Using Klonopin with or without a prescription can potentially lead to dependence and addiction. Fortunately, treatment for Klonopin addiction is available.
Article at a Glance:
- Klonopin is a benzodiazepine drug typically prescribed for seizure and panic disorders.
- The drug works by enhancing GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain.
- As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Klonopin can be addictive; around 17% of people prescribed benzos like Klonopin misuse them.
Is Klonopin (Clonazepam) Addictive?
Klonopin, a brand-name version of clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat seizure and panic disorders. It is aSchedule IVcontrolled substance, meaning it carries the risk of abuse, dependence and addiction.
As a person becomes accustomed to Klonopin’s presence in their body and how it interacts with their brain, they can become reliant on the drug for certain feelings, such as relaxation. If the person struggles with anxiety, the drug’s absence could result in more severe anxiety-related symptoms.
What Is Klonopin Addiction?
When someone takes a consistent or high dosage of Klonopin, they can develop a physical and psychological addiction.
Physical addiction, also known as dependence, is when the body relies on a drug to provide certain chemicals that help it function normally. For example, people who are addicted to a drug like Klonopin but stop taking it might suffer from headaches or nausea. This occurs because the body becomes dependent on the drug and revolts when the drug is no longer present.
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Psychological addiction often comes from the euphoric feeling people get from a drug. People may associate Klonopin with good feelings, so when anxiety or panic attacks occur during withdrawal, their psychological addiction kicks in and makes them believe they need the drug to achieve happiness. This is part of why people crave harmful substances and misuse prescription drugs like Klonopin.
What Causes Addiction to Klonopin?
Klonopin addiction can form with or without a prescription. People who struggle with Klonopin often begin taking the drug through a doctor’s prescription. When addiction forms through a prescription, it’s usually because the drug was misused. People sometimes believe that because the drug is legal and can be prescribed to them by a doctor, it is safe to take in any dosage or more often than prescribed. This belief is incorrect and can cause addiction to form.
Some people follow a doctor’s orders and still develop a dependence on the drug. However, this isnot common. Addiction also forms without a prescription. For example, people who know someone with a prescription may acquire the drug illegally and begin using it.
Klonopin Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Effects
Identifying the side effects of addiction can help you determine when treatment may be needed. When people with addiction stop taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms often appear. These effects are one of the best ways to tell if someone is addicted. Common withdrawal symptoms from benzos like Klonopininclude:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle aches and tension
Related topic:Klonopin (Clonazepam) Side Effects, Symptoms & Signs of Abuse
Treating Klonopin Addiction
There are many treatment options for Klonopin addiction. No matter where a person lives, a rehab facility is likely conveniently located in their region. The Recovery Village has centers in five states, each staffed by caring representatives who help potential clients identify treatment plans that can address their unique needs.
Klonopin addiction treatment begins with detoxification and the process of overcoming withdrawal symptoms. This stage can be challenging due to the side effects that occur when ending Klonopin or reducing dosage as part of the “tapering off” approach. Detoxification often creates a strong foundation for future steps of the rehab process, so finding a safe and effective detox program is vital to long-term recovery.
Related Topic:Klonopin (Clonazepam) Addiction Treatment & Rehab
Klonopin Addiction Statistics
Klonopin addiction statistics and facts can help people understand how potent the drug can be. Many people aren’t aware of how widespread or challenging substance use disorders are. Additionally, people who are prescribed a drug often believe it’s completely safe since taking it is approved by a doctor. If dosage is not controlled, however, benzos often lead to dependence and make it difficult to end a prescription.
These statistics show how prevalent benzodiazepine and Klonopin addiction is in the United States:
- Clonazepam is the46th most prescribeddrug overall in the United States as of 2019.
- Clonazepam is thesecond most prescribedbenzodiazepine as of 2019, after alprazolam (Xanax).
- Overall, about2.1%of American adults misuse benzos. However,17.1%of people prescribed benzos misuse them.
- Around0.2%of American adults have benzo use disorders, andless than 2%of people with a benzo prescription have benzo use disorders.
If you or someone you love is struggling with Klonopin addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder like anxiety, help is available atThe Recovery Village. Our experienced addiction specialists can help youdetox from the drugand learn valuable strategies that put you on the path of lifelong recovery.Contact ustoday to learn more abouttreatment programsthat can work well for your needs.
