Klonopin and other benzodiazepines can be habit-forming, which can give way to a Klonopin addiction. These medications have the potential for abuse and dependence, especially when they are used for an extended period or at higher doses than prescribed. Addiction to benzodiazepines can occur both in individuals who have a legitimate medical need for the medication and in those who misuse it recreationally. An estimated 80 percent of benzodiazepine abuse is part of polydrug abuse, most commonly with opioids.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a brand name for the prescription drug clonazepam, which belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can have sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
In terms of its duration of action, Klonopin has a relatively long half-life, which means it remains active in the body for an extended period. The half-life of Klonopin is typically between 18 to 50 hours, making it one of the longer-acting benzodiazepines. This longer half-life allows for less frequent dosing compared to shorter-acting benzodiazepines.
Due to its longer duration of action, Klonopin is often prescribed for conditions where a steady and prolonged anti-anxiety or anticonvulsant effect is desired. The drug is commonly prescribed for the treatment of various conditions, including:
- Seizures: It is used to control certain types of seizures, especially in epilepsy.
- Anxiety Disorders: Klonopin is prescribed to manage anxiety disorders, including panic disorder. It helps by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Panic Disorder: It is often used to treat panic attacks and symptoms associated with panic disorder.
How Does Klonopin Make You Feel?
Klonopin has multiple effects. Klonopin works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity. When Klonopin increases the activity of GABA, it results in a variety of effects that can influence how a person feels. Some common experiences associated with Klonopin use are:
- Anti-Anxiety Effects: Klonopin is often prescribed to reduce feelings of anxiety and panic. It can create a sense of calmness and relaxation.
- Sedation: Klonopin has sedative properties, and one of the common side effects is drowsiness. As a result, individuals may feel sleepy or lethargic.
- Muscle Relaxation: Klonopin has muscle relaxant properties, and users may experience a reduction in muscle tension.
- Anticonvulsant Effects: Klonopin is used to treat certain types of seizures. It helps prevent or reduce the frequency of seizures by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.
- Mood Stabilization: In some cases, Klonopin may have a stabilizing effect on mood, particularly in individuals with mood disorders.
A “Klonopin high” refers to the euphoric or sedative effects experienced by individuals who misuse or abuse the drug. The potential of experiencing this high adds to Klonopins addiction risk, as it can be very pleasurable.
What Does Klonopin Addiction Look Like?
Klonopin addiction can manifest in various ways. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines 11 criteria for Substance Use Disorder. The criteria are as follows:
- Misuse of the drug: The person often takes Klonopin in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- Loss of control: Difficulty in controlling the use of Klonopin, with unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop using the medication.
- Preoccupation with the drug: A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain Klonopin, use it, or recover from its effects.
- Craving: There is a craving or a strong desire to use Klonopin, even when it is not medically necessary.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Recurrent use of Klonopin results in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Interpersonal problems: The individual continues to use Klonopin despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance.
- Social and Occupational Dysfunction: Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use. This can include withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.
- Dangerous usage: Klonopin is used in situations where it is physically hazardous.
- Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: The individual continues to use Klonopin despite knowing that they have a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance. This can cause problems in various areas of life, such as work, relationships, or health.
- Tolerance: Tolerance is defined by either of the following:
- There is a need for increased amounts of Klonopin to achieve the same therapeutic effects.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of Klonopin.
- Withdrawal: Withdrawal is manifested by either of the following:
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for Klonopin.
- Klonopin is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
These criteria are part of a comprehensive assessment conducted by trained healthcare professionals to diagnose and determine the severity of Substance Use Disorder. Individuals meeting two or more of these criteria within a 12-month period may be diagnosed with a mild, moderate, or severe substance use disorder, depending on the number of criteria met.
Klonopin Side Effects
Klonopin can have side effects even when taken as prescribed, and when abused, it can have more pronounced and potentially dangerous side effects. Klonopin Abuse involves taking the medication in higher doses than prescribed, using it without a prescription, or taking it for non-medical reasons. Common side effects of Klonopin abuse may include:
- Drowsiness: Klonopin can cause drowsiness or sedation, affecting the ability to concentrate and perform tasks that require alertness. Abuse can lead to excessive sedation, drowsiness, and impaired alertness.
- Impaired Coordination: Related to drowsiness is coordination problems.
- Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness, especially when standing up quickly. This can increase the risk of falls. Abusing Klonopin can intensify these feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy is a common side effect, and excessive use of Klonopin can lead to extreme fatigue and weakness.
- Muscle Weakness: Klonopin can cause muscle weakness or coordination problems.
- Impaired Memory: Some people may experience confusion, memory impairment, or difficulty with concentration.
- Increased Salivation: A less common side effect, but some individuals may notice increased saliva production.
- Blurred Vision: Vision problems, including blurred or double vision, can occur.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Klonopin may cause stomach upset, nausea, or changes in appetite.
- Changes in Libido: Some individuals may experience changes in sexual desire.
- Depression or Mood Changes: Abuse of Klonopin can exacerbate or induce symptoms of depression.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions can occur, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- Slurred Speech: Speech may become slurred, making it difficult for others to understand the person.
- Respiratory Depression: In severe cases of abuse, Klonopin can cause respiratory depression, where breathing becomes slow and shallow. This is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Coma: In extreme cases of overdose or abuse, Klonopin can lead to a state of unconsciousness and coma.
- Suicidal Thoughts: In some cases, the misuse of benzodiazepines like Klonopin has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
Treatment for Klonopin Addiction
Abruptly stopping Klonopin after regular use, especially in the context of abuse, can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Seizures
Thus, if someone is physically dependent on Klonopin, a medically supervised detoxification process may be necessary. This involves gradually tapering the dose under the guidance of healthcare professionals to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety. In some cases, medication may be used to assist in the treatment of Klonopin addiction. This may include medications to manage withdrawal symptoms or medications that help reduce cravings.
After completing a drug detox, individuals dealing with Klonopin addiction will proceed to either inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, determined by the extent of the addiction. Inpatient programs offer a well-organized and supportive setting with continuous medical oversight, whereas outpatient programs enable individuals to participate in treatment sessions while living at home.
The rehabilitation will include therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which help address the psychological aspects of addiction. These therapies help individuals identify and change unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior related to drug use. They also help individuals come up with relapse prevention strategies and equip them with the skills to avoid returning to substance abuse.
Conclusion:
If you are struggling with Klonopin addiction or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to contact Avenues Recovery today, where our team of specialists will be able to determine the most appropriate and effective approach for your specific needs. Our staff are experts in the field of addiction and will stop at nothing to give you the help you need. We use a wide variety of therapies and personalized treatment plans to give you the best chance at recovery. Our highly skilled and professional staff have helped thousands of people turn their lives around, and they can help you too. No one deserves to have their lives controlled by addiction. Contact us today to experience premier care and support and to take your first step towards a happier, healthier and addiction-free future.