Waypoint Recovery Center Blog

What Is Ativan?

Ativan (lorazepam) is a type of benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but this drug can be addictive when not used as directed. If you think your loved one might be struggling with an Ativan addiction, learning more about this drug’s effects and the potential dangers can help you determine your next steps.

1. Ativan Is Only Recommended for Short-Term Use

Ativan is a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This puts it in the same class as commonly abused prescriptions such as Ambien (zolpidem), Ultram (tramadol), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Xanax (diazepam). Schedule IV drugs have an accepted medical use and are considered to have a lower risk of addiction than Schedule II or Schedule III drugs and a higher risk of addiction than Schedule V drugs. (more…)

The role of willpower in recovery is often misunderstood. Substance use disorders are biologically based chronic illnesses with complex interconnected environmental triggers. This means a person doesn’t develop an addiction because they lack willpower. However, learning how to strengthen willpower can help promote the resiliency you need to continue to progress in your recovery journey.

We Use Willpower Everyday

Willpower is involved in hundreds of choices we make each day. Whenever you make a choice that prioritizes your long-term well-being over short-term rewards, you’re using willpower. For example:

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Addiction thrives on stigma and misunderstanding. Whether you’re worried about a loved one or wondering if you might be struggling with a Vicodin addiction, it’s important to make sure you have the facts you need to make informed decisions about your next steps.

Vicodin Addiction Often Begins with a Legitimate Prescription

Addiction doesn’t always look like how it’s portrayed on TV—especially when a person is addicted to Vicodin or other opioid painkillers. In this case, what begins as a legitimate prescription turns into something much more sinister.

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A night spent dancing with friends at a concert, bar, or nightclub can have lasting consequences if you turn to club drugs to fit in, unwind, and have fun. Despite the popularity of websites that claim club drugs are as safe as watersports or giving birth, this type of substance abuse comes with real risks.

Types of Club Drugs

There are many different illegal drugs that fall under the broader ‘club drug’ umbrella, but some of the most common include:

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