Signs of Clonazepam Abuse

Clonazepam, which is more commonly known as Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety-related disorders. Clonazepam is widely prescribed, which unfortunately results in it being readily available on black markets. It is also highly prone to abuse, making clonazepam abuse a potential result of experimenting with Klonopin.

Clonazepam abuse can lead to addiction and physical dependency. Withdrawing from benzodiazepines can be dangerous without medical supervision. In serious cases, benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures. If you or a loved one is struggling with clonazepam abuse, it is important to explore your treatment options and consider entering detox or inpatient treatment.

What Are the Signs of Clonazepam Abuse?

Clonazepam abuse can be difficult to identify, especially if you have been prescribed clonazepam by a doctor. Since benzodiazepines are depressants, they create sedative effects. Clonazepam effects can last as long as 12 hours, with effects occurring within an hour of ingestion. Taking too much clonazepam can cause you to experience a blackout or become physically dependent. Up to one-third of people who take clonazepam for four weeks or more become addicted.

Signs of clonazepam abuse can include:

• Increased tolerance
• Taking more than the prescribed amount
• Running out of clonazepam before your prescription can be refilled
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using
• Having memory loss
• Behavioral changes

Clonazepam is also very dangerous when mixed with other depressants like alcohol or opiates, which can lead to an increased risk of an overdose. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, resulting in seizures, vomiting and mood changes. Clonazepam abuse can result in you spending excessive money on clonazepam in order to prevent withdrawal effects.

Treating Clonazepam Abuse

So, is clonazepam addictive? Like other benzodiazepines, even though it has a variety of medical uses, it is physically and psychologically addictive. Because clonazepam is addictive, you can experience troublesome withdrawal symptoms when you immediately stop using it.

Because it is addictive, clonazepam abuse requires treatment. Undergoing a medically supervised detox ensures that you can avoid potentially complex symptoms. Withdrawing from clonazepam can also worsen your mental health and cause depression, mood swings and anxiety.

Treatment programs can range from:

• Informal individual counseling
• Residential inpatient programs
• Mens rehab treatment
• Womens rehab treatment

The level of care depends on how serious your addiction is and what methods of treatment are best for you. Detox typically occurs in an inpatient setting. Following detox, you can choose to transfer to an inpatient or outpatient program. Inpatient programs provide additional structure and regular access to medical staff and mental health professionals.

Finding Treatment 

If you or a loved one is battling clonazepam abuse or a substance abuse issue, asking for help can be difficult. Treatment can help you regain control over your life and receive the support you need to recover from addiction. Beaches Recovery, which has a highly successful benzodiazepine addiction treatment program, is here to help. To learn more about our treatment programs and how they can help you during your recovery, call us today at 866.605.0532.