Klonopin (Clonazepam) Medication Abuse & Addiction Risks

Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, a prescription medication used to treat certain types of seizures. It is also used to treat anxiety disorders and other conditions.

Clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine that is known for its calming effect due to its high potency. However, Klonopin use can sometimes lead to a substance use disorder.

When people prescribed clonazepam fall into substance abuse, it can hinder their mental health treatment. Fortunately, treatment options can help people recover from mental health conditions in addition to Klonopin abuse.

Klonopin is a powerful prescription drug that creates a calm and relaxed feeling, which is why it is prescribed for people who have panic attacks.

As a benzodiazepine, clonazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its abuse potential. That means people who take it for mental health needs can fall victim to clonazepam abuse.

Klonopin drug abuse can happen for the following reasons:

• Because of clonazepam’s abuse potential, people begin to crave the way it makes them feel.
• People begin taking higher doses to get a rush or a high from the medication.
• Klonopin abuse is more likely to occur with long-term use than with short-term use.
• After long-term use people who have been prescribed the medication develop a tolerance or physical dependence. This can lead to higher doses.
• People self-correct dosage without consulting their doctor because it isn’t helping with their symptoms.

The best way to avoid clonazepam abuse is to take it exactly as prescribed and talk to your doctor if you feel it isn’t effective.

As with other benzos, like Xanax, Klonopin has a high abuse potential because of the potency it has on the central nervous system.

Clonazepam is a central nervous system depressant that works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a naturally occurring chemical that calms your brain by reducing the excitability of neurons.

Clonazepam also increases serotonin and can increase dopamine sensitivity in certain patients. These chemicals correspond to positive mood changes that occur quickly and can become addictive.

While anyone can be at risk for Klonopin drug addiction, certain groups have a higher risk than others.

These include people who have access to the medication of a loved one who is prescribed clonazepam.

However, those who have the highest risk of addiction are those who are prescribed the regular use of Klonopin for a mental health disorder.

People taking Klonopin for the following disorders are at risk of abusing the medication:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Seizure disorders (such as epilepsy)
• Acute mania
• Restless leg syndrome
• REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)

As with other forms of prescription drug use at high doses, clonazepam abuse can lead to behavioral changes in the person taking the medication.

The following behavioral signs and symptoms of Klonopin abuse include:

• Physical changes: Include a lack of energy weight gain or loss.
• Family tensions: Relationships with family members become strained because of secretive behavior or lying.
• Neglect of appearance: Results from extreme drowsiness or apathy.
• Poor performance: Missing work or school or not paying attention.
• Doctor shopping: Can happen as a way to get more of the medication.

Klonopin abuse also has negative consequences on a person’s physical and mental health. These side effects can be serious and, in the case of an overdose, even life-threatening.

Side effects of Klonopin abuse include:

• Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness
• Difficulty thinking
• Motor impairment
• Slurred speech

Abusing Klonopin can lead to the risk of overdose as you take more and more of the medication to achieve the high that you are used to getting.

The risk of overdose is especially prevalent if you mix Klonopin with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs.

Signs of a Klonopin overdose include:

• Double vision
• Low blood oxygen level
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heart rate
• Respiratory arrest
• Cardiac arrest
• Pulmonary aspiration
• Coma

Treatment includes observation, supportive care, and intubation in the case of respiratory depression.

People who take Klonopin for a mental health disorder and who also need Klonopin addiction treatment for Klonopin abuse have what is called co-occurring disorders.

Addiction treatment for co-occurring disorders requires addiction centers that specialize in dual diagnosis treatment where they address mental illness and addiction at the same time.

People in recovery from Klonopin abuse will still need medication for the disorder they were being treated for when taking Klonopin.

Because Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, alternative medications probably won’t include other benzos.

Medication alternatives to Klonopin include:

• Cannabidiol (CBD): Treats seizures.
• Fluoxetine: Treats panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Paroxetine: Treats panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Sertraline: Treats social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Venlafaxine (extended-release): Treats social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

A treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment can offer a range of treatment programs that encompass all levels of care from inpatient to outpatient.

Treatment options for co-occurring disorders include:

• Inpatient treatment: Offers intensive care options through hospitalization or residential treatment.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Provides intensive through an outpatient treatment facility including therapy and psychiatric interventions.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Offers similar services but is a step down from a PHP with evening or morning meetings instead of eight hours a day five days a week.
• Outpatient program (OP): Offers the least-intensive level of care meeting once or twice a week as clients transition back to daily life.

Evidence-based therapies are the foundation of clinical treatment for mental health disorders and Klonopin abuse.

Dual diagnosis therapies include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Finds application in both addiction and mental health settings.
• Exposure therapy: Is used to treat anxiety disorders.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Treats people suffering from PTSD.
• Individual therapy: Helps people uncover the root of addiction and mental health issues in a confidential setting.
• Group therapy: Is therapist-led and guides group members to encourage and learn from one another.
• Family therapy: Helps family members resolve conflict resulting from addiction.

People who experience Klonopin abuse that is connected to their mental health treatment often benefit from continuing care.

Continuing care includes the following options:

• Relapse prevention: Helps address triggers and stressors on an ongoing basis.
• Medication management: Monitors dosage, side effects, and administration of medication.
• Telehealth: Provides an alternative venue for ongoing sessions as needed.

If you are facing Klonopin addiction as the result of a mental health condition, you can find treatment today.

A compassionate and professional healthcare provider in a quality treatment center can help you address root causes, cravings, and more.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you find treatment.