Helpline information

Get Help Now

100% Free and confidential

800-923-9141

24/7 Treatment Help

800-923-9141
For immediate Treatment Help Call:
800-923-9141

Recover with us - We're here to help. 24/7 Treatment Help:

Trusted content

Klonopin Addiction, Side Effects, and Rehab

ON THIS PAGE
Clonazepam, often referred to by the brand name Klonopin commonly associated addiction risk

Published: November 1, 2024

Klonopin addiction is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when someone relies on the medication to get through their day. Substance use disorders (SUD) like Klonopin addiction can affect many areas of your life including your mental health, physical health, social life, and career.

Accessing professional addiction treatment is vital to starting your recovery. Luckily, there are many great options for Klonopin addiction.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about Klonopin addiction including how it causes addiction, side effects, and treatment options.

How Does Klonopin Lead to Addiction?

Clonazepam, often referred to by the brand name Klonopin, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to treat panic disorders, seizure disorders, sleeping difficulties, and alcohol withdrawal. It is a similar medication to Ativan, Xanax, Valium as they all belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines or benzos for short.

Klonopin is associated with a risk of substance abuse and addiction, and as such, is classified a schedule IV drug by the Controlled Substances Act.

Benzodiazepines are known for their risk of abuse and addiction due to the way they affect your brain and body. Specifically, they increase the effects and levels of certain neurotransmitters, called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine, in your brain.

These changes in your brain chemistry can be addictive and eventually lead to addiction, especially with improper use.

What’s The Difference Between Klonopin Abuse & Addiction?

Though substance abuse and drug addiction are often linked, it’s important to understand that they are actually two different health conditions.

Because clonazepam is a prescription drug, it’s possible to use it in a safe manner that is not considered abuse. However, any unprescribed or improper use is considered abuse. This can include taking it more often than recommended, taking more than recommended, or taking it without a prescription. Klonopin misuse often leads to addiction.

On the other hand, addiction occurs when someone develops a psychological dependence on clonazepam. They may feel as though they cannot get through their day without the drug.

Does Klonopin Misuse Cause Dependence?

Yes, clonazepam misuse can cause physical dependence. This is a phenomenon that causes your body to rely on Klonopin to perform regular tasks.

As previously mentioned, benzodiazepines interact with your CNS. Overtime, many people find that they have built up a tolerance to Klonopin and may need to take a higher dose for the same effects. Additionally, their body may get used to functioning with clonazepam readily available.

Once you’ve developed a physical dependence, it can be difficult to stop using the medication as most people experience withdrawal symptoms.

Signs of a Klonopin Addiction

Much like with any other drug addiction, Klonopin addiction is associated with several signs and symptoms. Being familiar with these signs can make it easier to identify possible addiction in yourself or a loved one.

Signs and symptoms of Klonopin addiction can include:

  • Taking Klonopin without a prescription
  • Nausea
  • Memory loss
  • Shaking
  • Taking larger doses of Klonopin than you usually do
  • Risky behavior
  • Moodswings
  • Inability to stop thinking about Klonopin
  • Oversleeping
  • Drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Klonopin cravings
  • Dizziness
  • Suppressed appetite
  • Blurred vision

Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may demonstrate several signs and symptoms while others may only display a few or even none at all. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms can be an indication of addiction, but they cannot diagnose an addiction.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms, which are caused by physical dependence on a substance, are very unpleasant and can even be hazardous to your health.

Clonazepam withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Psychosis
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Vomiting
  • Memory loss
  • Sweating
  • Muscle pain
  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia

Side Effects of Klonopin Abuse

Use of Klonopin comes with many adverse effects, especially with long-term substance abuse. There are short-term side effects, those that occur immediately or shortly after use, and long-term side effects, those that occur after extended use.

Short-term effects of Klonopin misuse include:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Slurred speech
  • Lack of coordination
  • Shaking
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry mouth
  • Memory loss
  • Sore throat
  • Ear congestion
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Diarrhea
  • Clonazepam overdose
  • Low blood pressure
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Respiratory depression
  • Euphoria
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Increased saliva
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Suppressed appetite
  • Death

Long-term effects of Klonopin abuse include:

  • Cognition impairment
  • Chronic stomach issues
  • Personality changes
  • Chronic sleep disorders
  • Skin rashes
  • Weight gain
  • Chronic insomnia

Risk Factors for Klonopin Addiction

There are several risk factors associated with substance addiction. These risk factors make the likelihood of developing a Klonopin addiction much higher.

General substance addiction risk factors:

  • Family history
  • Peer pressure
  • Early exposure to addictive substances
  • Lack of family involvement

Klonopin addiction risk factors:

  • Abusing Klonopin
  • Party-seeking behavior
  • Mental health disorders
  • Being prescribed Klonopin/high doses of Klonopin

Having these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop an addiction, simply that you are more likely to than someone who does not have these risk factors.

Diagnosing Klonopin Addiction

A true Klonopin addiction diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional through a proper medical evaluation. That being said, suspected addiction can be identified by signs and symptoms.

Some people choose to hold interventions for their loved one who has a drug addiction as they may be reluctant to see a professional. It can be difficult for some to admit that they have a substance abuse problem, which is why talking with their friends and family can be beneficial.

Medical evaluations for addiction are designed to analyze your behaviors and actions surrounding drug use. Your provider will likely ask you questions about your clonazepam use and look for any signs and symptoms of addiction.

Klonopin Addiction Treatment Options

Klonopin treatment options are plentiful, with many options that can be tailored to your individual needs. Your doctor may recommend a specific type of treatment or program that can offer you a comprehensive treatment plan. Keep reading for more information some of the most common treatment services.

Benzodiazepine Detox Program

Often offered as the first step in a treatment program, benzodiazepine medical detoxification is offered as both an inpatient and outpatient service, depending on your needs.

Detox is the process of getting any remaining addictive substances out of your system. It is a difficult process to go through due to withdrawal symptoms and can be dangerous to do without proper supervision.

If you choose to receive a medical detox service, you can expect your care team to monitor your vitals, administer any necessary medications or treatments, and help you manage withdrawal symptoms and clonazepam cravings.

Prescription Drug Rehab

Prescription drug rehabilitation programs are designed to treat addictions to drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, and other prescribed medications. They are offered in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Offering the highest level of care in addiction treatment, inpatient rehabilitation provides 24-hour supervision and a highly structured schedule. Participants of inpatient treatment are required to live in the treatment facility for the duration of their program.

Outpatient rehab is another very effective treatment method but does not require living in a treatment center. Some people enroll in outpatient treatment as a step-down from inpatient rehab while others start at outpatient due to personal circumstances. In an outpatient program, you’ll attend treatment sessions several times a week at a rehab facility.

Aftercare for Klonopin Recovery

Most people shift to aftercare once they’ve completed their treatment program. Sometimes called continuing care, aftercare refers to the treatment services you continue post-rehab to encourage long-lasting sobriety and reduce the risk of relapse.

Aftercare is a very personal part of the recovery process, so you and your doctor will likely discuss what services may be best for you to continue.

Some common aftercare options include living in sober housing, joining a support group, cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling, and more.

Who Can Benefit From Klonopin Rehab?

The benefits of Klonopin rehab can be seen in anyone who abuses the drug or has an addiction to it.

Clonazepam addiction treatment benefits are countless and can make a huge impact on many parts of your life.

Benefits can include:

  • Reduced risk of Klonopin overdose
  • New relationships
  • Reduced risk of death due to Klonopin
  • Improved physical health
  • Improved mental health
  • New, healthy hobbies
  • New, health coping skills
  • Improved behavioral health
  • Repaired family relationships
  • Improved overall well-being
  • Repaired relationships in your personal and professional life
  • Improved financial health

How to Prevent Relapse After Klonopin Rehab

In order to prevent relapse after benzodiazepine addiction treatment, it is best to set up a relapse prevention plan. Some treatment programs offer relapse prevention education, which can be immensely helpful.

You and your doctor will likely discuss relapse prevention one-on-one to determine the best course of action for you. With a proper plan, you can decrease the risk of relapse by having strategies to alleviate stress and triggers associated with your addiction.

There are many different options for relapse prevention. It really comes down to what actions are best suited for your needs.

Relapse prevention strategies may include:

Find Recovery Options for Klonopin Addiction

Klonopin addiction is a serious condition that can affect nearly every part of your life. It can come on quickly and be detrimental to your health. With professional treatment, however, it is possible to treat and manage your SUD.

Ready to take the first step in your journey toward recovery? Give our helpline a call today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become addicted to Klonopin after one use?

Becoming addicted to Klonopin typically takes more than one use. That being said, the amount of time it takes to develop a drug addiction varies from person to person due to many variables.

Klonopin abuse and long-term use are more likely to lead to addiction, but other factors that can affect how long it takes to develop an addiction include gender, height, weight, and how your body metabolizes clonazepam.

Can you cure a Klonopin addiction permanently?

No, you cannot cure a Klonopin addiction permanently. This is the case for all substance addictions. However, professional addiction rehab can both treat and help you manage your addiction going forward.

Rehabilitation programs use a variety of treatment approaches to comprehensively address your addiction.

Are Klonopin withdrawal symptoms dangerous?

Clonazepam withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous in some cases. Not all withdrawal symptoms are dangerous, most are very unpleasant, however. Those that are dangerous can have long-lasting effects on your health.

To avoid serious consequences from withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to seek out a medical detox program.

Can you quit Klonopin without treatment?

It’s not impossible to quit Klonopin without professional treatment, but it is much more difficult and can be dangerous.

Many people are not able to recover from addiction on their own as it is no easy task. Enrolling in a treatment program can provide the right environment, care, and support you need to do so.

On top of the mental obstacles, trying to quit Klonopin on your own can be dangerous due to withdrawal symptoms and long-term side effects of drug abuse.

© 2024 RehabNet.com. All Rights reserved.