Klonopin Abuse Signs, Symptoms and Addiction Treatment

Doctors prescribe Klonopin to control or prevent seizures and reduce anxiety from panic attacks. Also known as clonazepam, this drug is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that is highly addictive. If you or a loved one are abusing Klonopin, our counselors can help. Contact us today at 1-800-943-0566 to get more information on Klonopin problems and treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms

Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin can become physically and physiologically addictive. After taking the drug for a period of time, your body may develop a tolerance. After taking larger doses or taking the drug for a long time, you may become dependent on the drug. Missing a dose or taking a smaller dose may cause signs of withdrawal. The signs and symptoms of abuse include:

• Hallucinations, panic attacks, anxiety and loss of memory
• Seizures
• Fevers
• Changes in personality
• Sensitivity to lights or sound
• Numbness and tingling
• Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations of the heart
• Tension or depression
• Insomnia
• Irritability and restlessness
• Cognitive difficulties
• Extreme sweating
• Dizziness

The facts about Klonopin abuse are clear. People who abuse Klonopin can become psychologically as well as physically addicted. Signs of Klonopin abuse or addiction include:

• Withdrawing from family, friends, social activities or hobbies
• Drug cravings
• Problems on the job
• Extreme anxiety or paranoia

Effects of Klonopin Abuse

Like other benzodiazepines, it works by altering certain chemicals in the brain. Klonopin may cause euphoria and drowsiness. When you are coming down from Klonopin, you may feel as if you have a hangover.

Klonopin can cause some side effects, and these can be exacerbated by other drugs or supplements you take, such as St. John’s wort. Because it is a central nervous system depressant, it can become dangerous when mixed with other depressants, including tranquilizers and alcohol.

Some mild side effects of Klonopin include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness or unsteadiness
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Increased saliva production
• Muscle or joint pain
• Difficulty thinking or problems with memory
• Increased urination
• Blurry vision
• Changes in libido

Klonopin use can cause serious side effects, including:

• Rashes or hives
• Swelling, especially around the facial ear or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hoarseness in the throat
• Seizures
• Pale skin and excessive bruising or bleeding

Because of the way it alters the brain, Klonopin may also cause suicidal or homicidal thoughts in some people, and it may cause the user to engage in risky or dangerous behaviors.

If you are exhibiting any of these side effects or know someone who is, today is the time to seek treatment. Our counselors are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call at 1-800-943-0566. Let us help you get back on the path to drug-free living.

Klonopin Abuse Treatment

Once you have made the decision to seek treatment for Klonopin abuse or addiction, you will need to determine the best type of program for you. When it comes to rehab programs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best program is one that is tailored for your individual situation and needs.

If your addiction is severe or your Klonopin abuse was prolonged, you might want to choose treatment on an inpatient basis where you will have access to a professional, experienced staff around the clock. For a milder addiction, or if you have a strong support network of family and friends at home, you might opt for a rehab center on an outpatient basis. You will receive the same intensive therapy and counseling during the day, but you can return to your home in the evenings. You can also enter a Klonopin rehab program to go through the withdrawal process under the supervision of licensed medical personnel and not seek additional treatment, but this is not recommended.

Most experts agree that the minimum length of time you should spend in your rehab program is one month, since it may take a few days to a few weeks to get the drug out of the system in detoxification. In most cases, however, a 60- or 90-day program will be more beneficial.

The most important thing to remember about treatment for Klonopin abuse or addiction is that it is never too late to seek help. Our counselors can walk you through the Klonopin facts and help you put together a treatment plan. Contact us today at 1-800-943-0566 to know more about how to help a Klonopin addict.

Teen Klonopin Abuse

Teenagers are often at a higher risk for complications from Klonopin abuse because they tend to mix it with alcohol, another central nervous system depressant. The drug is also often more accessible to them than other substances. It is much easier to take some from their parents than it is to purchase alcohol.