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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Ativan Rehab & Addiction Treatment Programs

Ativan is a prescription sedative medication that is also available in a generic formula called lorazepam.1 Ativan is a benzodiazepine, which is a type of central nervous system depressant drug prescribed for anxiety and managing seizures.1 Other types of benzodiazepines include such medications as Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin.1

In 2020, around 4.8 million people in the United States misused prescription benzodiazepines.3 Misusing Ativan or other benzos can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal, and may increase the risk of Ativan overdose, particularly if used with alcohol, opioids, or other substances that slow breathing.2

People sometimes misuse Ativan or other benzodiazepines to enhance the euphoric effects of other drugs such as heroin and cocaine.1 Over time, misusing Ativan can increase the risk of adverse effects, physical dependence, and addiction to Ativan.2

A variety of substance use disorder (SUD) treatments are available to help you or a loved one manage Ativan withdrawal and recover from Ativan addiction.

What to Expect with Ativan Treatment

Prior to the start of Ativan addiction treatment, you may first undergo a thorough clinical assessment to help the rehab program determine your individualized needs.4 However, if you’re considering admitting to a rehab program, you can also call a facility beforehand to inquire about program details and ask questions such as:5

  • When can I get in for an assessment? Can I walk in, or do I need an appointment?
  • How will I pay for treatment? Do you take my insurance?
  • What can I, or should I, bring with me?
  • Should I bring my medications?
  • If you smoke, find out if smoking is allowed.
  • How do I get there or bring my family member there?
  • What types of treatment do you provide?

Detox

Detox, when the body clears itself of drugs such as benzodiazepines, may involve medical supervision and pharmacological withdrawal management.6 It may not be safe to suddenly stop taking Ativan cold turkey or to try to manage an Ativan detox at home without medical guidance.8 Instead, Ativan detox may take place more safely and comfortably under medical supervision to minimize the risk of life-threatening complications, including seizures, during benzodiazepine withdrawal.8 There is no reason to undergo Ativan detox alone, as there are many treatment options available to help you through this process.

Medical detox for Ativan withdrawal may involve medications for withdrawal management. This may entail first substituting Ativan with a relatively longer-acting benzodiazepine such as chlordiazepoxide, or other sedating/seizure management agent such as phenobarbital.6

The length needed to safely detox varies from person to person and can depend on factors such as the average dose of and duration with which a person has been taking Ativan.8 Generally, people experience the onset of withdrawal symptoms within 2 days after stopping the use of Ativan.9 Symptoms may then begin to lessen over the course of the next 2 to 4 weeks.9

Detox may be the first step in your treatment and can help prepare you for ongoing treatment to more comprehensively address the underlying issues related to the Ativan addiction.6

Inpatient Ativan Rehab

Some people may benefit from inpatient Ativan rehab, where they go to a treatment program for Ativan addiction that offers 24/7 oversight, medical care, and support. Though not everyone will need inpatient rehab for Ativan addiction, it may be an appropriate treatment setting if you:7

  • Do not have a good support system at home to support and supervise you.
  • Do not have a way to get back and forth to an outpatient program several times per week.
  • Have been using other substances in addition to Ativan.
  • Have significant co-occurring mental health issues that would also benefit from treatment attention.

When you undergo inpatient Ativan rehabilitation, daily therapeutic programming may include some combination of:7

  • Behavioral therapies
  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Support groups
  • Recreational activities

The length of an inpatient Ativan rehab program varies, with some programs lasting a few weeks and others lasting several months, based on recovery needs.7 Some facilities may offer specialty programming, such as offering a dual diagnosis treatment track for individuals who have a co-occurring mental health issue that needs treatment along with a substance use disorder.7 Other programs may offer female-only Ativan rehab programs, as well as specialty treatment for Veterans, First Responders, or medical professionals.

Outpatient Ativan Treatment

Outpatient Ativan rehabilitation programs may be an appropriate level of care for many people, and your doctor or other treatment professional can help you make such a treatment decision.

Outpatient programs may be offered in a variety of levels of intensity and, like their inpatient/residential counterparts, often involve a combination of treatment features such as group counseling, individual counseling, and various behavioral therapy approaches.7 As recovery progress is made, patients may transition from a relatively more time intensive Ativan outpatient rehab program to more standard outpatient treatment, which requires fewer treatment hours each week.7

Aftercare for Ativan Addiction

After a person leaves inpatient or outpatient Ativan rehab, treatment doesn’t just suddenly stop. For many people, recovery is a lifelong journey. Follow-up or continuing care can help people solidify the progress made during treatment, reduce relapse risks, and maintain continued recovery momentum.7 Prior to completion of treatment, many programs will help you formulate a helpful aftercare plan. Aftercare often involves regular participation with a mutual-help group, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) but can also entail continued counseling and therapy.

Paying for Ativan Rehab

An Ativan rehab program can be expensive, but you may be able to use your health insurance to cover part or all the cost, especially if you find a rehab program that is in-network with your insurance provider. Furthermore, an Ativan rehab program may offer a payment plan to help pay for treatment. There are also grants and scholarships that may be available to help offset the costs.

Getting a Loved One into an Ativan Rehab Facility

If you think your loved one has a problem with Ativan use and you want them to get into treatment, it can be a difficult process. It is important to that you are a major support for your loved one and you can try to talk to your friend or family member about their use and your concerns. Just asking to talk, and doing so in a private space, can be a conversation starter.10

It is a good idea to focus on listening to them and acknowledging their feelings.10 It is important to be patient and realize it may take several conversations to get through to your loved one.10

Choosing an Ativan Rehab Center

Every treatment center is different, and no one program is right for everyone. There are numerous things to consider when looking at an Ativan rehab center.

Location is an important consideration, as travel can be costly, and going to a program nearer to your residence may make sense. Paying for rehab is also an important thing to consider and going to an in-network rehab for treatment can save money over the cost of an out-of-network provider.

You can also find out the levels of care offered by a rehab program and whether the program offers inpatient treatment and outpatient rehab. Furthermore, if you want a specific type of treatment, such as a dual diagnosis program tailored to meet the needs of people with mental health issues and Ativan addiction, you should try to find a program that offers this type of treatment. In addition, if certain amenities are important to you, such as having yoga classes available or being able to have a private room, you should seek a program that offers these amenities.

Ativan Treatment FAQs

Find Out If Your Insurance Plan Covers Ativan Addiction

American Addiction Centers can help people recover from compulsive benzodiazepine use and other types of substance use disorders. To find out if your insurance covers treatment for you or your loved one at an American Addiction Centers facility, click here, or fill out the form below. Your information is kept 100% confidential. You can also click here to find a rehab near me. If you or a loved one are struggling with Ativan misuse, We are available 24/7.

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