Klonopin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

How to recognize Klonopin abuse signs

Klonopin abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Klonopin, a strong sedative commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks, belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiapines. While exact statistics on Klonopin addiction are difficult to obtain, benzodiazepines were reported to be the most abused prescription drug in 2004, and remain one of the top ten most commonly abused psychoactive drugs in America. Klonopin addiction can begin after as little as two weeks after patients begin to take it. Klonopin abuse signs include a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that will affect every aspect of an addict’s life. Learning how to identify Klonopin abuse signs can help you get a loved one the treatment he or she needs to regain a healthy life.

Why is Klonopin so addictive?

Klonopin, which is the brand name of the drug Clonazepam, affects the central nervous system. Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin is a hypnotic sedative and muscle relaxant that has an antianxiety, anticonvulsant effect.   It is a fast-acting medication with a long half-life, remaining active in the body for an extended time. Klonopin produces intense feelings of sedation, relaxation, and euphoria that can last for up to four hours. These feelings of relaxation and euphoria can be so pleasurable that even patients who take Klonopin exactly as prescribed can become addicted to the medication. Patients taking Klonopin often need increasing larger amounts of the drug to produce the same effect after taking the drug for a short time, which can cause Klonopin abuse to progress rapidly to full addiction.

Klonopin abuse methods

Patients who become physically and mentally dependent on Klonopin try different methods to get the same relaxed, euphoric state they initially felt on the drug.  Klonopin abuse methods include taking more of the drug than prescribed and taking Klonopin with alcohol or other drugs to heighten the effect. Klonopin abusers may also crush the drug and snort it through the nose.  All of these Klonopin abuse methods will increase the effects of addiction.

How to identify Klonopin abuse signs

Someone who is abusing Klonopin will exhibit a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can develop over time, worsening as the addiction progresses. If you are wondering if a loved one is suffering from Klonopin addiction, look for symptoms of Klonopin abuse in these three areas:

  • Physical symptoms
    Impaired speech and coordination, seizures, muscle tremors, and changes in sex drive, appetite, and sleeping patterns
  • Psychological symptoms
    Short-term memory loss, difficulties in cognition, personality changes, suicidal thoughts, and auditory hallucinations
  • Mood symptoms
    Euphoria, depression, irritability, restlessness, and panic attacks

As Klonopin abuse advances, signs of addiction will become apparent in the behavioral difficulties that develop. Klonopin addiction signs include withdrawal from activities that once brought pleasure, legal difficulties, destruction of personal relationships, and lack of motivation. Klonopin users may begin to act out, lying, stealing money, and property, and displaying obsessive drug seeking behavior such as forging prescriptions, stealing medication from others, and turning to alcohol and other drugs. If someone you love is showing signs of Klonopin abuse, it is time to seek the help of a professional Klonopin addiction treatment center.

What are the treatment options for Klonopin abuse?

Long-term Klonopin abuse can cause a physical dependence on the drug. The effects of Klonopin addiction can become life threatening when patients abruptly stop taking the drug, so treatment for Klonopin abuse is best carried out under the supervision of a medical professional. Withdrawal from Klonopin or going “cold turkey” can cause severe physical and psychological symptoms that include hallucinations, aggression, tremors, muscle cramps, and seizures. The safest treatment for Klonopin abuse is a residential treatment program that starts with an inpatient medical detox under the care of board-qualified medical professionals who can manage the symptoms, avoiding any dangerous complications. Once detox from Klonopin is complete, patients’ best chance at long-term recovery is through an inpatient rehabilitation program that provides counseling, therapy, and training in coping strategies.

If you are seeing Klonopin abuse signs in a loved one, White Sands Treatment Center can help. Our caring addiction specialists can develop a Klonopin treatment plan that represents the best hope for a successful recovery. We offer a full range of recovery treatment options, including medical detox with partial hospitalization, residential rehab, intensive outpatient recovery programs, relapse prevention, and more.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.