Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition that requires withdrawal assistance, such as Ativan for alcohol withdrawal. Yet, although benzodiazepines like Ativan can be safely used to help overcome alcohol addiction, they also bring their dangers. This is because benzodiazepines are powerful habit-forming drugs. At Puget Sound Recovery, we support medication-aided treatment, but we want to ensure everyone is safe from further addiction. If you have questions about using Ativan for alcohol withdrawal, here we will unpack its safety and function.
What Is Ativan?
Ativan is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine medication. Its off-brand name is lorazepam, which acts similarly to other benzo medications like Xanax and Valium. Benzodiazepines work on the central nervous system (comprised of the brain and spine) to produce calming, relaxing, and sedative effects. Thus, when a person takes a benzodiazepine medication like Ativan, they can experience a reduction of hyperactivity in their brain. Therefore, it is common to receive an Ativan prescription for anxiety disorders, seizures, or insomnia. Further, it can be used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Other Common Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a drug class with numerous different medications. Although they all produce similar effects and can be prescribed for the same conditions, they have differences. For instance, they have different absorption rates, dosages, and efficacy per person. Here are a few benzodiazepines you may have heard of.
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Alprazolam, or the brand name Xanax, is similar to Ativan but absorbs faster into the bloodstream. However, Xanax doesn’t last as long as Ativan, meaning people may need to take it more often. Xanax is frequently prescribed for anxiety disorders. Using it for alcohol withdrawal is not safe, as Xanax and alcohol negatively mix.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Klonopin is another benzo (by the off-brand name clonazepam) but it typically has different prescribed uses than Ativan. Most often, Klonopin is uses for seizures instead of Ativan’s popularity for anxiety and insomnia. Klonopin can have effect for up to 12 hours.
Diazepam (Valium)
Valium, or diazepam, has similar prescribed usage as Ativan but is longer-acting. Thus, Valium absorbs slower but holds its effects for longer while Ativan absorbs quicker but wears off quicker, too. Valium is often prescribed for muscle conditions like spasms, in addition to other conditions.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is what occurs when a person who is dependent on alcohol attempts to quit. In fact, even if they aren’t trying to wean off of alcohol, if they go too long without drinking, they’ll experience withdrawal. Why does this happen? It’s because your system adapts to long-term alcohol abuse until you are dependent on the substance to function normally. Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are intense, painful, and uncomfortable. Detoxing from any substance addiction involves withdrawal symptoms, but weaning off of alcohol is especially difficult. Part of this is because alcohol withdrawal is high-risk for potential health dangers.
To avoid alcohol withdrawal complications, it’s safest to complete medical detox in a professional rehab center.
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
People often wonder how long alcohol withdrawal lasts. The span of time during which you will experience acute symptoms tends to be between 4 and 10 days. If you’ve been abusing alcohol for longer, it will most likely take longer to rid your body of toxins. But if you’ve been a short-term alcohol user, you might have a fast detox experience. What happens during detox is that you spend time in a comfortable, private area while having 24/7 medical support available. Because alcohol abuse depletes vitamins and minerals, our team can administer fluids and nutrients. Additionally, we can provide medications for withdrawal to reduce your symptoms.
Do They Use Ativan for Alcohol Withdrawal?
Ativan has multiple uses, but does Ativan help with alcohol withdrawal? In short, yes, Ativan can be used as a first line of defense for alcohol use disorder. Because benzos calm the central nervous system by increasing positive chemical messengers, they’re also effective at reducing withdrawal discomfort. This means Ativan would be an option for most people who are struggling with alcohol withdrawal symptoms and would benefit most. However, using Ativan for alcohol withdrawal can be risky, because it is itself a powerfully addictive substance.
Medications for alcohol withdrawal are necessary in many cases. In fact, they can be incredibly helpful and pain-relieving. What matters is following medical instructions when it comes to how much Ativan for alcohol withdrawal, how often, and how long. Notably, Ativan should never be used as a self-medication.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Detox
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a recovery program we offer at Puget Sound Recovery Center. Quitting alcoholism is no easy feat, and for many, it takes the aid of prescription medications to overcome the desire for alcohol. We support medications for disorders like alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, we know the importance of properly using powerful substances for healing. Therefore, our MAT program ensures no one is alone in their medication usage, and also that individuals engage in the deeper healing work required. Our MAT program combines the proven trio of traditional therapy, holistic counseling, and medication. We would love to answer any questions you have if you’re interested in entering MAT with us.
Reach Out For Help With Addiction
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Risks of Using Ativan for Alcohol Withdrawal
Although Ativan can help individuals find relief during the challenging process of alcohol withdrawal, using powerful benzodiazepines can backfire. In reality, benzos are carefully monitored and prescribed because they have the power to be habit-forming. This could occur if you use benzodiazepines outside of how they’re prescribed for you or use them without a prescription.
Markedly, Ativan is itself an addictive substance, much like alcohol. Therefore, using Ativan to overcome alcohol addiction can actually lead to drug addiction. Having multiple addictions is called co-occurring disorders. Without a doubt, facing more than one issue adds even more strife and damage to your life! Instead, you want to repair the destruction of alcoholism without anyone becoming hooked on a powerful drug. Benzodiazepine addiction treatment is a program we offer for anyone struggling. If you’re new to benzos, it’s important to only use Ativan short-term and as prescribed for your alcohol use disorder.
If you’re concerned about the risks, you can enter medication-assisted treatment through Puget Sound Recovery. We utilize FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder and help you manage your dosage to prevent further addiction.
Find Alcohol Abuse Treatment Near Me
It can be tough to know the best medication option for treating your alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Ativan for alcohol withdrawal is an option, as well as the FDA-approved medications buprenorphine, naloxone, and methadone. Fortunately, you don’t have to make that call! If you enter medical detox at one of our Washington rehab centers, you’ll be cared for every step of the way. During your initial consultation, you can discuss the pros and cons of various withdrawal medications. Once you begin detox, you’ll be aided 24/7 by our staff of doctors and nurses. They will know how to include medication in your treatment, and they’ll help you wean off of it when the time is right.
Simply put, all you have to do is schedule your initial meeting with us to get the ball rolling. Regardless of what you’re going through, we have a program tailored to your needs. We provide all-encompassing recovery programs for benzodiazepine addiction, alcohol addiction, co-occurring disorders, mental health disorders, and more.
