Klonopin (the brand name for clonazepam) is an anti-anxiety medication that is also prescribed for seizures. Klonopin is best known to treat panic attacks and other symptoms of anxiety disorder, such as insomnia. The effects of this fast-acting drug may last between six and 24 hours. Due to its addictive qualities, a Klonopin addiction treatment program is a necessity for many people.
Why Klonopin?
Some people find Klonopin desirable for these short-lived effects:
- Relaxed state of mind
- Easing of muscle tension
- Desire to sleep
As with all benzodiazepine medications, Klonopin is highly addictive, even when taken as prescribed. People who use this drug for a moderate period of time build a tolerance to it. A tolerance to Klonopin is usually identified after the person’s body adapts to the drug until he or she eventually requires a higher dose to produce the original level of relief. Increased tolerance leads to a cycle of elevated use and dependence that ultimately leads to addiction and increased chances of overdose.
Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Dependence and Addiction
Klonopin abuse leads to the following symptoms, which will likely start as mild and increase with quantity and frequency of drug use:
- Slurred and slow speech
- Feeling and appearing dizzy
- Slowed reaction times
- Loss of dexterity
- Memory impairment, especially regarding events directly after using this drug
- Digestive distress, vomiting, nausea, or constipation
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Hives and/or rashes
Integrated Treatment For Klonopin Addiction
People who struggle with Klonopin misuse often have other problems at the same time. Anxiety and depression often co-occur with Klonopin use disorder. Sometimes, people have medical conditions or chronic pain that contribute to Klonopin dependence. Integrated treatment is one way to treat multiple conditions in one location. Integrated treatment for Klonopin use disorder is more effective than older treatment models because it addresses underlying issues, complicating concerns, and patterns that may have kept addiction stronger in the past.
Combining Klonopin use with other substance use will result in disaster. Why? Because the dangers of both substances will be combined.
It’s very important to tell your doctor about any medications you take with Klonopin, even if you are not supposed to take all of those medications or substances. For instance, mixing Klonopin with alcohol can lead to depressed breathing and even death. If you use Klonopin and also use prescription opioids (painkiller medications), adverse reactions may occur and overdose can result.
Many other drugs interact with Klonopin and it is important to seek treatment for all related conditions in the most appropriate way possible. If you are honest with treatment staff members, your recovery can be more comfortable and your life may be saved before it is too late.
Klonopin and Self-Medication
Sometimes, people misuse Klonopin in an attempt to self-medicate. This may happen when a person has an undiagnosed mental health issue, such as anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Leaving any mental health disorder untreated is dangerous and unhealthy, but it is more risky when Klonopin misuse is added to the mix.
Professional treatment can save your life. It’s also a good idea for the person who uses Klonopin to seek medical support when trying to wean off of this powerful drug safely.
A Klonopin Addiction Treatment Program in Augusta, MI Can Help You
Withdrawal symptoms of Klonopin addiction are serious, and detoxification should never be attempted alone. Inpatient treatment is helpful and may provide a comfortable atmosphere where vital signs can be monitored. A medically-supervised detox also offers the big benefit of helping a person wean off of the drug as rapidly as possible.
An outpatient Klonopin addiction treatment program is also helpful, and can help when an individual desires to maintain more of a presence in his or her home life during addiction treatment. Alternative medications might be prescribed if the Klonopin use was the result of a prescription treatment of a legitimate medical problem, such as chronic seizures or severe anxiety.
Addiction that is left untreated will take on the symptoms of any other addiction. There will be an ever-present risk of overdose along with the symptoms of addiction. If dependence grows into addiction, the many negative results will take over the life of the Klonopin user. Drug use may even take priority over work obligations, family relationships, and friendships. Social withdrawal might lead to depression and further anxiety.
Skywood Recovery offers evidence-based treatment that is designed around each individual patient. If you are suspicious that someone you love is overusing Klonopin, take action today. Call us at 269.280.4673 and find out how we can help you and those you love today.