Klonopin (Clonazepam) addiction
Written by:
Medically Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
August 8th, 2023
Klonopin is a prescription drug that falls under the benzodiazepine drug umbrella. Up to 1.5 million people are currently dealing with Klonopin addiction in the UK, proving that pharmaceutical drugs are just as devastating as any illicit drug. When drugs are prescribed, people often consider them safe, and Klonopin addiction can creep in unnoticed. Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of the dangers posed by prescription drugs addiction.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a type of benzodiazepine drug that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and seizures. It is a brand name for the generic drug clonazepam, and although very effective at treating the various conditions it is intended for, it has the potential for abuse.
Klonopin induces feelings of sedation, relaxation, and euphoria, and it is these feelings that cause many individuals to continue using the drug, despite the risk of addiction.
Klonopin brand and street names
- Rivotril
- Emcloz
- Clonotril
- Linotril
- Riklona
- Super Valium
- Rivatril
- Clonoten
- Ravotril
- Clonex
- Paxem
- Pin
- Iktorivil
- Petril
- Kriadex
- Naze
- K-pin
- K
What is Klonopin addiction?
If you are suffering from seizures or panic disorder and are prescribed a drug known as Klonopin, you may find it very effective for a while. What sometimes happens is that it becomes less effective over time. If you feel compelled to take more of the drug, in higher doses, in order to keep feeling the physical and psychological impact, this is known as Klonopin addiction.
Klonopin addiction
Klonopin addiction is all-consuming, as it dictates your thoughts and actions. You will seek out Klonopin and have an extreme desire to consume it, despite being aware of the negative side effects. Klonopin addiction is the inability to stop using the drug despite numerous attempts. You can physically become addicted to Klonopin through long term use, even if you consume it exactly as prescribed. Addiction is an illness and cannot be controlled without professional support.
Klonopin abuse
Klonopin abuse is when you consume more than the prescribed amount or when you consume Klonopin prescribed for someone else. Klonopin abuse commonly leads to
Klonopin addiction.
Health risks associated with Klonopin addiction
Like for many Benzodiazepine addictions, dependence on Klonopin can be both physical and psychological. Klonopin abuse typically begins with increased tolerance to the effects of the drug, which may then cause increased usage. When a physical dependence occurs, you could find that you experience a range of withdrawal symptoms whenever you try to stop using Klonopin.
Taking more of your medication will typically relieve these symptoms, but this can lead to a cycle of abuse that can be extremely difficult to break. You may feel as though you are unable to function normally without Klonopin, and as your dependency grows, you might find other ways of enhancing its effects (such as mixing it with other substances).
Long-term health impact of Klonopin addiction
Taking Klonopin for a prolonged period is not recommended or actively encouraged. Long-term use of this medication can affect mental and physical health and certainly lead to Klonopin addiction.
Side effects include:
- Increased need to urinate
- Confusion
- Poor coordination
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Breathing problems
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
- Psychosis
- Liver damage
Long-term use is not recommended unless specially prescribed by a medical specialist.
Signs and symptoms of Klonopin addiction in yourself
Spotting the signs of Klonopin dependence in yourself can be challenging, as the addiction will tell you that there is nothing wrong. If you are getting relief from your medication, you’ll likely not want to consider the possibility of your Klonopin use crossing a line. You may not want to think about giving up this medication; you may believe that you will be unable to cope without it.
However, a physical Klonopin dependence (body becoming reliant on the drug to function normally) can quickly develop into Klonopin addiction, and when this happens, it will have a serious negative impact on many areas of your life. It is better to tackle this issue early. This means being able to spot the signs, such as:
- Panic attacks
- Easily irritable
- Doctor shopping”
- Looking for pills without a prescription (including online)
If your use of Klonopin starts affecting daily life, but you are still taking it anyway then you could already have Klonopin addiction.
Taking control of Klonopin addiction
After deciding to quit Klonopin, you are already on your way to regaining your health. If any of the information in this page has resonated with you, there is help available. The next step would be to start the recovery process, which can be difficult if attempting it alone. Vitally important is to understand you are not alone and that support at a Klonopin rehab is available, ready and waiting to help you make a full recovery.