Hi (((((thea))))). That was a strange choice of words on your old pdoc's part.....I'm guessing he was referring to the fact that benzodiazepines (such as Ativan) have the potential to be very addictive. And withdrawal from benzos can be extremely difficult.

However, in the same way that not everyone who drinks alcohol is an alcoholic, so, not everyone who takes Ativan becomes addicted. I don't think it was helpful for your old pdoc to phrase things the way he did. You might want to talk to your new doctor about this and have him explain things.

Do you take anything besides Ativan? Some anti-depressants can help with anxiety. I have problems with anxiety and I take Zoloft (an anti-depressant). It does help a bit.

Wishing you all the very best