All benzodiazepines have a great risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction, but Klonopin is among the most addictive. This type of medication has two different factors that make it a high risk for potential for addiction, a quick onset and a long half-life.
How To Recognize If You’re Addicted To Klonopin
Since the medication is in the class of benzodiazepines, it does have a high potential for physical dependency and addiction. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of substance abuse when it comes to taking Klonopin. Some of the signs include:
Self-Medicating
You should be taking Klonopin how it is prescribed to you. If you are not following your provider’s direction, then it can be considered self-medicating. Signs of self-medicating include:
- If you are taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Taking doses more frequently than you are supposed to
- Changing your dose without talking to your doctor
- Consuming other substances, like alcohol, to increase the effects of klonopin.
If you are not taking Klonopin how it was prescribed, it is considered self-medicating, which could include any of the following:
- Taking a higher dosage than you are supposed to.
- Taking the same dosage but taking it more often than prescribed.
- Adjusting your dosage up or down based on how you feel without consulting with your healthcare prescriber.
- Drinking alcohol to enhance the sedative effects of klonopin.
An Increase In Tolerance
The body will naturally develop a tolerance for Klonopin the longer someone is taking it. As someone’s tolerance increases they will no longer feel the effects that they initially felt when they began taking the medication.
Sometimes, people will start to increase their dose in order to have the same effects as before. Doing this could increase the risk for dependency to develop. Furthermore, the body can develop a tolerance for the increased dosage. This can become an extremely dangerous cycle overtime.
Increased Dependence on Klonopin
Physical dependency happens due to the chemical changes that occur in the brain and body when someone takes Klonopin. This is one of the reasons klonopin addiction occurs. The longer someone consistently takes the drug, the more their body becomes reliant on the drug. Once Klonopin addiction develops, individuals believe that they can no longer function without it.
It is important to understand that physical dependency does not equate to addition. Regardless, if you or someone you love is finding that it is difficult to go between doses, then it is suggested to reach out to an addiction specialist for an evaluation.
Substance Abuse Behaviors
One of the signs of klonopin addiction is substance abuse behaviors. Once a physical reliance turns into an addiction, people often become obsessed with the drug. Someone might count their pills, start hoarding pills, or keep a stash of pills that other people don’t know about. Other people may keep their Klonopin use a secret.
Sometimes individuals struggling with Klonopin addiction steal other people’s medication. Other substance abuse behaviors are something called doctor shopping. This refers to when someone visits multiple different doctors in order to obtain more Klonopin.
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal happens once the drug levels in the body decrease or completely leave. Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Muscle Cramps
- Hot and Cold Sweats
- Nausea
- Short Tempered
- Problems Sleeping
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Panic Attacks
- Hallucinations
If withdrawal symptoms appear you need to seek emergency help. Klonopin withdrawal can be deadly due to the types of seizures that can occur.
When Klonopin Becomes the Only Thing That Matters
If you are abusing Klonopin, then it will eventually become the only thing that matters in your life. Family, friends, your job, and other important aspects of your life will go on the back burner. Another sign is if you become angered or defensive if someone suggests or implies that you are abusing Klonopin.
Klonopin addiction can also cause someone to isolate themselves away from their loved ones. It is also common to start surrounding yourself with people who are also addicted to substances. Furthermore, Klonopin abuse could lead to experimentation and addiction to other drugs.
How Long Should I Wait Before Getting Help If I Am Addicted to Klonopin?
Addiction specialists recommend that people seek treatment as soon as they notice the signs and symptoms of drug abuse. An addiction treatment center is fully equipped to treat benzodiazepine addiction. They will safely detox you and address the underlying cause of the addiction with therapeutic, holistic, and medical treatments.
Klonopin Addiction Treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL
At The Healing Center in Fort Lauderdale we understand that asking for help is extremely difficult. However, it is imperative to seek treatment for Klonopin addiction before you face life altering consequences. You have nothing to fear when calling for help, we treat every client with respect and compassion.
Furthermore, we provide a custom-tailored Klonopin treatment program to help you overcome your Klonopin addiction at our luxury addiction treatment facility. For further information about our programs or to schedule an intake consultation, learn more about our admissions process today.
