Is Klonopin® addictive? Although it can treat seizures and panic attacks in a medical setting, taking this medication is not without its risks. Some people misuse it to change their mood, putting them at risk for addiction. Klonopin® addiction can become incredibly dangerous without treatment from a Klonopin® drug addiction rehab center. Gateway Foundation’s Klonopin® drug rehab treatment centers help patients recover and rebuild their lives.
WHAT IS KLONOPIN®?
Clonazepam, known by the brand name Klonopin®, belongs to the benzodiazepine drug family. This class of medications accounts for some of the most widely prescribed sedatives and antidepressants in the U.S. Klonopin® can help those who struggle with seizures or anxiety disorders. Yet, many don’t realize that this medication comes with a risk of addiction. Some users have afalse sense of security because their doctor prescribed the drug. Those who enjoy the relaxation and sedative effects of Klonopin® may be in danger of misuse.
Klonopin® usually comes as a blue tablet that’s swallowed or a quick-dissolve tablet that can be placed on the tongue as often as three times a day.
WHAT DOES KLONOPIN® DO?
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin® release a neurotransmitter called GABA. This naturally occurring brain chemical is released during times of high stress or tension and neutralizes extra adrenaline and other stress-related neurotransmitters. To put it simply, GABA can put the brakes on chronic feelings of panic or anxiety. This reaction is what makes Klonopin® such an effective treatment for different types of anxiety disorders.
However, Klonopin® can also be very addictive. People often enjoy the feelings of sedation and tranquility the drug provides. Even when used as prescribed, extended use can lead to dependence or tolerance.
Dependence on Klonopin® means that you cannot feel relaxed or even function normally without the drug. Tolerance happens when smaller doses don’t have the same effects that they used to. This shift can cause users to start taking more medication than their doctor prescribed. Both of these issues can put those with a prescription for Klonopin® at risk of developing an addiction to the drug.
HISTORY OF KLONPIN®
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin® were developed as an alternative to barbiturates for treating anxiety and other conditions requiring sedation. Up until the 1950s, barbiturates were the only available way to address these issues, but they had a very high risk for addiction and accidental overdose.
Benzodiazepines, in comparison, are a far safer class of drugs. Clonazepam, known better by the brand name Klonopin®, was patented in 1964. The drug was initially marketed for treating epileptic seizures. However, experts also recognized that the drug’s fast, powerful calming effects could be useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically panic attacks.
KLONPIN® INTENDED USES
Klonopin® is an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drug. It calms the brain and nerves, allowing users to manage conditions like epilepsy or anxiety that cause overactive brain activity. Some physicians also prescribe Klonopin® to ease anxiety in those struggling with substance use withdrawal and help with short-term insomnia.
In general, experts do not recommend Klonopin® for long-term use because of its addictive potential.
HOW IS KLONPIN® USED ILLICITLY?
Although Klonopin® can effectively treat a variety of severe medical conditions, its potent effects put users at risk of misuse. When a user takes higher than prescribed doses, they can experience a short, euphoric high followed by a period of slight intoxication. Some of the ways Klonopin® is misused include:
- Taking higher than prescribed doses
- Crushing tablets into a fine powder and snorting them to intensify the drug’s effects
- Polydrug use, such as taking Klonopin® with alcohol, cocaine or other substances
No matter how the drug is misused, larger doses and polydrug use put users at high risk of overdosing on Klonopin®. This central nervous system depressant can slow your heart rate and breathing, which can lead to a coma or death. In fact, a recent study showed that over 60,000 emergency visits were caused by misusing Klonopin® in a given year.
SIGNS OF KLONOPIN® ADDICTION
When you have an addiction to Klonopin®, it may not always seem obvious. Klonopin® addiction signs can vary from person to person, but you could have an addiction to the drug if you:
- Have cravings and uncontrollable urges to use Klonopin®
- Choose Klonopin® use over hobbies, social obligations and relationships
- Feel unable to stop using Klonopin®
- Notice a decline in your health and personal appearance
A Klonopin® drug rehabilitation center can also screen you for symptoms to see if treatment would help. If they diagnose you with an addiction, they can recommend the proper course of care.
BENEFITS OF GOING TO A KLONOPIN® DRUG REHAB TREATMENT CENTER
If you have a Klonopin® addiction, getting professional help gives you the chance to get your life back. Addiction experts can help you achieve goals, including:
- Reducing and stopping your Klonopin® use
- Improving your physical and mental well-being
- Mending relationships with family, friends and loved ones
- Joining a community of patients committed to recovery
Your treatment team will help you set recovery goals and provide the resources you need to meet them. They will support you as you rebuild your life and reduce your Klonopin® use.
GATEWAY’S KLONOPIN® DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMS IN ILLINOIS
At Gateway, we use evidence-based and patient-centered approaches to care. We support patients in the following ways as we provide treatment for prescription drug addiction:
- Patient evaluation: During your first appointment, one of our staff will assess your physical and emotional needs. We will ask about your previous drug use, medical history and experience with addiction.
- Co-occurring condition treatment: If you have an underlying health issue contributing to your use, we will work with you to get treatment for it. Our medical team might treat the issue themselves, or we will partner with another provider.
- Relapse prevention: Through programs such as relapse prevention training and our alumni community, we help patients manage relapse after treatment. We help our patients build their new lives after they leave our clinic.
- Recovery skills support: As part of our treatment services, we support patients in finding new passions in life. Our team helps patients plan their futures and find wellness enhancing hobbies.
Consider us your partner in the journey to recovery. Our Klonopin® drug addiction rehabilitation center will provide compassionate care throughout every step of the treatment process.
TYPICAL APPROACHES TO KLONOPIN® ADDICTION TREATMENT
As a treatable medical condition, Klonopin® addiction can have fewer symptoms with the right care. Klonopin® addiction care involves two main components:
- Detoxification: During Klonopin® addiction treatment, your doctor will slowly taper you off the drug. By reducing the doses gradually, you can experience fewer withdrawal symptoms. With reduced withdrawal symptoms, you can feel more comfortable during recovery and have a lower chance of relapse.
- Behavioral support: Addiction involves many changes in behavior that influence your Klonopin® use. Behavioral services such as therapy help you learn recovery skills that retrain your behaviors. They allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings about Klonopin®.
Since addiction changes your brain chemistry, you may need recovery support for a long time after treatment. A high-quality program such as the one at Gateway will help you prevent relapse after you finish your services.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH KLONOPIN® MISUSE
Klonopin® has side effects for prescribed patients and people who misuse it. Taking this drug can cause health issues, such as:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Thought and memory disruption
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Changes in sexual drive and performance
- Increase in urination and saliva
Overdosing on Klonopin® can result in sleepiness, confusion or a coma. Klonopin® overdoses usually don’t become lethal, but they become very deadly in combination with substances such as opioids.
GET HELP FROM GATEWAY — YOUR KLONOPIN® DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER IN ILLINOIS
Gateway has more than 50 years of experience working with addiction patients in the Chicago area. Our caring staff creates personalized treatment plans that account for every patient’s needs. To schedule an intake appointment with our team, contact us online today.