Klonopin, the brand name drug for clonazepam, is a central nervous system depressant for the treatment of seizure and panic disorders, acute mania, insomnia, and irregular and uncontrollable face and body movements (tardive dyskinesia). It is a highly addictive benzodiazepine for short-term usage.
This drug inhibits excitation within the brain to inhibit gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) actions. The calming effect calms over-excited nervous systems, but with misuse, treatment can unintentionally turn to abuse and addiction.
Klonopin: Uses and Risks
Klonopin has FDA approval for the treatment of panic disorder and seizures. However, because it is fast-acting, other conditions respond to the drug to eliminate undesirable symptoms immediately.
Calming the nervous system is necessary to treat some medical conditions, but the risk of using this drug lies in the desirable calming effect it produces. Safety requires Klonopin to be in use for a short-term treatment period. Misuse of this drug can easily lead to addiction.
Illicit use of Klonopin raises other risks and concerns. Polydrug use involving Klonopin occurs when the use of clonazepam is for enhancing the euphoric effects of opioids, alcohol, or other substances. Long-term use of Klonopin is risky for developing a physical dependence on the drug. The risk involves developing an addiction once physical dependency takes hold.
Why is Klonopin Addictive?
Klonopin addiction happens quickly and sometimes unintentionally because the body builds a tolerance to the drug in a short time frame. Tolerance is the body adapting to a drug’s dosage, so the dosage must slowly increase to reach a desirable effect.
Dependence follows tolerance, meaning the body must have medication it has adapted to. Tolerance and dependence on Klonopin can lead to a drug addiction that requires treatment.
Short and Long-Term Klonopin Effects
Klonopin is most effective with short-term usage. However, side effects of short-term use do exist. The benefits of short-term use are beneficial in the treatment of anxiety or panic disorder, but other side effects do occur. The user should report any side effects to the prescribing physician.
The following are short-term side effects of Klonopin:
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Depression
Long-term effects of Klonopin use are:
- Learning and memory impairments
- Building a tolerance
- Physical and psychological dependence that leads to addiction
Mixing Klonopin and Other Drugs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continually strives to raise awareness of the dangers of polydrug use (mixing different drugs or substances to achieve a desired effect). Klonopin, a central nervous system depressant, induces significantly problematic symptoms when combined with other CNS depressants.
Heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl use in combination with Klonopin can slow down breathing and increase the risks of overdose and death. Drinking alcohol, another depressant used in combination with Klonopin could increase the risk of damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.
There may be a misconception that mixing stimulants with Klonopin, a depressant, may cancel out the effects. Drugs and alcohol are potent substances, and the impact of combining these drugs is unpredictable.
The CDC reports combining drugs was a factor in half of the drug overdose deaths in 2019. Treatment for polydrug use is more complicated and poses a greater risk of significant withdrawal symptoms.
Klonopin and Xanax combinations may be an attempt to enhance the relaxing effects of each drug. Users claim this drug combination is a tension reliever. Still, another factor to consider is that establishing a tolerance for one of the drugs may make users believe they can reach the original desired effect.
Unfortunately, the use of 2 depressants is dangerous and may cause overdose. Those who have a Klonopin addiction may try to extend the effects of the drug by adding Xanax.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Ending Klonopin use will induce certain signs and symptoms, requiring medical management during detox. The intensity of the symptoms depends upon many factors, but if polydrug use is present, additional symptoms can occur.
Professional treatment programs include medication-assisted treatment options to reduce the discomfort of these symptoms and lessen the risk of relapse during detox. Enduring withdrawal symptoms during detox requires a high level of support, understanding, and compassion in a safe environment.
The following withdrawal symptoms are present with Klonopin withdrawal:
- Hyperactivity of the central nervous system induces sweating and rapid heart
- Hand tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unintentional and uncontrollable repetitive movements
- Grand mal seizures
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Mental Health and Klonopin Addiction
Klonopin is a factor in the treatment of anxiety or panic disorders. If a Klonopin addiction develops, the user will face a dual diagnosis and need specialized therapy. Successful detox is possible, but understanding that symptoms of withdrawal and symptoms of generalized anxiety or panic could be confusing during detox.
Specialized evidence-based therapies are effective for the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Treatment and Detox
Deciding to seek treatment is the most significant factor in leaving addiction behind. However, Klonopin addiction presents the challenging foundation of treating a substance use disorder and a mental health condition separately.
The road to recovery offers specialized treatment plans to ensure recovery from 2 separate but relatable issues. The high incidence of unintentional misuse and abuse when Klonopin is treating a mental health condition leads to the question of how to treat it without the use of medication.
Cognitive-behavioral and group therapy and other holistic therapies effectively treat both conditions. Inpatient and outpatient programs after detox, dependent on individual needs, are long-term options.
Substance use treatment is challenging, and taking advantage of programs that facilitate successful recovery is the best chance for longevity in sobriety. Aftercare and relapse prevention protocols are personal options that can be beneficial.
Find Effective Treatment for Klonopin Addiction in Tennessee
Klonopin addiction can unintentionally occur and cause an overwhelming sense of disorientation when searching for the ideal treatment center. Freeman Recovery Center in Tennessee understands the confusion and emotions the treatment process can evoke for all parties surrounding the patient who needs treatment.
Understanding and compassion during this challenging period soften the blow. Contact the Freeman Recovery Center to move forward with the required therapies for Klonopin use disorder and mental health conditions.
