In 2011, over 75,000 people were admitted to the emergency room due to complications caused by Klonopin. This benzodiazepine is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat panic attacks, anxiety, and seizures. Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, which is a drug that can block certain neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce anxiety and stress. When taken, it can help patients relax.
But just like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin has a high potential for abuse. This drug is a very potent habit-forming substance, meaning people can get addicted to it in as little as a few weeks. While the drug relaxes a person, it also gives them a euphoric feeling that is similar to being intoxicated with alcohol. In fact, some people got addicted to Klonopin by just taking the amount prescribed by their doctor.
Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine. It can stay in a person’s system for a much longer time compared to other benzodiazepines. It was initially formulated to help people with epilepsy manage their seizures. Later on, the drug’s rapid and powerful calming effects were also recognized as a way to treat panic attacks.
But because of its addictive qualities, doctors only prescribe Klonopin for short-term use. Not only does it lose its effectiveness over time as the person develops tolerance, it also puts them at risk of developing drug dependence.
Once Klonopin’s effects wear off, addicted users begin to feel symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. If they have developed dependence, they will experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. Many people attempting quit Klonopin relapse because of these withdrawal symptoms and the intense cravings they get.
Despite the risks associated with Klonopin, it is still widely prescribed. In fact, approximately fifteen percent of Americans have a bottle of some type of benzodiazepine in their medicine cabinet.
Effects of Klonopin Abuse and Addiction
Once a person is addicted to the drug, it becomes more difficult for their brain to naturally produce feelings of relaxation and calmness. Addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of drugs even when the person is already suffering from its adverse effects.
People who are addicted to Klonopin struggle to quit because of their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They will spend most of their time seeking out the drug, prioritizing it over their usual responsibilities. They will neglect their obligations and lose interest in their old hobbies. Klonopin users often find themselves unable to “function” normally when they don’t take the drug.
Their persistent cravings may lead them to engage in risky behavior just to get more of the drug. Some even try doctor shopping, wherein they visit different doctors to get the same prescription multiple times.
Eventually, they may suffer from Klonopin’s adverse mental and physical health effects. Because it is a depressant, it can slow down breathing and heart rate to critical levels, especially when taken in high dosages. Symptoms of Klonopin abuse include fainting, vertigo, dizziness, numbness, confusion, slow reaction time, reduced libido, and impaired judgment.
Meanwhile, Klonopin withdrawal symptoms can range from intense anxiety to seizures. These symptoms can be deadly, which is why it is not advisable to try and quit Klonopin use without the help of medical professionals. Proper medical detox is necessary to help patients manage their withdrawal symptoms as they are slowly weaned off of the drug.
It is also possible to overdose on Klonopin. The risk of an overdose increases when a person takes this benzodiazepine along with another depressant such as alcohol. When a person develops tolerance, the effects of Klonopin begin to have a reduced effect on them, and so they may crave for the high that they used to get from it. This will cause them to take Klonopin with other drugs or while drinking alcohol. This can lead to blacking out and possibly respiratory failure.
Signs of a Klonopin overdose include slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, unsteady walking, reduced attention span, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, and coma. If the person exhibits any of these symptoms, be sure to contact a medical professional immediately. Klonopin overdose can be fatal.
Any use of Klonopin without a prescription is considered abuse. It is a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that the government regulates it because of its addictive effects.
Aside from the many physical and mental effects of addiction, Klonopin abuse can also develop into legal or financial issues. A person’s career and relationships with other people may suffer because of their actions. It may cause them to get in trouble with the law, especially when they engage in risky and illegal behavior.
Because they prioritize Klonopin over everything else, their finances will also suffer and they may find themselves in debt.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
Klonopin: How Abuse and Addiction Affects the Mind and Body https://t.co/E3HhsGOxPF #rehabnearme
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