Clonazepam Addiction & Treatment

Clonazepam Summary

Clonazepam, which is marketed under the brand name Klonopin, is part of a category of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines. The drug name and the brand name of prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and other categories of medications are often used interchangeably.  This medication is used for panic attacks and other anxiety disorders. A dose of Clonazepam typically ranges from .5 mg to 2.0 mg depending on the individual patient. People being prescribed and taking Klonopin for mental health issues may also have been treated with Alprazolam (brand name Xanax) and Lorazepam (brand name Ativan).

Drug and alcohol detox professionals have developed specialized treatment programs for people who have an addiction to Klonopin.  If you or one of your loved ones is interested in more information regarding substance abuse treatment programs, including specific information on benzo addiction treatment, call DayBreak to hear about our levels of care and drug abuse treatment options.

What is Clonazepam?

Benzodiazepines, or benzos for short, of which Clonazepam is one of the top three prescribed, are a sedative used for therapy regarding a number of disorders.  Benzodiazepines in general are prescribed for the following purposes:

• Anti-anxiety
• Muscle relaxant
• Anti-convulsant
• Hypnotic effects

Prescription drug addiction has become a major issue in the United States, especially over the last two decades. Prescription opioids are one of the most popular and addictive, but issues with benzos and specifically Clonazepam addiction does occur, too.  Clonazepam is often prescribed specifically for a number of anxiety disorders including:

• Social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Panic disorder (Panic attacks)
• Generalized anxiety disorder

Clonazepam Effects

When used properly for a diagnosed panic disorder or other related mental health issues, a dose of Clonazepam acts on the brain by regulating overexcitement or overstimulation. A person abuses Klonopin for a number of reasons, including treating self medicating on their own for anxiety disorders. Taking Klonopin for non-medical reasons is also often done to sedate other physical and mental effects a person might be experiencing. Addiction to Klonopin often occurs when a person begins a cycle of drug abuse so that they can experience the euphoric effects benzos can create.

Signs of Clonazepam Abuse and Addiction

Tolerance is one of the main signs of addiction to any substance, and certainly true about addiction to Klonopin/Clonazepam.  There are other signs that someone has gotten into a cycle of drug abuse, including to prescription opioids and benzos, and those include the following:

• Feeling as though you must take the substance to get through the day.
• Moving slower than usual.
• Having difficulty concentrating and/or remembering facts or events.
• Inability to curtail compulsive use of the drug.

When someone is taking Klonopin for recreational purposes and cannot acquire the drug, they may also try other substances, including another drug and alcohol, as a substitute. Additionally, when someone abuses Klonopin after originally getting the drug prescribed to them, they may look for ways to purchase the drug.

Clonazepam Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have developed a benzos addiction or an opioid addiction, you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using. The best way to go through drug detox involving prescription drug addiction is to do it during inpatient rehab.  Addiction treatment centers like DayBreak, offer withdrawal symptoms management as part of their inpatient drug detox and rehab.  Going through Klonopin/Clonazepam withdrawal at home can be dangerous.  Here are some of the possible withdrawal symptoms and Klonopin side effects when you stop using:

• Rapid heart beat
• Palpitations
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Agitation
• Seizure
• GI disturbances
• Increased sweating
• Tingling or numbness
• Dizziness
• Loss of memory
• Hallucinations
• Sensitivity to light or sound

Long Term Side Effects of Clonazepam Abuse

Clonazepam addiction, and prescription drug addiction in general, is no laughing matter. If you have been abusing any drug or alcohol, the best thing you can do is contact a treatment center and learn more about their substance abuse and addiction recovery programs.  Over the long term, Clonazepam addiction and abuse can cause damage in a number of areas.  Here are a few of the long term Clonazepam/Klonopin side effects:

• Memory loss
• Cognitive problems
• Weakness
• Increased risk of falls, hip fracture, and car crashes
• Overdose

Clonazepam Addiction Treatment

If you or one of your loved ones has developed a Clonazepam addiction and you are looking for drug and alcohol, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, or any other recovery resources, give us a call today.