Klonopin Drug

Various medications exist to treat anxiety and are typically classified as benzodiazepines. This dangerous and highly addictive class of prescription medications includes Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin as well as various other types of medication. Klonopin is a drug that is not only used to treat anxiety but is also sometimes prescribed for the treatment of certain types of seizures caused by epilepsy. Unfortunately, when Klonopin is abused there is an increased chance of addiction occurring.

How is Klonopin Used?

Klonopin is administered via a pill that is taken orally by the patient, usually 3 times per day at equal doses. When prescribed to treat anxiety it is typically given in much smaller doses than when treating seizures but over time, tolerance is likely to develop and more of the drug is necessary to produce the same effects. For those who abuse this prescription medication, the pills are sometimes crushed and either snorted or mixed with water and injected intravenously. Either method of Klonopin abuse poses significant risks and dangers to the addict.

How Does Klonopin Cause Addiction?

After prolonged use of Klonopin, typically that lasts a period of at least two weeks or more, the individual will develop an increased tolerance to the drug. Tolerance causes the addict to need more and more of the drug to produce the same or similar effects as it once did. As tolerance to Klonopin develops, addiction begins to set in. Klonopin addiction can lead to overdose, dangerous withdrawal symptoms and in rare but possible cases, death.

Treatment for Klonopin Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is dangerous regardless of the type of addiction that an individual is suffering from. Because Klonopin is part of the Schedule II class of prescription medications known as benzos, this medication has a relatively high likelihood of causing addiction and a high chance for abuse. Treatment for Klonopin addiction is similar to the treatment that is provided for Xanax addiction, or addiction to various other prescription medications.

The first step of Klonopin addiction treatment would be to undergo a detox program that ensures the addict will safely and effectively overcome the physical dependence on the drug. Klonopin detox is likely to include some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms but most of these can be managed with rest, simple medications and most of all, time. Following the detox, the addict will receive counseling and therapy to assist them with any underlying mental health conditions as well as any psychological dependence that they may have on the drug. Together, detox, counseling and therapy provide the foundation that a recovering addict needs to abstain from drug abuse and to achieve lasting recovery.