What Does An Ativan High Feel Like?

An Ativan (lorazepam) high can feel like you are sluggish, relaxed, tired, heavy-handed, and unfocused. If you take too much Ativan at once or mix it with alcohol, you may also feel difficulty breathing and a weak pulse.

Ativan is a brand name benzodiazepine prescribed for the short term treatment of anxiety disorders and panic disorders. 

In 2021, 159 million doses of benzodiazepines were prescribed to Ohioans. This number is significantly lower than a decade ago, suggesting benzodiazepine use may be decreasing in the state.

However, millions of Ohio residents are still at risk for substance abuse and addiction to Ativan, Xanax, Valium, and other benzodiazepines. Prescription drug addiction treatment programs available throughout Ohio can help you or a loved one get the treatment they need.

Effects Of An Ativan High

An Ativan high can cause sedation and euphoria, along with side effects such as:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• loss of coordination
• reduced mood
• mood swings
• loss of sex drive

The sedative effects of Ativan can make it a common target of drug abuse in Ohio. Forms of Ativan abuse may include taking Ativan without a prescription or taking a higher dose of Ativan than you were prescribed.

Causes Of An Ativan High

The sedative effects of Ativan can be caused by the drug increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in your central nervous system (CNS). GABA is a neurotransmitter that can send calming effects to the brain when active.

Since lorazepam changes how your brain works, your body can also get used to the drug being in your system, a state known as physical dependence. The habit-forming potential of lorazepam can lead to doctors not recommending the drug for long-term use, or taking it in high doses.

Risks Of Getting High On Ativan

The downsides of getting high on Ativan can outweigh the pleasant, relaxing mood that only lasts for a short time. The long-term health risks of Ativan abuse can be serious and even life-threatening.

Ativan Overdose

An Ativan overdose can occur when high amounts of Ativan are in your body at once. Taking opioids with Ativan can cause an overdose even in lower amounts.

Signs of an Ativan overdose may include:

• slow heart rate or weak pulse
• low blood pressure
• trouble breathing
• clouded mental state
• difficulty staying awake

If you see these signs in yourself or a loved one, call for medical help right away.

Ativan Addiction & Withdrawal

Ativan addiction, also known as a substance use disorder, can be a mental health condition where you are unable to stop taking Ativan, even if it hurts your well-being.

Aspects of an Ativan addiction include physical dependence, tolerance to high doses of benzodiazepines, and Ativan withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. Ativan withdrawal symptoms can include worsening panic attacks, anxiety, and seizures.

Ativan Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one in Ohio are taking benzodiazepines and cannot quit, you may benefit from an addiction treatment program. 

To find out if our inpatient benzodiazepine addiction treatment options, such as medical detox programs, behavioral health services, and dual diagnosis treatment, work for you or your loved one, please contact us today.