Klonopin is a benzodiazepine or benzo that has been widely prescribed to treat conditions including epilepsy, panic disorders, and anxiety. Like other benzos, Klonopin is highly effective for its intended uses but carries a high risk for abuse, dependence, and addiction. As such, its use has begun to decline in preference to SSRIs like Zoloft and Prozac, which are considered non-addictive.
At Hill Country, we recognize the medical benefits of Klonopin and other benzos. Still, we know that benzo abuse and addiction remain a significant concern. Many people who rely on benzos to manage anxiety develop a dependence on them, so if you find yourself in this situation, you are not alone. Others take benzos recreationally for their euphoric, dissociative, and sedative effects, which is a dangerous practice, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. No matter your situation, if you are abusing Klonopin or other benzos, our benzo addiction treatment program can help.
The Importance of Recognizing Benzo Abuse
Benzos increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and create feelings of pleasure while alleviating anxiety symptoms. Benzo abuse occurs when people misuse them to maintain these effects. Dependence can happen quickly, seeming to develop out of nowhere.
Benzo abuse has numerous consequences, including an increased risk of overdose and premature death. Recognizing the warning signs of benzo abuse can be life-saving. Signs to watch for can include:
- Taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed
- Developing tolerance, or the need for higher doses to achieve the desired effects
- Cravings
- Using benzos without a prescription
- Continuing to use benzos without a medical need for them
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking benzos
- Mixing benzos with alcohol or other drugs
Most benzos’ effects begin within an hour and last an average of six to ten hours. Their fast-acting nature is a benefit for reducing anxiety and panic. The downside is that tolerance quickly increases because of the desire for more when the effects wear off. A significant component of benzo addiction treatment at Hill Country is teaching patients to manage anxiety symptoms by replacing benzo abuse with healthy coping mechanisms.
What Is Unique About Klonopin Abuse?
Klonopin is not necessarily more dangerous than other benzos, but its potency, withdrawal side effects, and long half-life pose unique risks. A drug’s half-life refers to the time it takes for the dose to be reduced by half in your system. For example, let’s say a drug’s half-life is four hours, and the dose is 100mg. This means that around four hours after taking it, the amount of drug left in your system is 50mg.
Klonopin has a long half-life, ranging between 18 and 50 hours, meaning not only does the main concentration of the dosage remain in your system for a long time, but it can accumulate when more is taken. This is vital to understand because it directly relates to an increased risk of overdose, which is compounded if alcohol or other drugs are also taken.
Compared to short-acting benzos like Xanax, Klonopin tends to have more prolonged withdrawal symptoms that come on more gradually because of its long half-life. However, withdrawal symptoms can still be dangerous and include severe symptoms like anxiety, seizures, and psychosis. Again, these symptoms can be worse when other substances are present.
There is no denying that withdrawal is a challenging and uncomfortable first step toward recovery. At Hill Country, benzo addiction treatment begins with a medically supervised detox to help make the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal as comfortable as possible.
Reach Out to Hill Country for Benzo Addiction Treatment Today
Like many prescription medications, benzodiazepines have medical benefits that help millions of people live better lives. Nevertheless, these drugs pose a significant risk of abuse, dependence, addiction, and overdose. Substance use disorder (SUD) still carries a stigma despite efforts to educate the public, and individuals living with SUD continue to hold the false belief that it results from a weakness of character or willpower.
At Hill Country, we recognize SUD as a disease and provide the comprehensive treatment needed to help patients heal. If you are ready to break the cycle of Klonopin abuse, contact Hill Country today for benzo addiction treatment. Call 1.844.675.1628 now or reach out via the online form.