Klonopin (aka clonazepam) is a prescription drug commonly used to treat anxiety, panic attacks and seizures. It is among the most commonly used benzodiazepine medications in the United States, which is one of the most illicitly used categories of prescription drugs. According to recent statistics, about 12% of adults in the US use these kinds of drugs in a year. Like many prescription drugs, those who develop an addiction to it often begin by taking it as prescribed or as a substitute for other substances.
Klonopin Addiction
In the popular imaginations of many Americans, people who use illegal substances are down-and-out types, abusing crack cocaine, heroin, or meth. However, prescription medications are among the fastest growing types of abused drugs. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health , approximately one-third of first-time drug users in 2009 experimented with prescription medications. The rapid growth in prescription drug use has profound effects on physical health, psychological well-being, and societal burden.
Klonopin Addiction
Like all benzodiazepines, Klonopin affects the central nervous system by going directly through the brain. Specifically, it works by shutting down the cells that regulate dopamine. This causes lower brain activity as well as feelings of pleasure or reward. As a result, it’s the kind of substance that rewires brain chemistry to crave these pleasurable feelings. Once a dependency has developed, those who use Klonopin tend to take increasing amounts in order to satisfy this craving.
Symptoms of Klonopin addiction include:
- Memory problems
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Confusion
- Emotional blunting
- Changes in personality
- Sensitivity to light
- Auditory hallucinations
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach problems
- Seizures and others
When a person becomes addicted to Klonopin, they often experience significant emotional and psychological side effects in addition to the physical effects. For example, they may experience increased irritability, impulsivity, hostility or aggression. This may result in attacks of extreme anger, violent episodes or impulsive behaviors such as stealing. Emotional blunting, when a person struggles to feel concerned with things they would otherwise feel very concerned about, is also common.
For these reasons and others, it isn’t just the individual who suffers. Those who are close to someone with a Klonopin addiction are also affected. This leaves many to become increasingly isolated, their relationships with others becoming continuously strained and unfulfilling. That’s why getting help is so important. With the right guidance and support, people who are addicted to Klonopin can make a recovery that lasts.
Klonopin Detox & Rehab
Recovering from Klonopin addiction, as with most forms of substance use disorder, begins with ridding a person’s body of all addictive chemicals. This process is called detoxing. With substances like these, it is crucial to have qualified help with detoxing, as it can be difficult and possibly dangerous to do alone. Often, it is advisable to consult a physician before detoxing from one’s medication. Deciding to stop taking Klonopin on one’s own can result in significant health risks, which is why a gradual decrease under professional supervision is often recommended. A professional detox program, like ours at Cliffside Malibu, enables people to ease off of their medication in a safe and understanding environment with compassionate staff to care for them every step of the way.
Many detox programs function on the combination of medication and other forms of therapy including counseling. With Klonopin, the detox process is often especially involved as withdrawal symptoms can last for a considerable length of time. The symptoms themselves also vary from person to person depending on how much a person has taken, how long they’ve been taking it or if they’ve been mixing Klonopin with other substances. Physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms vary from irritability and dizziness to muscle spasms, seizures, sensitivity to light or sound, delusions, hallucinations and feelings of unreality. On one’s own, these symptoms can be especially dangerous to the individual not only because it can drive them towards taking Klonopin to lessen symptoms, but they can also be hazardous to one’s health and personal safety.
Once all traces of Klonopin have been removed from the body, there is often more work to be done. Detoxing alone is a significant and important step, but in many cases, it takes more to create a lasting recovery. Therapeutic help is almost always essential for examining the root causes of one’s addiction and developing new methods to live soberly going forward. This phase of treatment can take many forms varying from one individual to another, but the primary goal is always the same. The goal is to enable people to make a lasting recovery with the tools they need to avoid relapse and repair their quality of life.
Most cases of substance use disorder treatment include participating in group, individual, family or adjunct therapies. The purpose of these therapies is to help people cope with the psychological aspects of addiction as well as allowing them to deal with any personal or family issues they may have. At Cliffside Malibu, we offer a vast array of therapy options, including holistic therapies and engaging recreational activities to keep you energized. We also offer things like yoga, art therapy, life assessment group and even spirituality group. You also have the option of going hiking, swimming, exercising with a personal trainer and other physical activities. Moreover, you will meet with a recovery coach, be taught about relapse prevention and be offered family therapy.
Klonopin Treatment
Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Cliffside Malibu
At Cliffside Malibu, we are partners in our patients’ journey to heal from their condition and restore their ability to function soberly in their everyday life. With a range of therapy options, as well as relaxing spa treatments, luxury accommodations and healthy gourmet meals served daily, we provide everything your body, mind and soul need to rejuvenate and free oneself from addiction. Together, we craft the ideal treatment plan that honors a person’s desires and focuses on their individual treatment needs.
If you or someone you know has developed an addiction to Klonopin, alcohol or any other substance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Contact us at (844) 534-2018 as soon as possible to learn more and enroll in one of substance disorder treatment programs.
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(424) 320-3061