Klonopin Addiction

Addiction to any benzodiazepine like Klonopin is dangerous and should be treated immediately. Here, we’ll explore how Klonopin works and what makes it so addictive as well as how Klonopin-dependent users can seek professional rehab treatment.

What Is Klonopin?

Klonopin, the brand name for clonazepam, is a fast-acting benzodiazepine. It was initially formulated and approved in 1975 to help people with epilepsy manage seizures. Later, it was used to treat people with panic disorders, schizophrenia, tic disorders, restless leg syndrome, and other conditions. It’s currently the second most abused benzodiazepine after Xanax.

Klonopin is available in tablet form (0.5 mg (milligrams), 1 mg, and 2 mg) and as a disintegrating wafer that is taken orally. It can only be legally obtained with a prescription from a physician since it is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Additionally, clonazepam can be used alone or in along with other drugs to treat certain types of seizures: petit mal seizures, akinetic seizures, and myoclonus or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Klonopin actually works as a tranquilizer by blocking certain receptors in the brain to reduce agitation and stress. When used properly, it is a medication prescribed as a short-term treatment. But, many people abuse the drug and take it for longer periods and at higher doses than prescribed. As a result, once a person develops an addiction to Klonopin, their brains can no longer produce feelings of calm and relaxation without the user relying on the drug to achieve these effects

The most frequent adverse effects linked to Klonopin is sedation. Other common side effects include:

Clonazepam also has a long elimination half-life of 30 hours to 40 hours, which refers to the time it takes for just half of a single dose of a drug to leave the body.  As such, it will take one to two dates for only 50 percent of Klonopin to leave the human body’s system. In recreational drug circles, Klonopin is also known as “benzos,” “Kpin,” “pin,” and “tranks.”

What Are the Signs of Klonopin Addiction?

Klonopin addiction generally begins when users build up a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need larger doses to obtain the same effects they once experienced with smaller doses. Some users then start to take more of the drug than they were prescribed or use it just to get high.

Signs that can indicate whether you or a loved one is addicted to Klonopin include:

Despite the aforementioned symptoms, people don’t necessarily need to display them all to have an addiction. Even if you notice one or two signs in your loved one, and you suspect their drug use is negatively affecting their lives, then that it is enough cause for concern.

What Is Involved in Klonopin Addiction Treatment?

How Dangerous Is Klonopin?

In an effort to enhance drug’s effects, polydrug use, or using more than one drug at once, is common among Klonopin users. The most common drug cocktails include cocaine and other stimulants to thwart Klonopin’s sedative effects, but some do mix it with alcohol to amplify the drug’s calming effects—sometimes simply to get a good night’s sleep. Needless to say, combining any drug is dangerous, and can often, unfortunately, lead to overdose and death by slowing down a person’s central nervous system and stopping their breathing.

Pregnant women should be warned against taking Klonopin. Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines have been correlated with fetal damage like congenital malformations, especially when the drugs are taken in their first trimesters. It’s important to note that benzodiazepines are secreted in breast milk as well.

Klonopin Abuse Statistics

• In 2011, more than 75,000 people were admitted to the emergency room because of complications from Klonopin use.
• About one-fourth of all Klonopin tablets used recreationally are acquired illegally and not from doctors.
• In 2013, benzodiazepines caused 30% of all deaths from prescription drug overdose.

Start Your Journey to Recovery Today

Addiction, no matter how daunting, should not be dealt with alone. Even when you’re feeling at your lowest, remember that help is available.  Our addiction specialists are available 24/7 to provide you with a free consultation and assessment. We’re here to listen and to help, so call us now or connect with us online.