Ativan Detox in New Hampshire
While detoxing from Ativan can be a difficult process, it’s vital for getting the recovery journey started.
Did you know that there were 42,874 emergency department (ED) visits involving the abuse of lorazepam in 2011? This number rounds up to 3.4% of all ED visits from nonmedical use of pharmaceutical agents recorded that year.
Unfortunately, Ativan (lorazepam) has relatively high abuse potential, and its overdose can be fatal.
This habit isn’t impossible to break, though. The recovery journey usually starts with a period dedicated to detoxing the body from Ativan, which often comes with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
What are these symptoms? How intense can the Ativan detox phase get?
This post will walk you through the withdrawal stages, the average detox process, and how trained professionals can help make things easier for you or your loved one. We’ll also check out what comes after the detox period.
The Need for Medical Detox: Ativan Withdrawals Explained
Before we take a look at how the detox process works, we need to cover some basics about Ativan and its withdrawals.
Why Ativan Withdrawals Happen
Ativan is only a brand name used to refer to the active compound called lorazepam.
You’ll likely notice that the pharmaceutical generic name sounds close to diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), and it’s all for good reason—they all belong to the benzodiazepine “benzo” drug family.
All benzodiazepines “depress” the central nervous system by targeting the inhibitory GABA receptors. As a result, they slow down many of the neuron functions, creating a sedating, relaxing effect.
In monitored doses, this sedative effect can help with anxiety disorders. However, in just a few weeks, the body can get used to the benzodiazepine and build up tolerance or physical dependence.
That’s why the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers benzodiazepines addictive controlled substances. Ativan/lorazepam, in particular, is a schedule IV controlled substance.
The potency and abuse potential changes among the class. Generally speaking, benzodiazepines that are either highly lipophilic (can cross the blood-brain barrier and get to the brain faster) and those with shorter half-lives come with a higher risk of abuse.
As it happens, Ativan, with its short-to-intermediate action, is one of the highly potent benzo drugs.
When the Withdrawals Hit
Ativan’s half-life is around 12 hours, and it’s metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney (in urine).
While it could take 5–6 half-lives for the drug to be eliminated from the body, the withdrawals can start within 24 hours from the last dose. After 3–4 days, the majority of the symptoms start showing up.
| Stage/Phase | Duration | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Withdrawal | Around 2 weeks | Most individuals experience this short stage |
| Prolonged/protracted (Post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS) | Web Lasts for months or years | 10-25% of detoxing individuals |
Psychological
Vicodin’s psychological withdrawal symptoms are often impactful and require extensive support to get through. They can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vicodin cravings
- Suicidal thoughts
- Panic attacks
- Mood swings
- Reduced appetite
What Determines the Period of Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms
A person battling years of Vicodin addiction will likely have a different experience from someone experiencing it recently. For this reason, the severity and length of addiction can heavily affect the detox process
Another factor can include the detox method implemented. For instance, if you decide to go cold turkey and instantly cut off usage, it’ll reap more severe symptoms than if you gradually reduce the dosage.
External factors like medical assistance or personal support may also affect your withdrawal symptoms duration. A better support system will offer longer-lasting results.
Vicodin Withdrawal Timeline
Vicodin withdrawal timelines are not all built the same. In most cases, they’re tailored according to the patient’s addiction severity, age, liver condition, and metabolism. The timeline may last between five and seven days.
Day One
During the 8 to 24 hours after your last dosage, you’ll start to experience mild withdrawal symptoms. These can include flu symptoms like a runny nose, fever, and chills.
You may also experience muscle pain, discomfort, appetite loss, and drug cravings. At night, restlessness and insomnia may take over.
Day Two
As the second day progresses, you’ll likely feel similar symptoms, but they’ll feel more intense. The pain and cravings will intensify. Plus, you’ll likely feel nauseous and have stomach cramps and diarrhea.
In terms of the psychological effects, you could experience depressive episodes, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Day Three
The third day typically exhibits the harshest Vicodin withdrawal symptoms. The body aches will increase in severity. Vomiting and nausea symptoms will increase, as well as the psychological side effects.
Day Four to Seven
By the end of the challenging week, your symptoms will start to subside. Despite the physical dependence symptoms gradually dissipating, patients still have to face the psychological effects of the Vicodin addiction.
For this reason, you need a medical professional or loved one’s support as you persist through your addiction treatment journey. Otherwise, if you’re left alone, you’re more vulnerable to future relapses.
Vicodin Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
Even after you’ve completed a seven-day Vicodin detox, you could fall into what’s known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS). This condition can follow patients for years after abstaining from the prescription drug.
With PAWS, you could experience the following:
- Cravings
- Hostility
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Mood Swings
- Indifference
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
As you can tell, most of these symptoms are psychological. Now, the causes of PAWS remain undocumented. The scientific explanation delves into the changes in your brain chemistry as your body gains physical dependence on Vicodin.
Once you’ve stopped taking the agent, your brain will lack the necessary neurotransmitters to release endorphins. Consequently, it must re-learn the process and re-adjust independent of drug use.
That process can be prolonged, which leads to PAWS. Fortunately, there are several treatment methods. Some centers use medications plus mental and physical activities. Others may follow a structured counseling schedule focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Vicodin Detox: What to Expect
Vicodin detoxes are, more often than not, completed at residential rehab or inpatient facilities. It ensures that patients are receiving 24-hour monitoring services and are fully abstaining from drug or alcohol usage.
Nonetheless, some Vicodin detox processes can take place in an outpatient setting, especially if the addiction is less severe.
Now, the treatment involves administering drugs to treat the withdrawal symptoms. Those may include:
- Buprenorphine: This replacement drug treats opioid addiction and suppresses acute pain from withdrawal symptoms.
- Suboxone: It’s a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and is used to treat the cravings you feel during withdrawal.
- Methadone: A synthetic opioid commonly used to treat heroin and opioid dependence. It primarily targets chronic pain.
If you performed a dual diagnosis and have co-occurring mental disorders, such as depression, you’ll likely be given antidepressants as well. Aside from that, the Vicodin detox process involves multiple aspects. These are:
Medical Assessment
After enrolling in a detox service center, the first step to expect is a full addiction assessment. The comprehensive examination will help medical professionals decide which treatment route will suit your needs best.
The assessment can involve research into your family history of substance abuse, as well as a physical and psychological evaluation.
Medical Care
Once registered and within professional care, patients are consistently monitored. Their vitals are regularly examined to ensure no abnormalities.
In this phase, medication is typically given to alleviate the Vicodin withdrawal symptoms.
Tailored Therapy
Besides physical care, patients also need a structured and tailored therapy program to go alongside the detox.
Addiction centers will assign you a therapist to ease you through the medication-assisted detox. The therapy service usually continues afterward as well to ensure an effective treatment.
Continuing Care
Aftercare varies among Vicodin detox patients. Some may need to remain in inpatient or residential care to receive 24-hour supervision.
Others might feel more comfortable with an outpatient setting since they prefer to stay at their homes with loved ones. Either way, therapy or counseling service is necessary during aftercare.
Is Vicodin Withdrawal Safe?
Vicodin detox is a safe process, particularly when monitored by an addiction specialist. Applying for inpatient care is the best option during a detox.
Otherwise, you might experience persistent withdrawal symptoms like cravings. It can result in relapses where patients take in more drugs than their bodies can tolerate, leading to life-threatening overdoses.
Vicodin Detox for Pregnant Women
In cases of pregnancy, medically assisted detox programs are an absolute necessity. Sudden abstinence from Vicodin can harm the fetus.
Stabilization efforts from doctors through prescribed medication are a must to keep the fetus and mother safe. The detox will help pregnant women manage the immense pain and avoid relapse.
What Does Vicodin Addiction Look Like
Vicodin addiction takes multiple forms. One of the most tell-tale signs of opioid addiction is liver damage from excessive acetaminophen use. You can look for other signs like:
- Euphoria
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramping
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
Besides these symptoms, you can examine behavioral effects. You’ll notice patients taking more Vicodin than the prescribed amount. Cravings are also a prominent sign of abuse.
A person experiencing Vicodin addiction could isolate themselves from their friends and family. They start to care less for their hygiene, health, and career. By that time, physical and psychological tolerance had developed.
What the Statistics Say
Prescription pain relief medication addiction is gaining prevalence in the U.S. A shocking 9.3 million citizens each year are becoming addicted to painkillers. As one of those addictive opioids, Vicodin has shown its effect on the population in the following statistics:
- Over 131 million Americans in 2011 were unnecessarily prescribed Vicodin.
- In 2013, 5.3% of school seniors abused Vicodin.
- In 2017, 2.3% of the U.S. population misused Vicodin.
Alternative Vicodin Detox Options
Two major alternative Vicodin detox methods have gained prevalence. Those are going cold turkey and practicing rapid detox. While they may work for some patients, there are still concerns surrounding their application among medical experts.
Rapid Vicodin Detox
Rapid detox involves physically pushing chemicals intravenously out of your body. During the process, you’re given sedatives and medication to rapidly remove the drugs from your system. While this is categorized as a quick fix, it still holds a lot of risks.
A study examined two groups who received rapid detox and traditional addiction treatment using buprenorphine and non-opioid medication. The results showed no significant difference in relapse risk.
Instead, the symptoms of rapid detox were more intense. 20% of the individuals in rapid detox remained in treatment, while a higher 24% of those who went the traditional route stayed.
Rapid detox carries several physical risks, including cardiac and respiratory issues.
Dangers aside, rapid detoxes are also highly expensive, costing up to $20,000. Plus, the procedure is not usually covered by insurance.
Cold Turkey
In a desperate attempt to quit, a lot of substance abusers go cold turkey. Severe withdrawal symptoms from this method make it too difficult to remain on a Vicodin-free course.
Additionally, there’s a greater risk of relapse and falling into much more dangerous habits. With limited support, no preparation, unrealistic expectations, physical dependence, and unaddressed psychological factors, the cold turkey method will doom you from the start.
To Conclude
One of the first steps to recovery will always involve a detox. While it may be the shortest phase of your abstinence journey, it’s still one of the most challenging. Withdrawal symptoms often make this phase difficult to endure, especially alone.
Fortunately, with the wealth of resources online, you can locate multiple detox facilities near your area and get the help you or your loved one needs.
Take the First Step Towards a Brighter Tomorrow
At Live Free Recovery, we’re committed to walking alongside you on every step of your journey. Our compassionate team is here to provide the guidance and support you need to overcome addiction and reclaim your life. Don’t wait—reach out today to speak with someone who truly understands your struggles and can help you take that important first step toward healing and a fresh start.
Your path to recovery starts here.
