Klonopin Addiction: Risks, Symptoms and Treatment
Addiction can be a scary and destructive disease that doesn’t discriminate. Even prescription drugs provided by a doctor require cautions and close monitoring. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics estimates that 12% of those that abuse prescription drugs are addicted to them.
Prescription drugs, whether obtained legally or illegally, can be dangerous and bring a risk of negative side effects, abuse, and addiction. One such medication is Klonopin. Doctors typically prescribe it for varying anxiety disorders. But like many prescription medications, it is at high risk for abuse.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin, the brand name for clonazepam, is a prescription medication that can be effective in treating panic disorders and certain seizure disorders. It is a benzodiazepine, which is a type of nervous system depressant.
Doctors typically turn to Klonopin because its sedative properties are incredibly effective against anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. It’s usually used for short periods of time.
How It Works
Benzodiazepines, usually called “benzos,” work by increasing GABA activity in your brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that it prevents nerves from talking to each other.
With anxiety and seizure disorders, the central nervous system (CNS) is excited, meaning the nerves are talking to each other too much. Reducing this excitability induces a sense of relaxation in the mind and body.
The Effects of Klonopin
CNS depressants slow down activity in the brain, which affects both your mind and body. Physically, Klonopin reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
Psychologically, it helps people feel relaxed, at ease, and emotionally calm.
Klonopin Addiction
Klonopin addiction risk is serious and dangerous. Benzos are schedule 4 controlled substances, and Klonopin has one of the highest potencies available. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and prone to abuse. Therefore, it is essential to take them only as directed by a doctor.
Another reason the risk of Klonopin addiction is so high is how quickly it works and how long it lasts. Klonopin enters the bloodstream and brain within an hour of taking it, and can remain in the body for days.
How Klonopin Addiction Develops
Addiction to Klonopin can develop quickly or slowly. People may not be aware of their dependency until the symptoms become more severe.
Over time, taking Klonopin can alter your brain chemistry so that the naturally occurring GABA is no longer enough. This leads to someone becoming chemically dependent on the medication both psychologically and physically.
As your body gets used to the substance, your tolerance increases. Some people then decide to take more than they initially were initially prescribed.
Ideally, Klonopin is used to help the issue needing to be addressed while avoiding any likelihood of abuse or dependency. How, when, and for how long your doctor prescribes and instructs you to take the drug is an intentional decision made with your own safety in mind. It is vital not to change anything without consulting your doctor first.
Klonopin is easily abused recreationally or by mixing it with the use of other substances as well. Alcohol, for example, also affects GABA receptors and drinking while taking Klonopin can have serious negative effects.
Klonopin Addiction Symptoms
Addiction from prescribed drugs can be difficult to identify. It may lack the same kind of warning associated with illicit drugs, but it can still be hazardous.
Klonopin addictions signs may include:
- Vertigo, dizziness, and fainting
- Racing heart rate
- Numbness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Confusion, impaired cognition, judgment, and memory
- Sleep disturbances
- Auditory hallucinations
- Craving Klonopin and using it for non-medical reasons
- Withdrawing from family, friends, and activities
- Suicidal thoughts
There are many physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms that may arise when klonopin use has reached dependency or abuse. Someone who is addicted to Klonopin might not show all of these signs, but they are the most common to look out for.
Klonopin Addiction Treatment
Thankfully, treatment is available for Klonopin addiction to help get your life back. Klonopin is not a substance you should try to detox from on your own. Seek out professional help to monitor and assist throughout your recovery.
Recovery from a Klonopin addiction is going to require starting with a detox and withdrawal management program. Once withdrawal symptoms subside and detoxing is complete, there are a variety of inpatient and outpatient therapy and rehabilitation programs available.
Next Step to Recovery
If you or a loved one is suffering from Klonopin dependence and addiction, know that it is possible to overcome it. Recovery may not always be easy, but you are strong enough to get through it and you don’t have to do it alone.
Sequoia Behavioral Health is an inpatient treatment center with a dedicated team of professionals experienced in a variety of therapy techniques to help people through their challenges with mental health and substance use disorder
We want to help and support you as you take action to work toward a happier, healthier life that you create. Reach out today to talk about how to take the next step to a brighter future.