Klonopin, also known as Clonazepam, is used for the treatment of epilepsy and panic disorders. It produces a feeling of relaxation and calm. It’s also potentially addictive, so it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of Klonopin addiction to determine if you or someone you love needs Klonopin addiction treatment or a painkiller addiction treatment program.

Klonopin Addiction Treatment: How Klonopin Works

Klonopin is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The result is to induce a sense of relaxation and reduced anxiety. Benzodiazepines and Klonopin also help to alleviate convulsions and relax muscles.

Klonopin treats a variety of illnesses including:

1. Panic disorders
2. General anxiety disorder
3. Insomnia
4. Seizures
5. Alcohol withdrawal
6. Anxiety

Patients often acquire Klonopin as a prescription and then become addicted. Recreational drug users purchase Klonopin illegally or steal it.

What Makes Klonopin Addictive

Klonopin and benzodiazepines in general, enhance the effect of dopamine. Dopamine is associated with a section of the brain called the reward circuit.

The reward circuit is in the limbic system of the brain, consisting of the amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and other areas. The reward circuit of the brain responds to pleasurable activities by flooding the brain with dopamine. Then, the dopamine creates a euphoric, pleasurable sensation. Normally, the reward center helps your mind associate beneficial activities such as sex or exercise with pleasure, but in the case of drugs like Klonopin, the reward system plays a role in the development of addiction. Eventually, users will develop a tolerance to Klonopin, requiring larger doses to get high.

Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction

It is important to know and understand the signs of a Klonopin addiction, so you can recognize if you or someone you care about requires a Klonopin addiction treatment program. The symptoms of Klonopin addiction include:

1. Persistent cravings for Klonopin
2. Continued use of Klonopin despite negative consequences
3. Developing legal or financial issues in order to acquire more Klonopin
4. Losing interest in social interactions with family and friends

Another indication of a Klonopin addiction is one or more overdoses. The signs of a Klonopin overdose include:

1. Extreme sedation and drowsiness
2. Mental anguish or confusion
3. Blurred vision
4. Labored breathing
5. Slurred speech

Klonopin is a depressant and can lead to death when respiration is reduced to dangerous levels. If you observe the signs of a Klonopin overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

The long-term side effects of Klonopin abuse include suicidal thoughts, impaired memory, and liver damage.

Additionally, polydrug abuse is also common with Klonopin. Many people abuse the drug at the same time that they use alcohol or cocaine. Both alcohol and Klonopin are depressants, so this combination can be especially dangerous in an overdose.

Klonopin Addiction Treatment

Klonopin addiction treatment requires a  multi-pronged process involving withdrawal management, therapy, and support.

Withdrawal from Klonopin, like all benzodiazepines, can be dangerous. The withdrawal symptoms of Klonopin include:

1. Hallucinations
2. Seizures
3. Nausea and Vomiting
4. Anxiety

Klonopin withdrawal symptoms are typically treated with a longer acting benzodiazepine like Xanax or Ativan. The doctor will slowly taper you off Xanax or Ativan, in order to avoid the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. Quitting Klonopin cold turkey is never recommended. People undergoing Klonopin withdrawal tend to be more susceptible to seizures, which can be deadly.

Soledad House, a women’s rehab program in San Diego, California, offers Klonopin addiction treatment. Soledad offers a variety of programs to help you end the cycle of addiction to Klonopin and other painkillers. We also offer the 12 Step Program and prevention education. Call us today at 866.314.3222.