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Klonopin, or clonazepam, is a prescription medication that is commonly used for treating panic disorders, seizure disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. It is a part of the benzodiazepine drug class, which are drugs that affect the central nervous system (CNS).
Unfortunately, the calming sensation produced by these drugs can commonly lead people to abuse benzodiazepines like Klonopin. Currently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), classifies benzodiazepines, including Klonopin, as Schedule IV controlled substances.
This means that, while they have a recognized medical use, they also pose a high risk for benzodiazepine drug abuse and addiction.
Keep reading to find out more about the signs of Klonopin addiction, and how to find treatment options that can help you overcome your dependence!
How long it may take for one person to become addicted to Klonopin may not be the same as the amount of time it will take for someone else. After all, people abuse Klonopin and other benzodiazepines for various different reasons.
Some may use this drug for prescribed purposes, such as for managing panic attacks and other conditions. However, if a person takes this drug in higher doses or for longer than prescribed can lead to addictive habits, amongst various other negative consequences.
Others may begin taking this drug without any real need for it, but because they want to experience the pleasurable feelings and calming side effects it can produce. This in itself constitutes substance abuse, and will likely also be accompanied by the abuse of other drugs.
With this, some people can develop an addiction to Klonopin in as little as a few weeks, even for those who are taking this medication as prescribed.
This is because Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine, and works by increasing the levels of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) in your brain.
It is also what makes it so addictive. Over time, many people will end up developing a physical dependence or psychological addiction to this substance. Once this happens, it may feel impossible to relax without using this drug, making it extremely difficult to stop using it.
It can be difficult to recognize when you or a loved one may be struggling with addiction, whether this is to Klonopin or any other substance.
Fortunately, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are several signs that can help you identify a sedative use disorder. Signs of a Klonopin or any other type of benzodiazepine addiction include:
In addition to the signs listed above, one of the biggest indicators of a substance use disorder of any kind is if you develop withdrawal symptoms after drastically reducing or attempting to completely stop the use of an abused substance.
Once a person’s body becomes physically dependent on an abused drug, it will no longer be able to function properly without it. This means that stopping the use of Klonopin will result in a number of unpleasant physical and behavioral symptoms of withdrawal.
This may include feelings of overwhelming anxiety, irritation, insomnia, and flu-like side effects. Of course, not everyone will experience the same symptoms when going through Klonopin withdrawal.
How severe these effects will be and how long they will last will depend on several factors, including how much Klonopin you normally take, how long you have been taking it, and whether you are experiencing any paradoxical reactions due to the simultaneous use of other drugs.
Because of how intense the withdrawal period can be, you will likely need significant support in order to help manage and prevent the physical and psychotic symptoms of withdrawal.
While Klonopin can be an effective treatment for various medical issues, it still poses a significant addiction risk. Those who are struggling with a simultaneous mental illness in particular will be at a higher risk for abusing Klonopin.
In addition to its risk for addiction, taking more Klonopin or for a longer period of time than necessary can have several unpleasant and potentially life-threatening side effects, including:
If too high a dose of Klonopin is taken, or if it is mixed with other dangerous drugs, this may cause an increased risk of experiencing a fatal overdose. Signs that you are experiencing a Klonopin overdose may include:
According to NIDA benzodiazepine and Klonopin abuse statistics, around 16% of overdose deaths in 2020 involved benzodiazepines.
Someone who abuses Klonopin may participate in several different addiction treatment programs to help them overcome these habits and prevent abuse of this drug in the future.
With that being said, what works for one person may not work for someone else. This is why it is important to understand what your specific recovery needs are and which treatment programs will be best for addressing these needs.
In many cases, treatment for Klonopin abuse will typically involve:
Speaking with your healthcare provider or an addiction specialist can help you narrow down which of these treatment options will be best for you, as well what payment methods may be available to you.
For those experiencing particularly severe withdrawal symptoms, their treatment process will begin with a medical detox program.
When recovering at a detox center, individuals will be slowly weaned off of their substance use while under constant medical supervision and care. This can not only help manage and prevent uncomfortable withdrawal effects but reduce the risk of relapse as well.
Once the detox process is done, many people will continue to receive further treatment over longer periods of time. Depending on the severity of a person’s addiction, this will typically involve recovering through inpatient or outpatient rehab options.
Inpatient and residential treatment programs are recovery option that requires their clients to live at their specific rehab facility while they are receiving treatment. These will usually last over a period of 30-90 days, although some programs may go for longer.
Recovering through inpatient treatment options can provide individuals with constant access to various substance abuse and mental health services, holistic recovery techniques, and clinical support.
Those who need to recover at an inpatient or residential facility are usually people with more severe addictions, or who are struggling with a co-occurring disorder. Of course, these treatment options may be expensive because of the intensive support they provide.
While less intensive, outpatient treatment offers a more flexible and affordable approach to addiction treatment.
Recovering from Klonopin abuse and addiction through an outpatient setting will allow you to get recovery help several times a week, while still being able to return home afterward.
This will include attending sober support group sessions and addiction recovery meetings, which may be held several times a week at an outpatient recovery center.
These meetings can help individuals build an important recovery community, as well as provide them with addiction education and recovery tools and resources. Outpatient care may also offer various holistic treatment and behavioral therapy services.
Generally, most health insurance providers are required to offer some level of coverage for alcohol and drug rehab, as well as for mental health treatment.
Of course, the level of coverage you may be able to receive when treating your substance use disorder may vary based on several factors, including:
If you have questions about your insurance coverage, these can be answered quickly and securely by the Rehabs Of Armerica team of professional recovery representatives.
Within minutes they can answer any of your insurance questions and provide you with information about what the treatment process entails, as well as what your potential costs may be alongside nationwide options for rehabs.
The treatment options and recovery services that will be best suited to you can vary based on your personal care needs, how severe your addiction is, and any home, work, or other obligations that can be limiting your treatment options.
If you are having a hard time figuring out what treatment providers and programs will be best for you, do not hesitate to reach out to the 24/7 Find Addiction Rehab helpline today! We can help you figure out a recovery approach that is right for you and find treatment options that address all of your needs.
If you or a loved one needs help with Klonopin abuse and addiction, the Rehabs Of Armerica recovery representatives are here to help. We are available 24/7 to provide you with professional recovery advice and treatment information, anytime you need it.
Just by picking up the phone, you can get the help you need to overcome your addiction and get started on your path to recovery by finding the right treatment options for you. Your call is confidential and obligation-free, so make the right choice and reach out today!
Nicole R. is an experienced and accomplished writer with special interests in the fields of Anthropology, English, and behavioral health, and has written countless articles for newspaper publications, institutional research journals, and Find Addiction Rehabs.
Her alma matter is Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Nicole hopes to spread awareness of and combat the stigmatization surrounding addiction and substance abuse treatment through her writing and work in the field.
