Klonopin Addiction, Treatment & Side Effects

Klonopin Abuse and Addiction

Ketamine addiction can have serious implications for a person’s physical and mental health. When you have been living with an active drug addiction to ketamine, you have undoubtedly had moments where you have considered getting help for your addiction by either going to a drug rehab for drug addiction or attempting to quit on your own. However, many who attempt to quit on their own find that the drug detox process can produce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can be hard to manage on your own. Seeking help within a drug detox and rehab program will provide you with the expert support and advice of addiction therapists and medical professionals that will allow you to safely and effectively overcome your drug addiction to enter into addiction recovery. 

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is the brand name for a benzodiazepine medication with the generic name Clonazepam. It is a prescribed drug to control seizures and help people who suffer from panic attacks. It works by depressing the central nervous system and calming the nerves and brain activity by acting on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors located in the hippocampus, thalamus, basal ganglia, hypothalamus, and brainstem. This reaction causes muscles to relax and provides a sense of ease and calmness. Klonopin is usually taken two or three times per day, at the same times every day, as an oral tablet.

Klonopin Effects

When you take Klonopin (Clonazepam), you may experience effects like:

• A sensation of relaxation in the body and mind with mild euphoria
• Tiredness and drowsiness with a loss of coordination and dizziness (do not operate heavy machinery)
• Increased salivary production

People with a seizure disorder may find their seizures worsen when they first start taking this medication. If this occurs, talk to your doctor as the dosage may need to be adjusted. Some people may also experience adverse emotional and psychological effects with this drug like depression and suicidal thoughts, which must be addressed immediately by your physician.

Signs of Klonopin Abuse and Addiction

Common signs of Klonopin abuse and addiction are:

• “Doctor shopping” or visiting several pharmacies to obtain more Klonopin and hide your abuse
• Using Klonopin when you do not need it, or in higher doses, than prescribed
• Experiencing cravings and obsessive thoughts about Klonopin
• Losing interest in social activities and hobbies, and developing legal issues, work problems, or relationship problems due to Klonopin use

Experiencing these or other physical or psychological signs of addiction to Klonopin often require professional intervention, with help from a doctor to quit safely. If you are worried about a loved one’s Klonopin addiction or experiencing substance use disorder symptoms yourself, it may be time to look into drug rehab.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Common Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Memory loss
• Nightmares
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Nausea/vomiting
• Shaking
• Muscle spasms
• There are also psychological withdrawal symptoms that may occur, like:
• Intense nightmares
• Sadness
• Anger or rage
• Irritability

Long-Term Side Effects of Klonopin Abuse

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is usually prescribed as a short-term medication because of its potential for addiction, a serious issue if left untreated. If used long-term, you may develop:

• Vertigo
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Impaired cognition
• Inability to form new memories
• Reduced sex drive

Klonopin Addiction Treatment

At the Muse addiction treatment rehab center, we provide treatments that encompass biological, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of addiction with treatments like:

• One-on-one therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy
• Educational programs and lectures about addiction
• Group therapy, peer groups, and process groups
• Family therapy and couples’ therapy
• Nutrition and physical fitness counseling
• EMDR
• Mindfulness
• Art therapy
• Life skills
• Vocational skills
• Spirituality and 12-step programs

We will customize a rehabilitation program to your unique needs, with inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab programs including our partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), and outpatient rehab (OP). We utilize 12-step integration, several forms of therapy, and case management services along with aftercare services to ensure you can get on your feet and live a healthy productive life after rehab. Please call us today for more information on Klonopin addiction treatment and care.