruptly removed, it can no longer regulate itself, leading to a hyperexcitable state and potentially severe, dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.

Why is Ativan Addictive?

Ativan is highly addictive due to its potent impact on the brain’s reward and regulatory systems. The rapid relief from distressing symptoms like anxiety and panic creates a powerful psychological reinforcement, teaching the user that the drug is the solution to emotional pain or stress.

Physiologically, the development of tolerance means the user must consume more of the drug to feel its effects, directly paving the road to physical dependence. This dependence is the cornerstone of addiction, as the body now requires Ativan to function normally. Attempting to stop causes intensely uncomfortable and often hazardous withdrawal symptoms, which individuals will go to great lengths to avoid, thereby perpetuating a relentless cycle of use.

This combination of psychological reliance and physical necessity makes breaking free from Ativan addiction exceptionally difficult without professional medical intervention and therapeutic support.

Signs and Symptoms of Ativan Addiction

Recognizing an Ativan addiction is the first critical step toward seeking help. The signs can be both behavioral and physical, often disrupting an individual’s personal and professional life. It is crucial to look for a pattern of symptoms that indicate a loss of control over substance use.

Taking higher doses or for longer than prescribed: This indicates the development of tolerance, a key driver of addiction.
Failed attempts to quit or cut down: Repeatedly trying and failing to stop using is a hallmark sign of a substance use disorder.
Preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug: Significant time is spent thinking about, acquiring, and recovering from Ativan use.
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home: As addiction takes priority, performance in major life areas declines.
Social withdrawal and isolation: Individuals may pull away from family and friends to hide their usage or because social activities no longer appeal to them.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using: Symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and nausea appear when the drug wears off, prompting further use to feel normal.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical intervention right away.

Causes and Risk Factors of Ativan Abuse

Ativan addiction rarely has a single cause; it typically arises from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Understanding these risk factors can help in identifying vulnerability and developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

History of mental health disorders: Individuals with anxiety, depression, or PTSD may misuse Ativan in an attempt to self-medicate their symptoms.
Genetic predisposition and family history: A family history of addiction or substance use disorders can increase one’s genetic vulnerability.
Chronic stress or trauma: Exposure to high levels of stress or past traumatic experiences can lead individuals to seek relief through sedative substances.
History of other substance use disorders: Those with a past or current addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other drugs are at a significantly higher risk.
Prolonged medical use: Even individuals taking Ativan exactly as prescribed by a doctor can develop a physical dependence that evolves into addiction.
Peer pressure and environmental access: Being in an environment where drug use is common or having easy access to prescription pills normalizes misuse.

At Laguna Shores Recovery, we help patients identify and address the root causes of their addiction through our dual diagnosis treatment program, which treats mental health conditions and addiction simultaneously.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Ativan Addiction

Diagnosing an Ativan use disorder involves a comprehensive assessment by medical and mental health professionals, typically following the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This evaluation includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, pattern of use, impact on their life, and experience with withdrawal symptoms.

A successful diagnosis is the foundation for creating a personalized treatment plan, which must begin with our detox center in Orange County, CA, to safely manage the acute withdrawal phase, which can be life-threatening for benzodiazepine addiction. Following detox, long-term recovery is achieved through a combination of therapeutic modalities that address the behavioral patterns and root causes of addiction, ensuring the individual has the tools to maintain sobriety.

Outpatient Treatment (PHP, IOP)

Laguna Shores offers flexible outpatient programs designed to provide intensive care while allowing clients to live at home. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers the highest level of outpatient care, with structured therapy and medical monitoring for several hours a day, five to seven days a week, acting as a robust alternative to residential treatment.

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) requires a smaller time commitment, typically 9-12 hours per week, allowing individuals to integrate their recovery with work, school, or family obligations. Both PHP and IOP incorporate group therapy, individual counseling, psychoeducation, and relapse prevention planning, creating a supportive community and a structured framework for building new, healthy coping skills without the need for 24/7 residential placement.

Addiction Counseling

Addiction counseling is the cornerstone of our treatment approach. The modalities we use in our addiction treatment programs include:

CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), clients learn to identify and reframe the negative thought patterns and triggers that lead to drug use.
DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches crucial skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which are vital for managing the anxiety that often underlies Ativan use.
Individual counseling: Individual therapy provides a private, safe space to explore personal trauma and mental health co-occurrences.
Group Therapy: Group therapy fosters peer support, reduces feelings of isolation, and allows clients to learn from the shared experiences of others on the same path to recovery, building a powerful network of accountability and understanding.

Each patient receives a unique treatment plan tailored to them, which can include a combination of these therapies.

Our Drug Rehab Can Help You Break the Cycle of Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan addiction, know that you do not have to face this challenge alone. Laguna Shores Recovery is a premier treatment facility in California dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. Our serene, healing environment is staffed by a team of experienced medical professionals and therapists who specialize in benzodiazepine recovery.

We offer a full continuum of care, from medical detox and residential treatment to flexible PHP and IOP programs, all tailored to your individual needs. Our medical team will create individualized treatment plans, perfectly catered to the patients’ preferences and needs. At our rehab facility, patients will work one-on-one with a therapist and participate in support groups to receive the best care for their addiction.

Your journey to lasting recovery and a healthier, brighter future begins with a single, courageous step. Contact us today to speak confidentially with an admissions specialist and learn how we can help you reclaim your life.