Isaac C.
Snorting Ativan (lorazepam) is a dangerous form of drug abuse that delivers the medication rapidly into the bloodstream, intensifying its effects and increasing the risk of severe health consequences.
Snorting Ativan (lorazepam) is a dangerous method of abuse that amplifies the drug’s effects while significantly increasing health risks. Many people wonder, “Can you snort Ativan?” or “What happens if you snort lorazepam?” The truth is that snorting Ativan allows the drug to enter the bloodstream rapidly, bypassing the digestive system. While this can create a faster and more intense high, it also leads to severe physical, mental, and emotional health issues, including nasal damage, addiction, and a heightened risk of overdose.
If you’re asking these questions or struggling with misuse, this article will explain the dangers of snorting Ativan, the risks associated with this method of abuse, and how to seek help.
Ativan, the brand name for lorazepam, is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, it slows brain activity by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
While Ativan is effective when used as prescribed, its sedative effects and potential for euphoria make it prone to abuse. People who snort lorazepam are often seeking these intensified effects, which can lead to severe consequences.
Yes, but snorting Ativan is extremely dangerous and not an approved method of using the medication. Snorting lorazepam delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream through the nasal passages, bypassing the slower digestive process associated with oral use. This creates a rapid and intense high, but it also increases the likelihood of:
People snort lorazepam (Ativan) for several reasons:
Snorting Ativan is dangerous and can lead to immediate and long-term health complications. The rapid absorption of lorazepam increases the intensity of its effects but also its risks. Some consequences include:
When an individual consumes other drugs—such as alcohol, opioids, or other prescription medication—alongside Ativan, the drug’s toxic effects are enhanced. The drug’s side effects are also felt significantly faster, increasing the chances of dangerous health risks occurring, such as a fatal Ativan overdose.
Yes, snorting Ativan significantly raises the risk of overdose. The direct absorption through nasal membranes can lead to dangerously high blood concentrations of the drug. Overdose symptoms include:
If you suspect an Ativan overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
An Ativan addiction can develop extremely rapidly and then cause severe side effects when the amount of the drug being consumed decreases. This makes it harder for people to quit the drug and a vicious circle continues.
Recognizing the signs of Ativan abuse is critical for early intervention. Common signs include:
If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible.
People who regularly snort Ativan end up developing a mental and physical dependency on the drug. Over time, a user’s system will get used to the drug’s depressing effects on the central nervous system and adjust to this new level of functioning. When the dosage of the drug is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms will appear. Here, the person has developed a physical dependence on Ativan to function, and this dependency is one of the reasons it is so hard to quit an addiction to Ativan.
Ativan withdrawal symptoms appear due to the body going into overdrive. Without the presence of the drug in the body, all bodily functions are elevated to an extremely high level. This can result in a range of unpleasant symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, including:
Because withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, a medical detox is highly recommended. The aim of a medical detox is to rid the body of a substance as safely and comfortably as possible. Medical professionals do this by creating a tapering schedule, where the person coming off pharmaceutical drugs decreases their dosage gradually over time to avoid fatal withdrawal symptoms.
Medical staff also provide around-the-clock care, regularly checking that the needs of each person are being met. They may offer medication to counteract Ativan withdrawal symptoms or psychological aid during this difficult time.
Some people think that to overcome an addiction, they simply need to carry out a medical detox; however, overcoming a substance use disorder is a life-long journey. As addiction is not simply a physical disease, it is important that a person’s mental health is also looked at during the treatment process.
People start taking drugs for a variety of reasons, so until they are addressed and worked through, it is more probable a person will relapse. Psychotherapy should be carried out as part of addiction treatment to give someone the best chance of long-term health and recovery. Here, a person will learn how to cope with their illness without relying on substances; traumas can be addressed and their self-esteem rebuilt.
There are numerous psychological treatment options for addiction, though the most common is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of talk therapy changes the way people think and act by identifying thought and behavior patterns. CBT can help individuals:
Many people find it extremely helpful to check into an inpatient rehabilitation program when overcoming an addiction to snorting a drug such as Ativan. The new, calm environment—away from drug-taking triggers—can be extremely helpful in breaking the cycle of behavior. Plus, the 24/7 professional care offered to inpatients hugely improves the outcome of treatment.
Overcoming an Ativan addiction can be extremely challenging, filled with intense emotions such as fear, shame, and guilt. However, you are not alone. Cornerstone is a treatment facility based in Orange County that has been at the forefront of addiction care for the past sixty years.
Our twenty-day treatment programs cover all aspects of the recovery process, from managing Ativan withdrawal symptoms to substance abuse behavioral therapy. Cornerstone offers a wide range of addiction treatment programs that can be tailored to each individual’s needs.
We take a holistic view of healing, where a person’s entire well-being is considered to ensure a greater chance of long-term recovery and good health.
The expert staff is trained to approach everybody with patience, empathy, and discretion.
This combination of integrated services, a whole-person approach, and our excellent staff gives each individual who walks through the doors the best chance of overcoming their condition. If you or your loved one is struggling with Ativan abuse, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Cornerstone today for more information.
This content has been reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Dr. Michael Stone, MD, FAAFP, ABAM, FASAM, Founder, and Phil Kosanovich, MBA, President & CEO of Cornerstone of Southern California.
