Klonopin Addiction: Symptoms, Withdrawal, & Treatment

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a popular benzodiazepine drug primarily prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic disorders and seizures. Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin carries the risk of abuse, dependence and addiction.

Due to its addictive potential, Klonopin is only recommended to be taken on a short-term basis when prescribed for medical purposes. However, even patients who begin with a legitimate short-term prescription can become addicted in the long term.

Klonopin Abuse Facts and Statistics

In 2019, there were over 16 million prescriptions written for Klonopin in the United States, making it one of the most commonly used benzodiazepines in the country. Over 30 million Americans use benzodiazepines, which are also known as “benzos.” Further, almost 12% of people who take benzos report using the drugs to get high. People who use benzos for this purpose often mix them with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, to enhance the effects.

Symptoms of Klonopin Use

Klonopin can affect people in many different ways, and the signs and symptoms can be both physical and psychological. Physical symptoms of Klonopin use include:

• Dizziness
• Delayed or slowed reaction times
• Slurred speech
• Clumsiness and lack of coordination
• Profound sleepiness throughout the day
• Trouble remembering events that happened before Klonopin use
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation

Psychological symptoms of Klonopin use may include:

• Agitation and restlessness
• Depression
• Paranoia and hallucinations
• Violent behaviors and aggression

Continue reading at Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects of Klonopin Addiction → 

Development of Klonopin Addiction

Klonopin is not typically prescribed in the long term because it becomes less beneficial and effective over time. It also carries a high risk of dependence and addiction, and short-term prescriptions help prevent these concerns.

When someone abuses Klonopin, they will likely develop a tolerance to the medication. This means that they will have to take more and more of the drug to achieve the same desired effect. It can also cause their body to become physically dependent on the substance.

Once a patient has developed a dependence on the substance, their body will not function as well if they do not have Klonopin in their system. The danger is that patients who take Klonopin as directed by their physician can still become dependent on the drug.

Drug dependence and drug addiction are not the same thing. Dependence is a physical state that is brought about chemically, while addiction is a disease that involves a variety of psychological and emotional concerns. Dependence can exist without addiction, but addiction is usually accompanied by dependence. Regardless, Klonopin use can lead to addiction, which is described as a compulsive need to use a substance despite negative consequences.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines like Klonopin can be dangerous if a patient attempts to quit the substance abruptly without medical supervision. Patients may experience symptoms like:

• Increased body temperature
• Trouble with coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Increased pulse
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Hand tremors

There is also the issue of rebound symptoms. When Klonopin is used to treat symptoms like anxiety or insomnia, ending use can cause these symptoms to become even worse than they were before they started the medication. Fortunately, these rebound symptoms are often less severe with Klonopin than with other benzos.

Continue reading at Klonopin Withdrawal & Detox →

Klonopin Addiction Treatment

Klonopin addiction can feel overwhelming, but there are many ways to recover and return to a healthier, drug-free life. For many, the most effective way to find lasting recovery is through the help of a professional addiction treatment program.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Klonopin addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder, The Recovery Village Ridgefield is here to help. We offer a full continuum of residential treatment, partial hospitalization, outpatient treatment and aftercare programs for Klonopin abuse and addiction.

The Recovery Village Ridgefield is conveniently located near Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, but we can accommodate clients from anywhere throughout the country. Contact us today to learn more about Klonopin addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation.

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