Klonopin (brand name for clonazepam) is a medication in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is used in treating anxiety, seizures, and panic disorders. It is highly addictive, primarily when used for an extended amount of time.
This article aims to help distinguish what to look for if you have concerns that you or your loved one may be struggling with Klonopin addiction.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is often used as an acute treatment for panic attacks, anxiety, or seizure disorders. Klonopin is a Schedule IV medication because it can be habit-forming.
Klonopin is a prescription sedative that slows the central nervous system, calming brain activity to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Understanding Klonopin Addiction
Klonopin is a controlled substance, meaning that it has been determined to be a drug that people can become easily addicted to or dependent on. If you become physically dependent on it and then decide to stop taking it, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Becoming addicted to Klonopin depends heavily on a person’s physical makeup and the dose they are taking.
Some factors involved in becoming addicted to Klonopin include:
- Whether you are prescribed Klonopin or obtain it illicitly
- How long you have been taking it, and how often you use it
- If you abuse Klonopin by crushing it and snorting it
- If your family has a history of substance use disorder (SUD)
It’s important to understand that younger individuals who use Klonopin may face a greater risk of addiction as their brains are still in the development stage. This vulnerability can make them more susceptible to the challenges of substance dependence. While many factors can influence whether someone becomes addicted to Klonopin, these developmental concerns are particularly significant.
Addiction to drugs like Klonopin involves genetic and environmental factors, making it impossible to predict who might become addicted or how long it could take. Nevertheless, it’s essential to use caution with Klonopin, even if prescribed by a doctor.
To help reduce the risk of addiction to Klonopin, it is essential to consider avoiding the drug for your well-being. If prescribed, follow your doctor’s instructions and use it for the shortest duration necessary. If you believe you may be developing an addiction, seek local resources for support.
Klonopin Side Effects
Klonopin is a central nervous system depressant prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, but it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, particularly with high doses or misuse. Understanding these risks is necessary for informed treatment decisions.
Here are some common short-term side effects of Klonopin:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Feeling depressed
- Memory impairment
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Dry mouth
Because Klonopin is a controlled substance, it can come with long-term withdrawal effects, including:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Poor concentration or memory
- Muscle aches
If you or someone you know is dealing with Klonopin addiction, professional addiction treatment should be sought out, as withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.
Detoxing from Klonopin should be done under medical supervision not only because of complications that can arise during withdrawal but also because you may experience rebound symptoms.
Rebound symptoms are the return of symptoms that you were originally taking Klonopin for but with much more intensity. Your doctor can help you taper your dose down slowly over time to help ease rebound symptoms.
Signs of Klonopin Abuse and Addiction
How can you tell if someone is abusing Klonopin or taking it as prescribed for a medical condition? Here are some critical signs of Klonopin addiction:
- Using Klonopin without a prescription is considered drug abuse, regardless of how it’s taken.
- Doctor shopping for medications like Klonopin is often a sign of abuse, as is faking symptoms to get prescriptions.
- If a person has a Klonopin prescription but takes it more frequently than prescribed or at higher doses than directed by their doctor, this indicates abuse.
- They might steal from their loved ones to support their Klonopin addiction.
- They might become more private and withdraw from their friends and family.
- They often appear tired and have difficulty moving, sometimes seeming intoxicated.
- They continue to misuse Klonopin despite facing negative consequences.
Abusing Klonopin doesn’t always mean you’re addicted, but the longer you misuse it, the higher the chance of becoming addicted.
Klonopin addiction signs and symptoms are serious and shouldn’t be ignored. If you suspect you or a loved one has a problem with Klonopin, seek help immediately.
Rehab for Klonopin Addiction
Many people hesitate to seek Klonopin treatment because they are unsure about what happens in rehab. Understanding what rehab for Klonopin addiction is like can help address these concerns and prepare individuals for their treatment journey.
Rehab for Klonopin addiction begins with an intake process. You’ll meet with a coordinator to discuss your needs and determine the best rehab option. You’ll answer questions to develop a personalized treatment plan addressing your Klonopin addiction and any other substance use or mental health issues.
The detox period for Klonopin can be challenging, with severe withdrawal symptoms. It’s essential to have interventions like medication and supervision during this phase. After detox, individuals usually move on to a rehab program focused on overcoming Klonopin addiction.
For a successful recovery, treatment must focus on the whole person, not just the addiction. Our rehab facility takes a holistic approach to understanding why someone started using Klonopin, promoting a more effective long-term recovery.
Behavioral therapy is a crucial component of Klonopin addiction rehab, incorporating individual, group, and family therapy.
After rehab for Klonopin addiction, your treatment team will create an aftercare plan, as ongoing management is essential for recovery. You may move to outpatient therapy or a sober living facility. Aftercare can include therapy and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous.
The Time is Now
If you or a loved one are suffering from Klonopin addiction, do not hesitate to find help. Overcoming addiction is difficult and stressful, and it should not be done alone. Our professionals at 1st Step Behavioral Help will help guide you on the first steps to recovery. Long-lasting sobriety is possible; contact us today!
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Klonopin tablets
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Clonazepam
- NIH: A Case Report of Clonazepam Dependence
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines—Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives
