What Is Klonopin
Klonopin is the brand name for a generic drug known as clonazepam, a tranquilizer used to treat and prevent panic disorders, seizures, and a movement disorder called akathisia.
The drug works by modifying the electric activity between brain cells to slow the functions down related to stress and anxiety. While Klonopin is beneficial for those with anxiety disorders, as it can help calm emotional disturbances, it is dangerous when abused as it slows down heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Is Klonopin Addictive
Klonopin is part of the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Though they are all habit-forming, Klonopin is the most addictive in its class. Some people can become addicted to the drug after taking it as prescribed for only a few weeks. A benzodiazepine addiction reduces the chance for your body to function without it, which is why those addicted to the drug find it hard to quit.
Signs of Klonopin Addiction
The signs of Klonopin addiction are varied and may include the following:
- Persistent cravings for Klonopin
- Having a desire to quit but being unable to do so
- Slurred speech
- Extreme drowsiness
- Unsteady walking and imparied coordination
- Reduced attention span
- Memory impairment
Klonopin addiction will start as soon as the person’s body builds up a tolerance to the drug. Soon, the user will need to take higher doses in order to feel the same effects they once did on lower doses.
Who Abuses Klonopin
Klonopin abuse may not be intentional as it is an anxiety medication. Because Klonopin is so addictive, practitioners usually prescribe it as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Klonopin is seen as being abused as soon as the individual stops taking Klonopin exactly as prescribed, and for longer than prescribed.
Side-Effects of Klonopin Addiction
Side-effects of Abusing Klonopin can include:
- Unusual heartbeat
- Vertigo
- Insomnia
- Fainting
- Slurred speech
- Numbness
- Blurred vision
- Impaired cognition
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Slow reaction time
- Seizures
- Impaired judgment
- Headache
- Reduced libido
Please note that some of these symptoms could be signs of overdose. If you believe this is the case, seek help immediately.
Klonopin and Alcohol
Mixing Klonopin and alcohol is dangerous and can even be life-threatening. Because they are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, the combination can lead to lowered heart rate, depressed breathing, and increased drowsiness. It could also make it difficult to wake someone up, and can even lead to a coma.
The combination of Klonopin and alcohol will enhance the effects of both substances, while making it difficult or impossible to breathe. The risk of Klonopin overdose is much higher when the drug is combined with alcohol.
Klonopin Addiction Treatment
In the past, Klonopin was a problematic drug addiction to treat since there was only one way to do it: using extreme withdrawal methods. Today, thanks to studies and the latest treatment methods, many individualized treatment programs are available that make it easier to break free of addictions. Specialists know that healing is necessary physically and psychologically to break free from the impact that drugs have on a user’s life.
On the road to recovery, an individual will receive customized and individualized treatment to teach them how to live a better life without drugs.
The first step toward recovery from Klonopin addiction is with medical detox, often accompanied by Medication-Assisted Treatment for withdrawal symptoms, followed by individual and group therapy.
Detox from Klonopin
Medical detox is usually the first step in combating moderate to severe addiction. Detox involves tapering the patient off Klonopin in gradually lowered doses until the substance is removed from the system entirely. Klonopin detox can be very uncomfortable and even deadly.
The patient needs to be monitored by a medical professional throughout the entire duration of the detox process. This is why medical detox from Klonopin is only recommended in an inpatient setting at a licensed rehabilitation center.
To manage the painful and sometimes dangerous symptoms of Klonopin detox, medication may be administered.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is given during detox to:
- Help manage the severity of withdrawal symptoms
- Treat co-occurring disorders
- Improve patient survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Reduce the risk of relapse and cravings
- Increase long-term sobriety
The MAT is then tapered until the patient’s drug dependency diminishes and withdrawal symptoms cease.
Klonopin Withdrawal
Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin slows down brain activity and creates a feeling of calm. When the drug is abused, the brain stops producing the chemicals it needs to create this feeling of calm for itself. Therefore, suddenly stopping Klonopin can result in the opposite effects provided by the drug.
Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- Tremors
- Panic attacks
- Coma
- Irritability
- Death
Due to the severe side-effects of withdrawal, such as seizures, coma, and death, Klonopin withdrawal is very dangerous and should only be done under medical supervision.
This is why only Inpatient rehab is recommended for Klonopin abuse. Outpatient rehab is not suited for individuals suffering from Klonopin addiction. Klonopin addiction is too severe, and the withdrawal symptoms too dangerous for the patient to attempt recovery alone.
Inpatient rehab is where the patient stays in a treatment facility while undergoing a structured treatment program custom-designed to meet their needs. Patients are monitored around the clock while receiving care and therapeutic support. Inpatient rehab is the best option available for fighting Klonopin addiction.
Klonopin Treatment Therapies
These programs typically offer forms of behavioral therapy such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A common type of individual psychotherapy that helps patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are likely to use drugs.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): Another type of one-on-one psychotherapy that helps individuals learn new skills and strategies for coping with life outside of addiction. The goal of this therapy is to create positive and impactful change.
- Family therapy: Used to help families support the recovery of the patient, as well as to help heal the damage caused by addiction within the family unit.
- Group therapy: Programs such as Narcotics Anonymous are used to provide ongoing support for the patient, in a supportive environment. Group therapy sessions will usually be ongoing, in order to prevent relapse and to foster a sense of community with likeminded people.
A range of care with a specifically tailored treatment program and follow-up options are vital to success. Treatment should include both medical and mental health services and treatments as required.
Recovery from Klonopin Addiction
Although it can be difficult to recover from Klonopin addiction, recovery is possible. The first step to recovery is getting the right help, and now. Get in touch with one of our caring treatment navigators today. We are able to help you find the right individualized treatment plan to help you get your life back. We have a wide range of treatment centers available, wherever you are in the country.