Clonazepam (Klonopin) Detox & Treatment

Klonopin (clonazepam) is one of the most prescribed benzodiazepine medications in the United States.¹ It is a Schedule IV controlled substance and is FDA-approved to treat panic and certain types of seizure disorders.^1,2 However, when taken outside of how it is prescribed, Klonopin can become addictive. Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine and can be used as an off-label medication to help treat benzodiazepine and alcohol withdrawal.

In this article, you will learn how addictive Klonopin is, what the symptoms of Klonopin misuse are, recommendations on how to safely stop using this medication, and what treatment options are available.

Is Klonopin Addictive?

Benzodiazepines like Klonopin can put individuals at risk for misuse and addiction, which is why they are typically only prescribed for a short period of time.^2,3 It is possible that when someone misuses Klonopin, they can develop tolerance, dependence, and/or addiction to it.³

Tolerance is a reduced response to the continual use of a substance (such as Klonopin), therefore requiring a higher dose of the substance to be consumed to produce the desired effects.³ Dependence is the result of a physiological adaptation caused by repeated substance use.³ When use is suddenly decreased or stopped entirely when someone is experiencing dependence to a substance, withdrawal symptoms can develop.³

Addiction occurs when the use of drugs or alcohol are recurrent and cause problems such as impairment, health issues, and failure to uphold responsibilities at work, home, or school.⁴ The use of Klonopin has the potential to lead to the development of addiction.³

What Does Klonopin Addiction Look Like?

Someone who is experiencing an addiction to Klonopin can exhibit several behaviors that negatively impact all areas of their lives. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are certain criteria that must be met for an individual to be diagnosed with an addiction to Klonopin, known as sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.

Some of the criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder include, but are not limited to:⁵

• Taking more of a sedative than recommended or taking the sedative for a longer period than recommended.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining sedatives, using sedatives, or recovering from the effects of sedatives.
• Having difficulties at work, school, or home due to sedative use.
• Continuing to use sedatives despite social or interpersonal problems.

If you think that you or someone you love may be experiencing an addiction to Klonopin, reach out to a professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance for continued care.

What Are the Effects of Klonopin Use?

The effects of Klonopin can vary depending on several factors, such as how much is being consumed, how frequently its being consumed, and if it is being combined with other substances. The development of Klonopin addiction often occurs due to misuse, which includes consuming higher doses and concurrently using other medications, alcohol, or illicit substances.³

Some side effects of Klonopin use may include:³

• Confusion.
• Anxiety.
• Aggression.
• Dizziness.
• Impaired concentration and memory.
• Slurred speech.
• Paranoia.
• Seizures.
• Suicidal ideation.
• Breathing difficulties.

Are There Long-Term Risks?

When Klonopin is taken as prescribed and under the supervision of a professional, it is considered safe and effective.² However, misuse of Klonopin can lead to the development of physical and emotional dependence.² Unfortunately, dependence can go on to cause a myriad of physical and mental health complications that can negatively impact one’s life, up to and including the development of significant withdrawal symptoms when ending use.²

Klonopin Detox and Withdrawal

Detoxification is used to help manage acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms under the care of medical professionals.⁶

Withdrawal symptoms occur when you suddenly stop or dramatically reduce the amount of a substance you are taking that you have become dependent on.² If Klonopin use is stopped suddenly or dose amounts are reduced too quickly, withdrawal symptoms may develop.³

While several factors can determine the severity of withdrawal symptoms, the risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms increases with longer use and higher doses of Klonopin.³ Some Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:³

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Fatigue.
• Headache.
• Irritability.
• Memory issues.
• Sleep issues.
• Depression.
• Seizures.
• Hallucinations.
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

If you are looking to stop using Klonopin, detoxing in a professional setting is highly recommended, as doing so can help prevent and/or mitigate any health problems that may develop during this period of time. Additionally, it is important to remember that detoxification services on their own are only the first stage of addiction treatment and does little to treat addiction on the whole.⁷ Combining detox with continued therapeutic care can help produce better outcomes.⁶

Treatment for Klonopin Addiction and Misuse

After detoxification, you may be referred to additional addiction treatment services. At our drug rehab in Lafayette, we offer both medical detox and residential treatment services to help you or someone you love put an end to active addiction and begin healing.

To learn about your treatment options and start your path to recovery, Sunrise House Treatment Center by calling us at . Our compassionate and experienced rehab admissions navigators are ready to help answer all of your questions, including those regarding rehab payment options, what levels of addiction treatment we offer, and if insurance will cover treatment costs.

Get started on the road to recovery right now and have your insurance verified by filling out our .