Klonopin is a prescription benzodiazepine medication. While highly effective when used as directed over a short period of time, this powerful drug doesn’t come without risks. Due to its potent sedative properties, Klonopin carries a high potential for abuse and addiction, making it crucial to understand the signs of misuse, the risks involved, including overdose, and the available treatment options.
What Is Klonopin?
Klonopin, known generically as clonazepam, is a prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Also known as an anxiolytic, this medication provides calming effects on the nervous system. Klonopin is known for its sedative properties and is commonly prescribed to treat the following health concerns:
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety
- Seizure disorders (including epilepsy)
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms and tension
- Restless leg syndrome
Doctors can prescribe Klonopin for both short-term and long-term use, depending on the individual’s needs. However, using Klonopin for longer than four weeks can increase the risk of developing a tolerance and dependence on the medication. This is why individuals need to work closely with their doctor and follow their prescribed dosage carefully.
How Does Klonopin Work in the Body?
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin primarily enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, which helps to calm the central nervous system. The result is reduced anxiety and relaxed muscles, which is why it’s so effective for anxiety and seizure disorder treatment.
Klonopin also affects the release of other neurotransmitters like serotonin, which may contribute to its effects on mood and anxiety. It is administered orally and begins to work within an hour, with effects lasting for several hours.
Even when used as prescribed, Klonopin can cause side effects like drowsiness, fatigue, and memory or coordination issues. Long-term use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the drug, so it is typically prescribed for short-term use or carefully monitored long-term treatment.
Is Klonopin Addictive?
Klonopin’s potential for addiction is high because it affects the brain’s reward pathways. In high doses, people report experiencing a euphoric sensation, leading to misuse and addiction. The body adapts to the drug over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effects or euphoria. This leads to tolerance, a key factor in addiction development.
With continued use, the brain becomes reliant on the presence of Klonopin to maintain normal function. If the drug is stopped or reduced, the body experiences withdrawal symptoms, reinforcing continued use and leading to physical dependence. A person may crave Klonopin’s calming effects, particularly if they struggle with anxiety or stress. This can lead to psychological addiction, where the person feels they need the drug to cope with daily life.
How Common Is Klonopin Addiction?
The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 3.7 million people aged 12 or older misused prescription benzodiazepines in the past year.
Research found that, of those who abused these drugs:
- 747,000 young adults aged 18 to 25
- 1.8 million adults aged 26 or older
- 113,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17
This significant number of individuals struggling with the misuse of benzodiazepines like Klonopin highlights the importance of understanding the effects and dangerous consequences of these drugs. It also highlights the urgent need for quality addiction treatment options for those struggling with these medications.
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Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction
Klonopin addiction can develop when someone misuses the drug or takes it for an extended period, even under a doctor’s supervision. Often, Klonopin use is accompanied by abuse of other substances, increasing the urgency for treatment.
If you suspect that you or a loved one is addicted to Klonopin, you may notice some of the following signs of addiction:
- Increased tolerance – Needing higher doses of Klonopin to achieve the desired effects
- Drowsiness or sedation – Feeling excessively sleepy, fatigued, or lethargic
- Poor coordination – Difficulty with balance, walking, or coordination due to the drug’s sedative effects
- Slurred speech – Difficulty speaking clearly or sounding intoxicated
- Memory problems – Difficulty recalling recent events or forming new memories
- Dizziness or lightheadedness – Experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness
- Confusion – Trouble thinking clearly or making decisions
- Drug cravings – Strong urges or cravings to take Klonopin, even when it is no longer needed for medical reasons
- Drug-seeking behavior – Going to multiple doctors for prescriptions (“doctor shopping”) or seeking out illegal sources of the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities – Failing to fulfill work, school, or family obligations
- Social withdrawal – Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities
- Continued use despite harm – Persisting in using Klonopin despite knowing it’s causing harm to health or relationships
- Mood swings – Sudden changes in mood, including irritability, agitation, or depression
- Rebound anxiety – Experiencing worsening anxiety or panic attacks between doses or after abruptly stopping the medication
- Difficulty quitting – Struggling to reduce or stop using Klonopin, despite multiple attempts
- Financial problems – Spending excessive amounts of money on acquiring Klonopin, leading to financial difficulties
When someone starts taking Klonopin, they may not realize the potential consequences that come with it. However, as time goes on and use continues, individuals may start to experience some negative effects. Strong, almost manic urges or cravings to take Klonopin can be difficult to resist, even when the medication is no longer needed for medical reasons.
People often experience obsessive thoughts and physical sensations that increase their desire to take more of the drug. This often leads individuals to engage in drug-seeking behavior to obtain more Klonopin. This may include doctor shopping, lying about symptoms, and taking larger doses than prescribed. These behaviors can lead to financial problems as individuals may spend excessive amounts of money to acquire the drug.
Risks of Klonopin Abuse and Dependence
Klonopin is a controlled substance in the U.S., where it is classified as a Schedule IV drug. Schedule IV substances have a lower risk for dependence compared to other drugs; however, abuse still happens daily.
Klonopin abuse can lead to a range of negative consequences, including:
- Overdose – Taking high doses of Klonopin, especially with alcohol or other sedatives, increases the risk of overdose.
- Cognitive impairment – Long-term use can impair cognitive function and memory.
- Legal issues – Misuse, including obtaining the drug illegally, can lead to legal trouble.
- Dangerous withdrawal symptoms – Abruptly stopping Klonopin can cause withdrawal symptoms like panic attacks, hallucinations, and seizures, which may result in brain damage or death without proper medical care.
Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms
To avoid withdrawal symptoms, doctors typically recommend a gradual tapering of Klonopin intake under medical supervision.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Irritability and mood swings
- Insomnia
- Tremors or shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Muscle pain and stiffness
Klonopin withdrawal can be intense. Before addressing addiction through a rehab program, a medical detox is warranted. During detox, individuals can be supported by medical professionals during the uncomfortable acute withdrawal phases as Klonopin is carefully eliminated from the body. Often, a long-acting alternative benzodiazepine is utilized to help a person gradually taper off Klonopin.
Klonopin Addiction Treatment at VRC
Medical detox is crucial but is only the first step in Klonopin addiction treatment. For sustained recovery, a comprehensive treatment plan is needed to understand the root of the addiction. Often, co-occurring mental health concerns lead to Klonopin misuse, and it’s helpful to address these issues to truly move toward long-term recovery.
At Vogue Recovery Centers, residential and outpatient programs are available to help you navigate the harsh waters of a Klonopin addiction. Utilizing evidence-based practices and treatment modalities, addiction specialists can help you feel better equipped to handle your addiction.
Does Insurance Pay for Klonopin Addiction Treatment?
At Vogue Recovery Center, we know that managing treatment costs can feel overwhelming. That’s why we partner with most major insurance providers to simplify the process and eliminate the stress. When you verify your insurance with us, we’ll take care of the details directly with your provider, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.
Curious if your insurance covers detox and rehab for Klonopin addiction? Simply complete our free, secure insurance verification form or call us today. Our experienced team will guide you through your insurance benefits and coverage options. At Vogue Recovery Center, we’ve supported countless individuals in overcoming Klonopin addiction, and we’re here to help you take the first step toward a new life in recovery.
Need Help For Klonopin Addiction?
At Vogue Recovery Centers, we can help you address what caused your dependency on Klonopin and other substances. If you or a loved one could benefit from life-giving therapeutic work to address your addiction, contact Vogue today. Get on a path toward a better life that is not consumed by substance abuse.
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
