Klonopin is a brand name for the medication clonazepam, which belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines (benzos). Benzos are central nervous system depressants that have sedative, hypnotic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
There has been an increase in individuals snorting klonopin to intensify its effects. In order to snort klonopin, the powder must be crushed and then inhaled through the nostrils. In this article we will look at what happens if you snort klonopin and the different ways of abusing klonopin.
Clonazepam reduces electric activity in the brain in order to treat conditions such as:
- Seizure disorders
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorders
Can You Snort Klonopin?
You can snort Klonopin, but there are dangers involved. These are some of the dangers of snorting Klonopin:
- Quick and Intense Effects: Snorting clonazepam can lead to faster absorption of the drug into the bloodstream, resulting in a quicker onset of effects. This is why some people like to snort Klonopin.
- Damage to Nasal Passages: The nasal passages are not designed to process substances like Klonopin. Snorting the drug can cause irritation, inflammation, and damage to the nasal tissues. This may lead to nosebleeds, chronic nasal congestion, a puncturing of the nasal tissue between the nostrils, saddle nose deformity, and even a hole in the roof of the mouth.
- Reduced Effectiveness: While snorting may lead to a quicker onset of effects, it can make the drug less effective. Benzos are formulated to be taken through the mouth, and altering the method of administration may affect the drug's effectiveness.
- Increased Risk of Dependence and Addiction: Misuse of Klonopin, including snorting, can increase the risk of dependence and addiction. Benzos have a potential for abuse, and using them in ways not prescribed by a healthcare professional can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
- Adverse Reactions: Snorting Klonopin can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous reactions, including allergic reactions, that are more likely to happen when the medicine is not used as instructed.
- Overdose: Snorting Klonopin increases the risk of overdose as the drug enters the bloodstream faster. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slowed or difficult breathing, and, in severe cases, coma or death.
If you or a loved one snorts Klonopin in order to cope with life, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
Why Do People Snort Klonopin?
Some of the reasons people may choose to snort Klonopin include:
- Seeking A Quick Fix: Snorting a drug can lead to a more rapid onset of effects compared to oral administration. Some individuals may be looking for a quicker and more intense high.
- Misconceptions about Efficiency: Some people think that snorting a drug makes it work better. However, this is not always the case and can, in fact, make it work less well and increase the chance of risks.
- Imitating Others: Peer pressure and the influence of others who misuse drugs can lead individuals to try different methods of administration, including snorting.
- Experimentation: Some people may experiment with different ways of taking drugs out of curiosity or a desire for new and exciting experiences.
- Addiction or Dependence: Individuals who are addicted to benzos like Klonopin may try to take it in different ways to get a faster and more intense high to satisfy their cravings.
Can You Overdose From Snorting Klonopin?
Yes, it is possible to overdose from snorting Klonopin (clonazepam). In fact, snorting the drug can increase the risk of overdose. Overdose occurs when the amount of the drug in the body is more than the body can process. Snorting Klonopin can lead to a quick absorption of the drug, resulting in a quicker onset of effects and an increased risk of overdose.
Overdose symptoms can include:
- Extreme drowsiness or sedation
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
- Respiratory depression (slowed or difficulty breathing)
- Unresponsiveness
- Coma
In severe cases, a Klonopin overdose can be life-threatening, especially if it leads to the inability to breathe. If you notice signs of overdose in yourself or a loved one, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Ways To Abuse Klonopin
The main ways Klonopin is abused are:
- Snorting Klonopin
- Smoking Klonopin
- Injecting Klonopin
Since the medication was intended to be taken by mouth, when snorting, smoking or injecting the drug, the drug is released directly into the bloodstream which bypasses the body’s natural barriers and increases the possibility for breathing difficulties, dizziness, blood circulation issues, loss of consciousness and the possibility of overdose.
The misuse of clonazepam, irrespective of the method, heightens the risk of developing a dependence on the drug. The rapid onset of effects associated with snorting, smoking, or injecting may contribute to a reinforcing cycle, making it challenging for individuals to break free from the grip of addiction.
Treatment for a Klonopin Addiction
There are many ways to treat a Klonopin addiction. Abruptly stopping benzos, including Klonopin, can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can be severe and even life-threatening. Medical detoxification in a supervised setting can help manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
Another way to deal with a Klonopin addiction is through tapering. A gradual tapering-off process under medical supervision is often recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This involves gradually reducing the dosage of Klonopin until the person can safely stop taking the medication.
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can help individuals understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction.
Participation in support groups, such as 12-step programs or non-12-step alternatives, can provide a supportive community and a structured approach to recovery.
In some cases, medications may be used to assist in the treatment of an addiction to Klonopin. These medications can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. If underlying mental health issues contribute to the addiction, addressing these issues with psychiatric support and appropriate medications may be part of the treatment plan.
Start Treatment For Snorting Klonopin Today
If you or a loved one suffer from Klonopin abuse, please reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Our staff are experts in the field of addiction and will treat you with utmost professionalism and respect. We are committed to delivering the highest level of care and support to every individual. Our talented and devoted staff have helped thousands of people reach sobriety and they can help you too. We use a wide array of therapies and personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal success. If you are serious about recovery, contact us today so that we can begin the admissions process. Reach out to take your first step towards the happy, healthy and sober future you deserve.