It is common for people who succumb to a Klonopin addiction to have been prescribed the drug for a specific condition and found relief only to have those issues return after prolonged use. Klonopin addiction may make you feel trapped in a cycle of continuous use, where you consume more of it over an extended period to cope with the original affliction.
Further, users assume this benzodiazepine is safe since a doctor prescribes it. However, the drug comes with a high addiction potential and serious health complications. When combined with alcohol or other depressants, abuse can be deadly.
As well as this, someone under the influence of Klonopin could be a danger to themselves and others if they get behind the wheel. Older adults prone to Klonopin addiction are more likely to suffer falls and fractures. If you might be experiencing Klonopin addiction, you can learn more here about the disorder and what you can do to achieve sobriety.
Understanding Klonopin
Clonazepam, the active ingredient in Klonopin, a brand-name prescription medication, slows down the central nervous system and belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class. Additionally, Klonopin treats anxiety disorders, panic disorders, muscle spasms, and seizures. The medication can also treat epilepsy, which can cause severe seizures.
Klonopin is a central nervous system depressant that eases muscle spasticity and relaxes the muscles. It has similar effects to barbiturates, sleep aids, and even alcohol. These substances work with gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain to achieve their relaxing effects. GABA is a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in sleeping, relaxing, and feeling calm.
A euphoric high is achieved by using Klonopin recreationally, like alcohol and other depressants. Even though Klonopin is less commonly misused than other more prevalent benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax), it can lead to substance use disorders, addiction, and overdose when misused.
Symptoms of Klonopin Abuse
Klonopin is highly addictive and can be abused. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of Klonopin abuse to get help if you or someone close to you is struggling with an addiction.
One of the most obvious symptoms of Klonopin abuse is increased tolerance. Users will need more drugs over time to achieve the same effects. Other symptoms of Klonopin abuse include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Changes in energy levels
Signs of Klonopin Abuse
It’s also common for those abusing Klonopin to exhibit mental, emotional, and behavioral signs. Signs include:
- They become isolated and withdrawn.
- They may start to neglect responsibilities, such as school or work.
- They may begin to take part in risky behaviors.
- They may also become more reckless with their drug use, taking more of it than prescribed
- They may take the drug in ways other than intended, such as crushing and snorting it.
Another common sign of Klonopin abuse is cravings. These cravings can be intense and can cause the user to go to extreme lengths to get the drug. They may even doctor shop or buy it from an illicit source.
If you or someone close to you displays these signs of Klonopin abuse, seeking help as soon as possible is important. The disease of addiction can be life-threatening, and treatment programs are available that can help people get sober and learn to live healthier, more productive lives.
Klonopin Abuse Statistics
For the most part, prescription benzodiazepines like Klonopin aren’t usually associated with life-threatening overdose deaths on their own. However, people seeking a recreational high often mix benzos with other substances. In the U.S., most benzodiazepine overdose deaths also involve opioids.
Stats on Klonopin Addiction in the U.S.
- Between 1996 and 2013, the number of adults filling a benzodiazepine prescription increased by 67%, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million.
- Between 2007 and 2011, clonazepam accounted for 75% of child hospitalizations.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), benzodiazepines were involved in 12,499 overdose deaths.
Klonopin Abuse on the Body
Klonopin is commonly abused for recreational purposes, leading to physical and mental effects on the body. Klonopin works by slowing down the central nervous system, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and can lead to feelings of relaxation. However, when abused, Klonopin can lead to several effects on the mind and body.
Physical Effects
One of the most common physical effects of Klonopin abuse is increased body temperature. This can lead to excessive sweating, headaches, and dizziness. This alteration in body temperature can also cause an increased risk of dehydration.
Klonopin abuse can also have a direct effect on the respiratory system. Abusing Klonopin can cause difficulty breathing, leading to shortness of breath and even respiratory depression. This can be especially dangerous for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Klonopin abuse can also cause changes in blood pressure, and the drug can cause blood pressure to rise, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and even death. Additionally, Klonopin abuse can lead to an increased risk of addiction, as it is highly addictive.
The physical effects of Klonopin abuse can cause serious health issues and even death.
Mental Effects
When taking Klonopin, it is important to be aware of the potential mental effects. These effects can include changes in mood, increased feelings of depression, and a decrease in motivation. It is also crucial to be aware of the risk of developing an addiction to Klonopin.
Mood changes are a typical side effect of taking Klonopin. Some people may experience extreme mood swings, while others may feel like they are in a daze or disconnected from reality. It is important to monitor your mood while taking Klonopin and contact your doctor if any changes in mood occur.
Depression is another potential side effect of taking Klonopin. If you are feeling down, hopeless, or have thoughts of suicide, you should contact your doctor right away. You should also inform your doctor know if you have ever experienced depression in the past.
Decreased motivation is another mental side effect of Klonopin. If you find yourself feeling overly tired, unmotivated, or lacking energy, it is important to reach out to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend adjusting the dosage or changing the medication.
It is important to understand the potential mental effects of Klonopin and to contact your doctor if any changes in your mental state occur.
If you or someone you love is dealing with Klonopin addiction, there is help available to get you out of a cycle of active addiction. Learn more about Klonopin addiction treatment by contacting TruPath today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Klonopin Addiction
Do you have more questions about Klonopin addiction? It’s important to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of Klonopin addiction and to seek help when needed. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Klonopin addiction:
What Happens If You Take Klonopin Every Day?
Klonopin may be taken daily for a short period as a part of normal therapeutic use. But while Klonopin can be an effective treatment for many conditions, it can be dangerous if taken daily for too long.
Taking Klonopin every day can lead to physical dependence, which could eventually lead to an addiction. This is because your body becomes used to the drug and relies on it to function. Stopping the drug suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, insomnia, sweating, and anxiety. If you take Klonopin every day, you may also start to experience tolerance. To achieve the same effect, you need to take more of the drug. This can contribute to an increased risk of overdose, especially if you combine Klonopin with other substances.
Long-term Klonopin use can also lead to serious side effects, such as drowsiness, impaired coordination, and confusion. It can also lead to depression, decreased libido, and sexual dysfunction. If you take Klonopin for a long period, there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Finally, taking Klonopin daily can lead to cognitive impairment, including difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and difficulty making decisions.
What Are the Dangers of Taking Klonopin?
Taking too much Klonopin can be dangerous and lead to an overdose, which can be fatal. Other side effects of the medication include confusion, depression, drowsiness, coordination problems, and memory loss.
Like other depressants, this benzodiazepine is most dangerous when people mix it with other substances. Mixing Klonopin with other medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs can also be risky. Klonopin users may be more likely to engage in dangerous activities such as driving while intoxicated and operating machinery under the influence.
It is important to take Klonopin as directed by a doctor, and patients should never change their dosage without speaking to their doctor first. Additionally, people prescribed Klonopin should not stop taking it without first talking to their doctor. Abruptly stopping the drug can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
How Often Is Too Often to Take Klonopin?
If you are taking Klonopin, discuss with your healthcare provider the best way to take it and the right dosage. You should also discuss with your doctor how often you should take it, as the dosage can vary from person to person. The dose and frequency can also depend on why you’re taking the drug. For panic disorders, taking around 1 mg per day is generally recommended.
If you are considering taking Klonopin more often than prescribed, it’s important to talk to your doctor first, as it can be dangerous. Increasing Klonopin dosage without consulting a doctor can increase the risk of overdose, addiction, depression, and other side effects.