What are the potential side effects of Klonopin use? Is Klonopin addictive? Before you take this or any other prescription medication, it is important to be aware of both the benefits and drawbacks, so you can identify any minor problems before they become major concerns.
What Is Klonopin?
Before we answer the question, “Is Klonopin addictive?” let’s take a moment to review what this drug is and why people may take it.
Klonopin is the brand name of a prescription medication that is most commonly used to treat people who have been struggling with anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or seizures. Klonopin contains clonazepam, which is classified as a benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are central nervous system depressants. This means that they slow the brain’s ability to send messages throughout the body. When a person takes Klonopin or another medication that contains benzos, they may experience effects such as the following:
- Muscle relaxation
- Mild euphoria
- Light sedation
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
When Klonopin is used as directed by a qualified prescribing physician, it can be extremely beneficial. However, if someone misuses this medication, or abuses it for recreational purposes, they put themselves at risk for a variety of negative outcomes.
Is Klonopin Addictive?
In the previous section, we mentioned that Klonopin abuse can expose a person to an array of dangers. Is dependence one of these risks? In other words, is Klonopin addictive?
Yes, Klonopin can be addictive. People who abuse this drug have the greatest risk of developing Klonopin addiction – but even someone who takes prescription Klonopin for a legitimate medical or mental health concern can become dependent on the drug.
In addition to addiction, Klonopin use has also been associated with the following side effects.
- Impaired coordination
- Pain in muscles or joints
- Involuntary eye movements
- Confusion and disorientation
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
- Suicidal ideation
People who abuse Klonopin also risk overdose, which can be fatal. The overdose risk is highest among people who mix Klonopin with alcohol and other drugs. Anyone who exhibits shallow breathing, faint pulse, extreme confusion, and loss of consciousness after taking Klonopin may have overdosed and should receive immediate medical attention.
Signs & Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction
Now that we have answered the question, “Is Klonopin addictive?” let’s move on to another important query: “How can I tell if someone I care about has become addicted to Klonopin?”
The following are possible signs and symptoms of Klonopin addiction:
- Taking Klonopin more frequently or in larger amounts than directed
- Continuing to use Klonopin after resolving the condition for which it was prescribed
- Acquiring Klonopin from illicit online pharmacies
- Trying to buy, borrow, or steal Klonopin that was prescribed to someone else
- Lying to physicians about symptoms in order to get additional prescriptions for Klonopin
- Exhibiting significant changes in mood, attitude, and energy levels
- Becoming angry or agitated when unable to acquire or use Klonopin
- Hiding the extent of their Klonopin use from family and friends
- Using Klonopin in ways that are obviously dangerous, such as by combining it with alcohol
- Attempting to stop using Klonopin, but being unable to end their use of this medication
Thankfully, Klonopin addiction is a treatable condition. Unfortunately, as we will discuss in greater detail in the next section, people who fail to get the help they need may incur considerable physical, psychological, and social damage as a result of untreated Klonopin addiction.
Effects of Untreated Klonopin Addiction
The longer a person continues to live with untreated Klonopin addiction, the greater their risk becomes for the following types of harm:
- Physical injuries from slips, falls, auto accidents, or other actions while under the influence of Klonopin
- Development or worsening of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns
- Sexual dysfunction
- Poor performance at work or in school
- Job loss and unemployment
- Conflicts with friends and family members
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Being arrested and jailed
- Thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide
- Overdose
- Death
Treatment Options for Klonopin Addiction
Treatment for Klonopin addiction often begins with detoxification, or detox.
Detox is a short-term program that helps people get through Klonopin withdrawal. Depending on the intensity of a person’s withdrawal symptoms, their detox team may offer both medical and therapeutic support to minimize their distress and help them manage their discomfort.
Once a person has successfully rid their body of Klonopin, they will be better prepared to engage in the therapeutic and educational components of treatment. These services can be provided at several levels, including partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
Some people transition directly from detox into a PHP, then step down to an IOP for additional support. Others receive care at just one level. There is no perfect path to recovery from Klonopin addiction. What’s most important is connecting with the services that best match each person’s unique needs.
The many benefits of participating in a PHP or IOP for Klonopin addiction include:
- Understanding triggers, or the circumstances that can push a person back into Klonopin abuse
- Developing strategies for avoiding triggers or responding to them in a healthy manner, without resorting to substance abuse
- Receiving care for any co-occurring mental health concerns
- Learning how to repair relationships that were harmed by Klonopin addiction
- Creating an effective personal support network
Begin Klonopin Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
Peachtree Recovery Solutions offers customized outpatient care to adults in the Atlanta, Georgia, area who have become addicted to Klonopin and other benzodiazepines. Our team of dedicated experts understands the many ways that Klonopin addiction can undermine your life, and we are committed to providing the focused care that will empower you to end your substance abusr. Every step of the way, you can expect to be treated with the utmost compassion and respect as you work to gain a solid foothold in early recovery.
To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact Us page or call us today.