Dangers of Klonopin Abuse
Klonopin, a name brand for the prescription of Clonazepam, has been used to treat patients that are prone to panic and seizure disorders. It is a sedative or muscle relaxant that is manufactured into a pill.
As is the case with many prescription drugs, Klonopin can be extremely habit-forming. Many ordinary people who are prescribed this drug have been lead into some level of dependency before they even know it. A person can become addicted by long term use even if he or she is using the drug as it is prescribed due to building of tolerance and dependency.
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If the individual is unaware her or she is becoming addicted, the incontrollable cycle of use can lead to a mental and physical addiction. In order to prevent this, doctors usually only prescribe Klonopin for a short period of time in hopes to keep the patient as far from addiction as possible. Unfortunately, because of Klonopins power to create such a euphoric high for the individual using it, when the prescription is up, he or she will start buying it on the streets to keep the euphoric feeling and escape reality.
People using Klonopin under the supervision of a physician often develop an addiction, but someone abusing Klonopin will surely fall into a dependency.
Street Names for Klonopin
Street names for Klonopin, and other Benzodiazepines, exist so when a dealer and costumer are making a transaction they remain as inconspicuous as possible to keep the attention away from the transaction being made. Knowing the street names for Klonopin can be very helpful when trying to figure out if your loved one is suffering from an addiction.
- KPin
- Benzos
- Goofballs
- Nerve pills
- Heavenly blues
- Super valium
Klonopin Effects
There are many short-term effects of the use of Klonopin, when this drug is abused the effects are quite unsettling. Short-term effects include: lowered blood pressure, drowsiness, slurred speech, weight changes, issues with memory, confusion, and slowed breathing. The long-term effects associated with Klonopin abuse are certainly concerning. Klonopin abuse for an extended period of time can damages an individual’s vital organs. Additionally, tolerance is perhaps the most frightening long-term effect of abuse. Developing a tolerance to Klonopin is highly dangerous and ultimately creates a risk of overdose. Abruptly stopping the use of this drug has been known to cause seizures, your internal functions to shut down, and even death.
Warning signs of Klonopin abuse in a loved one
Whether your reliance on Klonopin came from intentional misuse or from taking it as intended by your doctor, it is extremely important for you to seek professional treatment before the drug has a chance to do permanent damage to your life. Since Klonopin is a prescription it’s sometimes hard to see it as an addiction even if it being bought on the street. People usually justify abuse when it comes to prescription medication. Below are some of the signs you or your loved-one may have a problem
Klonopin slows down the user’s brain, giving him and her a feeling of peace. This can cause memory loss. He or she will keep asking you what day it is or if you have seen something he or she happen to misplace such as a cell phone or car keys.
You may notice your loved one is sleeping a lot more or taking very long naps during the day. Klonopin does help people with anxiety and can people who don’t need it severe fatigue. He or she could be so tired they start to slur their speech as well.
When abusing Klonopin, your loved one may seem more angry than usual. You could say the slightest comment to him or her and a huge argument will break out. Along with rage, Klonopin tends to make the abuser not care, he or she may have the delusion they are invincible.
Factual Dangers: Klonopin
Klonopin has the potential to be dangerous. It is considered a controlled substance, due to the fact that it has addictive qualities. When someone abuses Klonopin, he or she may be trying to escape reality. The abuser may not know how to cope with life and feel like he or she needs something to make the world a better place. If you are concerned a loved one is in fact abusing Klonopin, there are many signs to look out for that include:
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Klonopin Rehab Treatment
The signs of addiction to Klonopin can be easily missed. Most don’t even consider the possibility of addiction because a doctor usually prescribes it. Even if an addicted individual is buying Klonopin off the streets he or she may justify the use because it is a prescription drug.
However, it is important to recognize that you can become not only physically dependent on it but also psychologically dependent. You may have already developed a tolerance to it. If you find you need more of the drug to get the same results as when it was first prescribed it is a clear indication that you’ve become tolerant. If you are using Klonopin to escape reality, make yourself feel better, or taking large amounts to shut off from the world it is possible you have developed an addiction.
Therefore, getting into a rehab center is crucial at this stage. This altered brain chemistry could lead to suicidal or even homicidal tendencies that could prove even more detrimental to the safety and security of not only yourself but those around you. Klonopin can make you feel invincible causing you to do and say things you don’t really mean. At a rehab center, you will learn more about your disease and learn coping skills that will help you when a trigger or stressful situation pops up. That way you know how to handle it without using. A quality rehab will help set up an aftercare plan that will help guide you after completing treatment.
After only 2 to 4 weeks of use, a person may develop significant Klonopin dependence.
Klonopin Detoxification Treatment
Detoxification can be difficult but it’s one of the first steps to recovery. When you are going through detox it is your body getting rid of all of the Klonopin that it’s in your system. Since you are no longer using it your body will naturally flush it out. However, since your body has become accustom to the Klonopin being there this process can be uncomfortable and, if done at home, it could also be dangerous.
During withdrawal from Klonopin you might go through hallucinations, loss of memory, seizures, fevers, sensitivity to lights or sound, and numbness and tingling. Klonopin is a Benzodiazepine, and it is a known fact that Benzos and Alcohol are two drugs that can cause fatality when trying to stop using them. That being said, it is highly recommended to enter a medically supervised detox to ensure your safety while coming off the drug.
Medically supervised detox can help make this step easier for most individuals. A doctor will prescribe medication to ween you off of the Klonopin and other medication to make the detox stage more comfortable. For those who have developed a tolerance, they may also experience hangover sensations once they stop taking it. Other signs you should be looking for are changes in your behavior, body shaking, muscle cramps, or changes in the types of seizures you may be having. If you are experiencing seizures, do not wait, call emergency services immediately.
Addiction to Klonopin
Klonopin is a Benzodiazepine that has a high risk for abuse, addiction and dependency. You can become mentally addicted to the drug the first time you take it due the euphoric high the drug creates. Even if you are prescribed the medication by a doctor, your chances of addiction are still as high as those who buy it from a dealer off the streets.
Once you become physically addicted to the drug, the brain can no longer function and produce relaxation without it. This is why when you are trying to quit you find it next to impossible because you cannot function without it. If you are worried you are addicted to Klonopin, there are some signs you should look out for: intense cravings for Klonopin even when you have already taken a dose, continued abuse of Klonopin while disregarding the negative consequences, wanting to quit but feel like you can’t, or losing interest in school, work, and other activities because getting high on Klonopin is more important.
Klonopin addiction starts when you build a tolerance, which means you are taking more and more to get the desired effect you once had with a much smaller dose. This causes you to start taking more than prescribed, or there is a chance you just tried it because a friend suggested to do so. When the friend gave it to you, and you took it, the world finally felt okay to live in and you were comfortable with yourself which kept you coming back for more.
High Risk: Klonopin and Alcohol
The combination of Klonopin and Alcohol is quite common. Both Klonopin and Alcohol are Central Nervous System Depressants. Because they are both depressants, they intensify each other’s effects. Even if taking Klonopin or drinking Alcohol in small doses, when taking them together, you are increasing the side effects they produce like sleepiness and lack of coordination.
When you are under the influence of the two drugs and you lose your coordination skills you are at risk for a fall which can lead to serious injury. Due to the extreme fatigue, a person can be hard to wake up, which can eventually lead to coma or death in sleep due to the repressed breathing and low blood pressure. Also, it is common for a person to use the combination of Klonopin and Alcohol as a date rape drug. Because these drugs intensify each other’s effects and can cause someone to go into a deep sleep, the chances for unwanted risky behavior are high.
To prevent unwanted risky behavior, coma, and even death by Klonopin and Alcohol you need to stop using them. When addicted to the drugs it may be difficult to stop, you may feel shaky and discontent. If you do feel discontent when stopping the abuse, it is a good idea to get to a medical detoxification facility. The consequences of detoxing by yourself are fatal. It is best if you get the help from a doctor so they can safely ween you off the Klonopin and Alcohol.
Learn more about the dangers of combining Klonopin and alcohol, click here.
Seeking help for a loved one.
- How Do Klonopin Interventions Work?
There will be a gathering of family and friends in a safe environment who have prepared a speech to say to their Klonopin addicted loved one and will often be led by an interventionist. - When Is a Klonopin Intervention Necessary?
If your loved one is losing quality of life due to Klonopin abuse, you may want to plan an intervention.
Intervention for Klonopin Abuse
If you are noticing a loved one with the signs and symptoms of an addiction to Klonopin an intervention might be necessary. An intervention is a process of which loved ones will gather together and confront the addicted individual on how his or her Klonopin abuse has affected them.
When planning this gathering it is best to do it in a peaceful, non-triggering setting. The atmosphere needs to be peaceful so if there are any family members who may not be able to keep their cool it’s best to exclude them from the process. An intervention needs to be heart felt and genuine. The people included need to really have a concern for the abuser’s. Although, the Klonopin abuser may have stolen from you or really hurt you, it is best to not bring that up and just express unconditional love and when they are in treatment address the other issues with a family therapist. Be prepared for tears, it is hard for everyone to face what is truly going on in life. Addiction is a disease that will change people into something you never thought would become of this person. Remember, this isn’t who he or she is permanently, this is what the drug makes him or her become.
You should have a treatment center ready for to go in to because it’s important to not give your loved one time to change his or her mind about getting help. Interventions are best done with professional direction. Help your loved one and contact an interventionist immediately. In addition to assisting you with conveying your message to influence an individual to get help, an interventionist also serves as a mediator. – Learn More
Benzodiazepines, including Klonopin, were responsible for more than 1 million emergency room visits over a 6-year time span.
Recovery from Klonopin Abuse
Once you’ve decided to seek support in getting treatment for Klonopin dependency or addiction you need to find a recovery center that is right for you. Treatment recovery centers that are fully qualified are able to help you get back on the right track. The treatment center you choose should specialize in Klonopin addiction. Not all centers will have the same program for rehabilitation so look for one that will be able to support you and supply you with your unique needs.
Rehab centers can vary from one place to the next but if your addiction is the result of prolonged use, it may be best to look for a residential care center that can provide you with 24-hour care until you’re prepared to go back into the world on your own. When you re-enter society, don’t be afraid. Your new life of recovery is not going to be boring, be prepared to have a fun and exciting life. In order for a fun and exciting life to take place you will need to get involved with other sober people.
A good place to find people in recovery would be a 12-step fellowship. Not only will the 12-step fellowship help keep you sober, it will get you involved with other recovering individuals. Working a 12-step program is not just meetings and going through the steps. They hold conventions, dances, volleyball and softball tournaments, picnics, water days, and many more fun activities. If you find the activities fun and exciting you can also get on board with planning them to add your funk into the game. You will always be surrounded by non-judgmental and helpful people in recovery.
- How Long Does It Take to Recover From Klonopin Addiction?
Klonopin recovery is a lifelong process that helps you live a humble and happy life. - How Can I Tell If I Am Addicted to Klonopin?
You will not be able to stay away from the Klonopin regardless of the harm it is causing in your life. Another way to tell is if you try and stop, your body may go through withdrawal.
Dangers of Klonopin Overdose
Klonopin overdose is becoming more and more apparent in the United States. This is due to the pill epidemic we are facing and how users are combining Klonopin with other substances such are alcohol, Opiates, and Cocaine. Between 2002 and 2015, there was a 4.3-fold increase in the number of Benzodiazepine-related deaths. To decrease the chances of an overdose death is to stop abusing Klonopin and take your prescription as prescribed by a doctor.
There is a chance you have already passed the line into addiction and can’t seem to take what it prescribed and you feel you need more. If this is a concern of yours contact your doctor and he or she should be able to ween you off or they may suggest a medically supervised detox and treatment. If you want to stop Klonopin but aren’t quite ready, be prepared for an overdose and take precaution when taking Klonopin.
Some signs and symptoms over overdose include but are not limited to: altered mental status, noticeably slurred speech, aggression, memory loss, confusion, loss of consciousness, unresponsive, or even coma can take place in the beginning stages of an overdose. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or don’t feel right, call emergency services immediately. If the overdose was done intentionally the hospital will then move you to a psychiatric hospital and help you recover mentally in a safe place. However, if the overdose caused respiratory depression or coma, the hospital will not release you and take you to the intensive care unit for further care until they feel you have recovered. – Learn More
Klonopin Abuse and Addiction
Klonopin is a prescription drug most commonly used for anxiety disorders. A doctor may prescribe you Klonopin to decrease anxiety from panic attacks and control and prevent seizures. Klonopin is a Benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance due to its highly addictive capabilities.
If you are taking Klonopin that is prescribed by a doctor and taking the right dosage each day, there is still a chance you can build an addiction to the drug. If you feel like an addiction is forming and do nothing about it, your chances of becoming mentally, physically, and spiritually addicted are high.
Doctors usually prescribe Klonopin for a short period of time to try and prevent addiction in their patients. But due to the euphoric high Klonopin can produce, you see more and more people looking for It on the streets if the prescription is no longer available.
If you are concerned you are becoming addicted to Klonopin, make sure to look at the signs and symptoms of Klonopin addiction so you can defer if there is an addiction present. A few signs to look out for and be cautious of are: clumsiness, dizziness, fatigue, falling asleep at school or work, slurred speech, memory loss, and aggressive or violent behavior. Now that you understand and know some of the signs it is important to look out for them in yourself. Even if the signs are showing but you feel they are not showing enough to cause worry, the signs will gradually intensify as the abuse rises over time.
When you are abusing Klonopin, you usually get your desired effect within an hour of ingesting the pill. You will feel relaxed, peaceful, and as if you can conquer the world due to the high Klonopin produces. You could be taking the drug to feel the euphoria, to feel calm and relaxed, or simply to escape reality and not feel emotional. In addition to the reason why you are using Klonopin and the “positive” side effects, Klonopin can produce negative effects as well. Some of these negative effects are depression, respiratory difficulty, and seizures.
Regardless of how you started using Klonopin, you will always have a high risk of developing an intense addiction to the drug. When taking Klonopin, actually when taking any drug your body begins to build a tolerance to the drug. When a tolerance is built, you will then take more of the drug thorough the day or a higher dosage to acquire the effect you felt with it when you first started taking it.
Your body will then need the substance to function properly. Without the Klonopin in your system you will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms for Klonopin include: anxiety, irritability, psychosis, tremors, panic disorder, insomnia, muscle cramping, and violence. In more serious cases, if you don’t seek medical help when you first feel the symptoms, you could have a seizure which can lead to coma or even death. If you are feeling sick and haven’t had Klonopin, seek medical attention for your safety.
When an addiction to Klonopin sets in you may notice your behavior and mood changes a lot thorough the day. Your main goal of any day will be how to get Klonopin and stay high to prevent withdrawal symptoms. The severity of your addiction solely depends on the dosage of each use, how long you have been abusing Klonopin, and the frequency of the use. No matter where your addiction has taken you, how long you have been addicted, or how much Klonopin you abused, help is still possible and readily available.
When ready to get help for your addiction, remember it is a very individualized process. Not any two addictions are the same, so when looking for a treatment center make sure they focus on everyone as an individual not a group. When you find out what treatment center you are going to make sure they start you off with a medically supervised detox to prevent any fatality, ease your withdrawal symptoms, and ensure your safety.
Following your detoxification treatment, you will be introduced to a multitude of therapies. These therapies will help get to the bottom of your addiction and hopefully the reasons why you abused Klonopin will surface. When the real reasons surface, a therapist will help you attack the problem to prevent Klonopin abuse in the future.
Your length of treatment care will depend on your individual plan and will differ from each person. However, when you’re getting ready to leave, make sure to talk over aftercare plans with your therapist. Aftercare is what you will do to maintain your recovery when you are entering the outside world. Your aftercare plan could include outpatient treatment, 12-step program, or a faith based program. It really just depends on what the therapist feels would work best for you and your recovery.
No one really knows how addictions start, but they do, and they do not discriminate. Every addiction should be taken as a serious medical issue because it is a disease. The proper care should be taken and everyone should know there is treatment available.
- Why Should I Travel for Klonopin Treatment?
When you travel for Klonopin treatment, you will be away from familiar environments that can cause a relapse. - Is Traveling for Klonopin Treatment Recommended?
It is always a great idea to be removed from comfortable environments while trying to recover from Klonopin so you have the time to really focus on yourself.
Traveling for Klonopin Treatment
Traveling for rehab can literally be a life saver to for some individuals. Getting out of the environment where the addiction took hold can be a great way to start and get a good hold on sobriety. You wouldn’t want to run into your old Klonopin dealer or an old using buddie while in treatment. It could trigger you to leave and go get high on some Klonopin once you see your old friend or dealer.
It’s important to figure out what treatment center would be best for you or your loved one, while not thinking too much about the location. Of course, traveling may not seem ideal or even may seem uncomfortable, but you will receive great care in a safe environment with as much support as you need to your way back to health and free from addiction. When you do travel for treatment, keep in mind it is just temporary. You will be back with your family in no time. But when you return you will be a new person with amazing vibes that your family can’t seem to get enough of.
There are so many benefits of traveling for you and your family. Also, when you are recovered and you run into an old using buddie or dealer it will be easier for you to say no because you were already taught how to deal with triggers in treatment. Simple traveling has never been done as easily as it is done today; the ability people have to traverse all around the world so frequently and quickly with comfort is amazing. Take some time to think about how you would benefit from traveling for your chance in life as a sober citizen.
Finding the Right Klonopin Treatment
The facilities you should be looking at need to be staffed with those specialized to treat drug and alcohol addiction, especially Klonopin addiction, and are medically qualified to ensure the utmost safety to your physical, psychological, and emotional health. It is important for them to be trained in Klonopin addiction and have medical staff on sight because of the side effects Klonopin have.
For example, when coming off Klonopin you are prone to seizures. When having a seizure in treatment, it is important to have medically trained individuals around you so they can treat you accordingly. When it comes down to the behavioral aspects of recovery largely contribute to an individual well-being, overall balance and ability to be self-sufficient. To treat behavioral problems, you must go through therapies to help you understand your addiction. Also, when going through individualized therapy, the therapist will be able to determine if you need extra help with depression and bi-polar disease because these run hand-and-hand with addiction.
Whether you’re seeking treatment because of a family intervention or you’ve come to the realization that you need this help on your own, it is crucial to your future and to those around you to find the kind of help and guidance you need to completely break free from the addiction to Klonopin. Only by doing so can you hope to get back to a normal lifestyle that can lead to positive things in your future. It is never too late to save your life from the grips of addiction.
- Why Should I Find Aftercare for My Klonopin Addiction?
Aftercare is vital for your Klonopin recovery. It will help you remain sober through tough and trying times. - What Is the Best Aftercare for Klonopin Addiction?
There are many Klonopin aftercare methods that work, but it is recommended to try working a 12-step program.
True Stories of Addiction: Brennan Overcomes Addiction
Your loved one feels isolated and alone in their fight against their addiction. Give them the backup that they need. Holding an intervention for a loved one not only brings their problem to the surface, but shows them that people still care about them. They might be in denial with other people, but most people who have a substance abuse problem are not in denial with themselves. Deep down inside, they know they need help. If you show them that they have support if they decide to get that help, they will be more willing to go to rehab. Let them know that you are not giving up on them.
Seeking help for a loved one
- Is Inpatient Rehab Worth It?
If you want to recover from your Klonopin addiction, inpatient rehab is more than worth it. - 11. What Will I Do in Inpatient?
Inpatient rehab will teach you how to deal with your Klonopin addiction in various ways. You will learn how to combat stressors and triggers.
Inpatient Klonopin Rehab
An inpatient program is one of the most important tools you can use when you decide to get clean and sober. It teaches you the tools you will need to know in order to move forward in your life in a positive way. On admittance, you will meet with your treatment counselor and come up with a treatment plan that is unique to your recovery. It will be unique to your recovery because no two addictions are the same.
People go through different situations, were addicted to different drugs, and have different morals and values. The one thing you will have in common with your fellows in inpatient treatment is you have an addiction, regardless if yours is Klonopin and theirs is Heroin, you both suffer an addiction that could potentially take your life. When the individualized treatment plan is set in force, you will then move on to detoxification.
In detox, you will be given medication to ease the symptoms of withdrawal and to make sure you come off Klonopin in a safe manner. Once you have gone through the detox stage, you will meet with a team of professionals who will lead individual therapies, group sessions, and family meetings. The difference between detox and therapy is that detox helps with the physical symptoms while therapy will help treat your mind and soul. Therapy is the most important place to learn about healthy coping skills so when you enter society you will have the tools to continue your sobriety. Making sure there is an aftercare plan in check is vital to your recovery. An aftercare plan could include outpatient treatment, 12-step programs, or a mixture of both. You just need something to help keep you motivated and your mind off Klonopin. – Learn More
Outpatient Rehab
An outpatient program is where the clients travel to a clinic several times a week to take part in treatment sessions and then leave, rather than living at a facility. Outpatient rehab does not have the medical benefits of inpatient, meaning you will have to detox somewhere else and the treatment plan may be less individualized than you would like. However, outpatient allows you to work, attend school or go about your life as normal.
The problem is the you are still exposed to the environment that contributed to your addiction to begin with. It may be hard walking around the same area not knowing all the tools you need to know in order to stay sober. There is a higher possibility of relapse with outpatient treatment as well. Outpatient treatment is best used when you have completed inpatient and still feel like you need more accountability. It is best this way because you were already out of society for a certain amount of time and have been taught how to deal with triggers as they arise.
There is, however, a chance there is no possible way you can leave the kids or work. If this is the case, certainly go straight into outpatient care. There is still a chance you will stay sober, you just need to really focus while in the program and maybe pair it up with some 12-step meetings. The great thing about 12-step meetings is that they are at all different times of the day so they can fit into a busy schedule with work or kids. Regardless of what you decide to do, inpatient or outpatient, if you are willing to do whatever it takes to stay sober, you will. – Learn More
- Why Outpatient?
If you want to recover from Klonopin but can’t leave work or family obligations, outpatient will allow you to get the therapy you need while staying at home. - What Will I do In Outpatient Rehab?
When fighting Klonopin addiction, you will go to outpatient rehab and attend a multitude of therapies to help you recover from your addiction.