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Klonopin Addiction

What Is Klonopin Used For?. Klonopin For Alcohol Withdrawal. Klonopin Dosage. Is Klonopin Addictive? Is Klonopin Dangerous? How Do You Get Addicted To Klonopin? How Long Does Klonopin Effects Last? Signs Of Klonopin Addiction. How To Avoid Klonopin Addiction? Klonopin Addiction Treatment


What Is Klonopin Used For?

Klonopin has the generic name of Clonazepam. It is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat various conditions, including anxiety disorders and epileptic seizures [1]. However, due to its low price and easy availability, it has become a widely misused medication in medical and recreational contexts.

There is concern about their potential to cause withdrawal symptoms. How does Benzodiazepine withdrawal kill you? Heart palpitations are among the last things any anxious individual wants to undergo, but they’re quite common when withdrawing from Klonopin. Benzodiazepines’ cardiac side effects can be fatal without professional healthcare assistance. Klonopin detox at a medically supervised facility can lessen the severity of the symptoms and make the withdrawal process significantly safe and more comfortable to endure.

Can you smoke Klonopin? Smoking is among the fastest drug delivery methods, with the drug reaching the brain in seconds. This also means that smoking Klonopin can have some of the most intense and dangerous outcomes. Can you mix Klonopin and Xanax? Taking benzodiazepines like Klonopin with alcohol (benzos and alcohol), opioid medicines, or other central nervous systems (CNS) depressants (including street drugs) can cause breathing problems (respiratory depression), severe drowsiness, coma, and death.

klonopin addiction
Klonopin addiction is treatable with the help of medically assisted treatment programs with detox to help ease the withdrawal symptoms.

Klonopin For Alcohol Withdrawal

People have been using benzos for alcohol withdrawal symptoms since the 1960s. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  • Alcohol increases GABA levels in your brain. 
  • When you quit drinking, GABA levels fall.
  • Low levels of GABA cause panic, seizures, and other withdrawal symptoms. 
  • Benzos activate GABA receptors. 
  • This slows down your central nervous system and creates a calming effect. 
  • You get relief from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Usually, you take Klonopin for three days during detox. Your doctor may give you other medications as needed. 

Klonopin is not the most common benzo for alcohol detox. Doctors usually recommend Librium or Valium. Librium stops convulsions very effectively. Valium is less likely to cause an overdose than other benzos. In addition, both of these drugs are long-lasting. Short-lasting benzos are not as helpful during detox. 

Although benzos help with alcohol withdrawal, these drugs can be dangerous. They have a high potential for abuse. They are also physically addictive, and they can cause withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are similar to alcohol withdrawal. If you mix alcohol and benzos, you can face serious health issues. 

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Klonopin Dosage

Clonazepam is available as a tablet. The tablets should be administered with water by swallowing the tablet whole. The initial dose for adults with seizure disorders should not exceed 1.5 mg/day divided into three doses. Dosage may be increased in increments of 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are adequately controlled or until side effects preclude any further increase. Maintenance dosage must be individualized for each patient depending upon response. The Maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg.

Is Klonopin Addictive?

Klonopin is a central nervous system (CNS )depressant with a high potential for addiction when taken long-term or in recreational doses or combined with alcohol or other drugs. Taking Klonopin may lead to dependence and tolerance, even when taken as prescribed. Some people may underestimate the addictive potential of Klonopin because it is prescribed to them by a doctor.

Klonopin is often diverted for nonmedical use and sold illegally due to its ability to produce euphoria, relaxation, and feelings of calm in some users. Unfortunately, other users may become dependent on the drug to help keep their anxiety under control. If you or a loved one is currently using Klonopin, educate yourself on the signs of Klonopin addiction to recognize a problem and seek professional help.

klonopin addiction
If you are struggling with Klonopin addiction, therapy is a primary component of long-term healing. Without therapy, people struggling with addiction often relapse.

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klonopin addiction
 Individuals using Klonopin without a prescription should consider speaking to an addiction professional about treatment options.

Is Klonopin Dangerous?

On top of addiction, the most significant and immediate danger related to Klonopin is overdose from combining the drug with alcohol, opioids, or other substances. Both alcohol and marijuana can increase specific side effects, including lack of coordination, dizziness, and drowsiness, even when consumed in moderation. Impaired cognition and judgment, vertigo, and confusion can also occur. Drinking alcohol when taking Klonopin could also result in blacking out, respiratory failure, or even death.

Certain medications can also increase the risk of dangerous side effects. Since Klonopin is a central nervous system depressant, individuals taking other sedating medications – anti-anxiety medications, like sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids – are at greater risk. This includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs. As a result, discussing all medications or supplements with your doctor before starting Klonopin is important.

Taking more Klonopin than a doctor prescribes also increases the risk of potentially dangerous side effects. Vertigo, dizziness, fainting, numbness, impaired judgment, confusion, slowed reaction time, and other issues may all occur. In a worthy-case scenario, taking too much Klonopin slows the heart and breathing rates to hazardous points, potentially leading to coma and even death.

How Do You Get Addicted To Klonopin?

The two serious risks of benzodiazepines such as Klonopin are the potential for abuse, which may lead to overdose, and the development of physical dependence, which may lead to Klonopin addiction. Klonopin enters the bloodstream and makes its way to the brain in an hour, while it can remain in the system for close to three days, depending on the dose size (the half-life is between 18 and 39 hours).

Since Klonopin and other benzodiazepines act on GABA receptors in the brain, there is some cross-tolerance with alcohol, which also affects GABA receptors. As a result, people with a history of alcohol abuse and drug addiction are at a greater risk of developing Klonopin addiction due to the GABA receptors’ changes to the brain’s reward system.

Klonopin addiction can occur more easily when an individual misuses the prescription drug. Klonopin has been mixed with alcohol, opioid drugs, and even methadone to enhance the potency of these drugs. Individuals who use Klonopin without a prescription to get high take the pill differently than prescribed, whether by taking more or crushing the pill instead of taking it whole and by taking the medication more frequently. Through this process, the body develops a tolerance and a need for the drug. 

How Long Does Klonopin Effects Last?

Klonopin is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine (benzo) that has relatively long-lasting effects. The effects of most benzos, such as Xanax or Valium, last between 3-4 hours, whereas the effects of Klonopin can last anywhere from 6-12 hours. Clonazepam is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This classification means that while it does have a legitimate medical purpose, there is still some potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Klonopin has a relatively long half-life, which refers to the time it takes for half of one dose of a drug to be eliminated from the body. For Klonopin, this time period ranges from 30-40 hours, meaning it takes between 2-3 days for 50% of Klonopin to be expelled from a person’s system. Based on its half-life, some amount of the drug will likely stay in the system for about 6-9 days after the last dose.

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Signs Of Klonopin Addiction

 

Someone with Klonopin addiction will continue taking the drug even if they know that taking it is harmful to them. They may seek Klonopin in high doses even though they see the drug’s negative impact on their life.

Common signs of Klonopin addiction may include:  

  • Needing the drug to function.
  • Making excuses to use Klonopin in a way other than prescribed.
  • Neglecting to eat or having a poor appetite.
  • Becoming defensive when discussing use.
  • Experiencing cravings for the drug.
  • Tolerance, or needing to increase the dose to achieve the same effect as before.
  • Missing work, social activities, or hobbies because of drug use.
  • Continuing to use the drug despite any harm it may be causing.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.
klonopin addiction
Trying the Klonopin detox at home would be a grave mistake,

How To Avoid Klonopin Addiction?

Klonopin should not be relied on for prolonged periods, and it is safest when used for short durations of time – less than two weeks. If people have been using or abusing the drug for longer and exhibit some symptoms of addiction, they are probably dependent on it.

How to know when it’s time for treatment? When addiction takes a toll on health and changes behavior, it could be time to seek professional treatment. Signs that indicate you may need professional treatment include:

  • Lying or keeping secrets: People addicted to drugs often try to hide it from their loved ones by lying about what they do or keeping secrets.
  • Using Klonopin to self-medicate: People with mental illness or trauma might turn to Klonopin to self-medicate and reduce uncomfortable feelings. 
  • Using Klonopin to self-medicate: People with mental illness or trauma might turn to Klonopin® to self-medicate and reduce uncomfortable feelings. 
  • Experiencing negative consequences: Addiction takes a toll on your life, particularly your health and personal well-being. 
  • Exhibiting additional signs of addiction: A surefire sign that you need addiction treatment is if you’re showing the signs of addiction. This includes needing Klonopin to have a good time or feel normal, stealing or committing other crimes to fund your addiction, being hospitalized for drug use, or being consumed by thoughts of drug use. 

Klonopin Abuse Statistics

Klonopin is the brand name of clonazepam. Clonazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (“benzos”). While we don’t hear about a Klonopin-specific epidemic, we know there’s an opioid and benzo catastrophe. When we look at the Klonopin addiction statistics is clear there’s a significant problem in our society surrounding substance abuse and that providing education and access to addiction treatment centers is paramount. 

  • More than 75,000 people were admitted to the emergency room in 2011 due to complications caused by Klonopin.
  • Approximately 60,000 admissions to treatment centers in 2008 were for Klonopin addiction.
  • About 15% of Americans have a bottle of benzodiazepine in their medicine cabinet today.
  • In 2011, Klonopin was the second-most diverted benzodiazepine.
  • Almost 5 million people in the US over age 12 use Klonopin.
  • The average age of a first-time experience with illicit use of prescription tranquilizers (such as Klonopin) was 25.4 years old.

Klonopin Side Effects Long Term

One of the biggest effects of long-term use of Klonopin is the impact on cognitive abilities or brain function. The side effects of drowsiness, decreased reaction time, decreased motor skills, and more start to take greater hold. As someone uses the drug for longer period of time, their reduced chances of returning from these impact their brain’s function.

Long-term use and abuse of Klonopin have been linked to:

  • Overdose
  • Poly-drug abuse
  • Drowsiness
  • Poor concentration
  • Muscle weakness
  • Mental confusion
  • Vertigo
  • Episodic memory loss
  • Aggression
  • Hostility
  • Antisocial behavior
  • Depression
  • Emotional blunting
  • Birth defects in unborn babies
  • Short-term withdrawal symptoms, including seizures
  • Protracted withdrawal symptoms
  • Infection
  • Insomnia

Klonopin Side Effects Weight Gain

One of the most common side effects associated with clonazepam is weight gain. Klonopin has been proven to slow down the metabolic process that converts food into energy, leading to more fat storage and subsequent weight gain. Klonopin might also increase appetite, leading to weight gain over time. If you have been struggling with Klonopin addiction, your metabolism might take a little time to regulate. Still, your body will start to function normally once sobriety has been maintained for a certain amount of time.

Klonopin Withdrawal

Some people take benzos exactly, or almost precisely, as directed by their physician. Others acquire them illegally or intentionally take them more often or in larger doses than they should. It doesn’t matter too much which type of Klonopin user you are. That’s because anyone taking benzos for longer than three to four weeks, even people taking them precisely as directed, can experience withdrawal symptoms. Among people using benzos for more than six months, about 40% will experience moderate-to-severe withdrawal symptoms. The other 60% will still have symptoms, but they will be milder.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Chest pain
  • Dilated pupils
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Hypertension
  • Fatigue
  • Gastrointestinal distress like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Increased sensitivity
  • Muscle spasms

Klonopin withdrawal can also produce unfathomable psychological symptoms. Some are likely to appear as the first sign of withdrawal, even during a tapering period.

Psychological withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Akathisia – a movement disorder that’s brought on by a feeling of restlessness.
  • Rebound anxiety
  • Rebound insomnia
  • Mood swings
  • Dissociative disorder
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Hallucinations
  • Nightmares
  • Paranoia

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Klonopin Addiction Treatment

First and foremost, if you think a loved one is abusing Klonopin, you should research the drug and its associated addiction to understand better what your loved one needs.  Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle the effects of Klonopin addiction in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, show your support throughout the entire treatment process.

In addition, prolonged drug use can have severe physical and psychological effects on you, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of withdrawal. 

Klonopin Detox Treatment

Klonopin detox is the process of weaning someone off of a dependency on a substance. It allows members of rehab centers like We Level Up NJ to recover safely and comfortably. While an uncomfortable withdrawal from alcohol is unavoidable, it doesn’t have to be unbearable.

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated Klonopin withdrawal but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete the Klonopin detox.

Cravings are very common during Klonopin detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and Klonopin withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Klonopin Rehab

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug use. the goal is to help the patient stop using alcohol and other substances, but alcohol rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Following a full medical detox, most people benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare plan, which may include continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy 

Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy program, yoga for addiction recovery, or an addiction treatment massage therapy.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
  • Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in a mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.

Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our opioid addiction treatment program medically. So, reclaim your life, and call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Alcohol Rehab Near Me

Klonopin addiction is a condition that can cause major health problems, such as an overdose. We Level Up NJ rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from this with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition and give you clarity about issues like Klonopin withdrawal symptoms. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.

klonopin addiction
You can recover from Klonopin addiction with a strong medical detox program and the right support on your side, including family support structures like systemic family interventions and group therapy. Help is available.

FAQs on Klonopin Addiction

Is Klonopin addictive at small doses?

The answer would depend on the duration and frequency of use, as it was reported that Klonopin, even when used in prescribed amounts, could still cause dependence and addiction.

Is Klonopin less addictive than Ativan?

Clonazepam is one of the most habit-forming medications a person can take, so prescribing physicians generally recommend it is only taken at the onset of an anxiety attack. A patient’s personal history of substance misuse and dependence must be identified and considered before clonazepam is prescribed.

Ativan is one of the most potent Benzodiazepines available and carries a substantial addiction risk. Taking Ativan for longer than the prescribed period and more than the recommended dose increases the likelihood of developing a dependence.

Is Klonopin less addictive than Xanax?

Of the two prescription medications, Klonopin is more addictive than Xanax. The reason for this is that Klonopin produces a greater feeling of euphoria.

How to help with Klonopin withdrawal?

The drug should not be stopped suddenly or without a medical professional’s direct supervision and guidance. Potentially fatal seizures or a coma may occur with the sudden cessation of Klonopin.

How long does it take to become addicted to Klonopin?

After being on this benzo for 2 months, it is highly likely that you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop cold turkey. You have to work with your Psychiatrist and stop gradually under his/her supervision to avoid withdrawals.

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