Klonopin is a commonly prescribed medication in the United States and around the world. Klonopin is a brand-name version of clonazepam, and the drug belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, also referred to as benzos, are often prescribed to treat panic and anxiety disorders as well as seizures.

Klonopin and other benzos are very effective treatments for these conditions. However, these drugs have a high potential for abuse and addiction, and they can lead to addiction even when taken as prescribed. People abuse Klonopin because it creates a sense of euphoria and relaxation that can feel similar to the effects of alcohol intoxication.

Benzodiazepine addiction is known to be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to recover from alone due to the withdrawal symptoms it creates, such as nausea, anxiety, agitation and seizures. Fortunately, there are Klonopin addiction treatment options available at professional rehab facilities like the Orlando Recovery Center.

Is Klonopin Addictive?

Klonopin has the potential to be addictive when abused. However, the risk of addiction is still present even when the drug is taken as prescribed. Klonopin dependence can also develop quickly; for some people, it can occur after a few weeks of taking the medication.

Understanding Klonopin Abuse

Benzodiazepines, which also include medicines like Xanax and Valium, are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. While the opioid epidemic has been a focus in the United States for years, benzodiazepines are facing increased scrutiny due to their addictive potential and widespread use. Unfortunately, many don’t understand how addictive benzodiazepines are.

To prevent the risk of addiction, medical guidelines indicate benzos like Klonopin shouldn’t be prescribed for more than a few weeks at a time. However, some doctors still prescribe them as a long-term treatment solution.

What Is Klonopin?

Klonopin is a prescription brand name for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine drug. It is used to treat anxiety disorders and seizures and acts as a tranquilizer, slowing the function of the central nervous system. When someone takes Klonopin, the drug binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and increases the effects of the acid. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, so Klonopin use slows brain activity and causes people to feel relaxed.

Why Is Klonopin Prescribed?

Klonopin can be prescribed for seizure disorders and panic disorders. However, the drug should not be a long-term solution for treating these conditions. This is because tolerance to Klonopin develops relatively quickly, meaning the drug becomes less effective as the body becomes accustomed to its presence. Klonopin is also used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal syndrome and certain muscle disorders.

What Are Some Side Effects of Klonopin?

The most common side effects of Klonopin are sedation, motor impairment, confusion, loss of libido and cognitive impairments. Use of benzodiazepines like Klonopin can also worsen certain mental health conditions, such as depression.

Can You Overdose on Klonopin?

Benzodiazepines have resulted in many emergency department visits due to overdose. It’s also common for people to use Klonopin recreationally with other substances. For example, combining opioids or alcohol with benzodiazepines is common. However, pairing these substances increases the likelihood of a dangerous or fatal overdose.

Am I at Risk for Getting Addicted to Klonopin?

Klonopin is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States, meaning the substance has a potential for abuse and addiction. If you are prescribed Klonopin, you can lower your risk of developing addiction by taking the drug only as prescribed and avoiding long-term use.

Klonopin Addiction Statistics

According to data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose visits to emergency departments increased by over 23% from 2019 to 2020. More alarmingly, deaths caused by prescription and illicit benzodiazepines increased by almost 43% during this time period. In 2019, approximately 16% of overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines.

While benzodiazepines are unlikely to cause a fatal overdose on their own, they significantly increase the risk of overdose death when combined with substances like alcohol and opioids. In fact, people with both opioid and benzo prescriptions are ten times more likely to die of a fatal overdose than those with only an opioid prescription. In 2016, the CDC released new guidance to the medical community that urged prescribers to avoid co-prescribing opioids and benzos whenever possible.

How Is Klonopin Addiction Treated?

Addiction takes a toll on a person’s career, health, finances and relationships. It can gravely impact these areas of your life and cut you off from those closest to you. Therefore, treatment involves a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of an addiction.

Depending on the severity of the Klonopin addiction, treatment may include medical detox. The body eliminates Klonopin from its system during detox, but this process can cause uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms to occur. Medical detox ensures that withdrawal symptoms do not become life-threatening or cause a relapse.

After medical detox, treatment can begin in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient treatment takes place in a facility where a person can be removed from anything that may trigger a relapse. While in inpatient treatment, clients have access to a vast support network that includes trained physicians, therapists, psychiatrists, counselors and other addiction experts.

For those with less severe addictions, outpatient treatment may begin immediately after detox. However, many people begin outpatient programs after receiving intensive inpatient care. Outpatient treatment provides more flexibility and allows people to meet obligations in their day-to-day life, such as work or family responsibilities.

Help for Klonopin Addiction in Orlando

If you or someone you love is struggling with Klonopin abuse or addiction, help is available at the Orlando Recovery Center. Our caring and experienced treatment team can assist you in beginning a healthier, drug-free life in recovery. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable representative and learn more about treatment programs that can work well for your situation.