Clonazepam Abuse and Addiction
Prescription drug addiction occurs in the lives of thousands of Americans each day. Most individuals begin using prescription drugs as a way to treat a presenting co-occurring disorder of a mental health disorder, behavioral health condition, or an ongoing physical illness or ailment. However, when you begin abusing prescription drugs, it is often due to underlying emotions and traumas that have impacted how you respond to negative emotions or interactions throughout your day-to-day living. To effectively treat your prescription drug addiction, you must have the support to address and heal from your root causes of addiction while developing an understanding of your co-occurring disorder and how to manage to present symptoms without turning to substance abuse as a way to self-medicate. TruPath offers patients a comprehensive treatment plan that will support them in safely and successfully overcoming their drug addiction.
What is Clonazepam?
Clonazepam is a prescription drug that is classified as a benzodiazepine. Clonazepam is also provided under the brand name Klonopin. It is considered to be a long-acting benzodiazepine meaning that it stays within your body for a longer duration of time to combat any symptoms of your co-occurring disorder. Clonazepam is prescribed for individuals living with an anxiety disorder or panic disorder as a method to calm and ease their emotions and responses to maintain stability. This benzodiazepine is also used to treat symptoms of seizures. Clonazepam is intended to be taken orally in a pill or tablet format. The dosage of this drug will range depending on the severity of your symptoms and based on what your physician deems appropriate for your specific circumstances.
Clonazepam Effects
Clonazepam works by increasing the release of the neurotransmitter GABA. This neurotransmitter is typically produced as a method for your brain to reduce stress or tension by neutralizing any extra stress or adrenaline produced in heightened emotional responses or situations. The calming effects make support individuals experiencing the onset of a panic attack or anxiety to remain calm and stable in difficult or heightened emotional states. Clonazepam can create feelings of mild euphoria or depression as it works on sedating or depressing your central nervous system.
Signs of Clonazepam Abuse and Addiction
Clonazepam is only intended to be used as a short-term method for treating symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, or seizures. When you begin abusing clonazepam, it increases the risks of becoming addicted to clonazepam. Common signs of clonazepam addiction and abuse are:
- Confusion
- Numbness
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Impaired cognitive functioning
- Delayed reaction time
- Impaired judgment
- Reduced libido
Clonazepam Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzodiazepines have the potential of becoming addictive and creating physical dependence on these substances when abused. Similar to any other addictive substance, when you attempt to quit your use of clonazepam, your body will attempt to restore functioning without the presence of clonazepam in your central nervous system. During this period of readjusting, your body and mind may display the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Suicidal ideations or thoughts
Long-Term Side Effects of Clonazepam Abuse
Clonazepam is intended to be a short-term treatment for the emergence of symptoms from a co-occurring disorder. Individuals are intended to take this medication while symptoms are present and end the use within 2-4 weeks. When you engage in long-term abuse of clonazepam, it can create severe long-term side effects that impact your physical and mental health. Long-term side effects of clonazepam abuse can include:
- Episodic memory loss
- Vertigo
- Aggression
- Muscle weakness
- Polydrug abuse
- Inability to concentrate
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Hostile behavior
- Drowsiness
- Overdose
Clonazepam Addiction Treatment
At TruPath, we offer patients a comprehensive treatment plan that will support them in successfully overcoming their drug addiction while maintaining their safety and comfort. You will be supported through our continuum of care including drug detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, and aftercare programs that will support you no matter where you are on your road to recovery. With the support of evidence-based therapy methods, you will heal from your underlying emotions and causes for addictive behaviors while gaining the tools for managing your co-occurring disorder through a dual-diagnosis treatment program. Your journey to addiction recovery can start now, call us today to find out more about your individualized treatment program and begin your recovery journey.