Around two million people are addicted to prescription drugs. Narcotic painkillers are one obvious culprit that most people know about. But mental health medications like Klonopin are also a significant contributor to prescription drug addiction.
More than 22 thousand people die of drug overdoses from prescription medication each year. If you have a Klonopin addiction, it’s crucial you get the help you need to avoid becoming one of these concerning statistics. Continue reading below to learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Klonopin addiction.
What Is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a mental health medication that falls under the category of Benzodiazepines, or “Benzos.” This is a brand-name medication for a prescription of Clonazepam, and the two names are sometimes used interchangeably because they refer to the same drug. You or a loved one may be prescribed Klonopin for anxiety disorders (including panic attacks) and certain types of seizure disorders.
Klonopin works by blocking special brain receptors. Once blocked, these receptors can no longer feel physical or emotional pain. Thus, the symptoms of anxiety and prolonged stress are reduced.
While a Klonopin prescription works well for many people, it has a high risk of causing addiction.
Why Do Some People Get Addicted To Klonopin?
Certain prescription medications carry a moderate to high risk of causing addiction. Klonopin is one of those for two reasons.
First and foremost, Klonopin has a rapid action onset. This means that you’ll feel the effects of the medication very quickly after taking it. For some, the effects take only minutes, while for others, it may take up to an hour.
Second, Klonopin has a long half-life so the medication will remain in your system for anywhere from 18 to 39 hours after your dose. The exact half-life depends on the dosage strength.
Besides the medication’s addictive components, some people are more prone to addiction than others. For example, if you’ve struggled with addiction in the past or have a family history of addiction, you’re more likely to become addicted to Klonopin.
The longer you take this medication, the greater your risk of dependence. This is because most people develop a Klonopin tolerance over time. When this happens, the dose necessary to provide the desired effects increases.
The higher the dose, the greater the chance of addiction. Unfortunately, higher doses also carry a significantly greater risk of overdose.
What Are The Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction?
No two people will experience addiction in the same way. However, the symptoms of Klonopin addiction may include the following:
- Strong, persistent cravings for Klonopin or the associated effects
- Continuing to use Klonopin despite negative consequences (like overdosing or getting arrested)
- Wishing you could quit but feeling unable to
- Disinterest in hobbies or interests that you once enjoyed
- Challenges in school or work
- Problems within your relationships with romantic partners, friends, or family
- Participating in illegal activities
- Developing financial troubles
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Blacking out or passing out
- Mood changes
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to get the professional help you need as soon as possible.
What Does Treatment For Klonopin Addiction Look Like?
Since no two people experience addiction in the same way, treatment must be personalized. Your treatment will depend on numerous factors, including:
- How long you’ve been using Klonopin, and at what doses
- Your physical and mental health
- Whether you’re using other substances alongside Klonopin
Although each treatment plan can be customized to fit your needs, most will include some variation of detox, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and continuing care. Generally, treatment plans will consist of two to four of these options to best help you remain in recovery permanently.
Detox
Detox is always the first step to recovery. During detox, all the substances you’re addicted to leave your body. Since there’s always the possibility of complications during the detox process, it’s best to do this under the supervision of medical professionals.
You may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms during detox. These include (among others) mood changes, sweating, tremors, and an intense craving for Klonopin. However, the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is where you temporarily live at a rehabilitation facility for a set amount of time. Stay periods can vary but are generally either 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the treatment plan created during your admissions process.
During residential treatment, you’ll be able to focus entirely on your recovery process without any external stressors. You may attend individual or group therapy sessions and receive medical care. You may also use holistic approaches like diet, exercise, stress reduction therapies, and learning healthy coping mechanisms.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment may be a good option for those who can’t leave their entire lives to receive treatment. During outpatient treatment, you can continue work and family obligations while receiving treatment several times per week.
However, outpatient treatment isn’t always enough as the first step in addiction treatment. But, some people find outpatient options successful as a bridge between residential treatment and continuing care.
Continuing Care and Community Support
Continuing care may include therapies and medical treatment that you’ll do for weeks, months, or even years after your initial steps to recovery. Community support is crucial and may include participating in Narcotics Anonymous sessions or creating your own network of friends and family members to help in times of need.
Get Help With Klonopin Addiction Today
If you or a loved one are battling with Klonopin addiction, we’re here to help. Call Living Stones Recovery today at (800) 546-4577 to get started on your path to recovery. You can also fill out our online contact form if preferred, and one of our empathetic customer service reps will contact you as soon as possible.