People who suffer from seizures or struggle with anxiety or panic disorders often find significant relief from their symptoms after their doctor prescribes benzodiazepine medications, also called “benzos.” Unfortunately, many benzos are highly addictive and have serious long-term health consequences if someone abuses them. Klonopin is one of the most well-known benzos on the market. As such, many people struggle with Klonopin abuse—which is often challenging to identify.
The team at Ashwood Recovery knows how complicated it can be to spot the signs of Klonopin abuse and then help someone find the help they need to stop taking it. Our outpatient Klonopin addiction treatment program is designed with our patients in mind to help them break their dependence on Klonopin and find the path to a happier, healthier future. If you or someone you love struggles with Klonopin abuse, call 888.341.3607 to learn more about our program.
What Is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a medication that is prescribed to treat seizures, panic attacks, and anxiety. It is also known by its generic name, clonazepam. Klonopin belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are sometimes called “minor tranquilizers” because they produce calming effects. However, they can also be abused and lead to addiction.
What Are the Dangers of Benzo Addiction?
Benzodiazepine abuse can lead to a number of harmful consequences. Short-term effects of benzodiazepine abuse include memory problems, impaired coordination, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Long-term effects of benzo abuse can include addiction, liver damage, and respiratory depression. Taking high doses of benzodiazepines can also lead to overdose and death.
Signs of Klonopin Abuse
The most common sign of Klonopin abuse is taking the medication for non-medical reasons. People who abuse Klonopin may take it to get high or to self-medicate for anxiety or other mental health issues. Klonopin abuse can also lead to tolerance, which means higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effect. Other signs of Klonopin abuse include:
- Taking more Klonopin than prescribed
- Taking Klonopin more often than prescribed
- Craving Klonopin
- Ignoring work or school responsibilities to obtain or use Klonopin
- Continuing to use Klonopin despite negative consequences
- Developing a tolerance for Klonopin
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it may be time to seek help.
The Stages of Benzo Addiction Treatment
Treatment for benzodiazepine abuse typically begins with detoxification, which is the process of clearing the drug from your body. This can be done through tapering, which involves slowly reducing your dose over time; or through medical detoxification, which involves monitoring and managing your withdrawal symptoms with medication.
After detoxification, you will likely participate in therapy and counseling to address the underlying causes of your addiction and to learn coping skills for maintaining sobriety. With treatment, it is possible to recover from benzodiazepine abuse and start living a healthy, sober life.
Klonopin Addiction Treatment at Ashwood Recovery
The outpatient Klonopin addiction treatment program at Ashwood Recovery is designed to help people break their dependence on Klonopin and find the path to a happier, healthier future. The program includes individual and group therapy, as well as education about addiction and recovery. Patients also receive support from their peers and from the staff at Ashwood Recovery.
The goal of the program is to help patients understand why they developed an addiction to Klonopin and to teach them how to cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Patients also learn how to live a sober life and manage any underlying mental health issues. With support from Ashwood Recovery, it is possible to overcome an addiction to Klonopin and live a better life. Contact us at 888.341.3607 today to get started.