How Common is Klonopin Addiction?
Klonopin, generic name clonazepam, is not spoken of as regularly as some other prescription medications with a large population of abuse. It is, however, one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the United States (NIDA). When wondering how common Klonopin addiction is, it is important to take into account the widespread amount of Klonopin abuse that continues to grow.
Klonopin Abuse Statistics
There are several statistics on Klonopin use that allow us to understand how common it is for individuals to abuse the drug. While whenever someone abuses a habit-forming drug they have the potential of becoming addicted, the link between the prevalence of Klonopin abuse and addiction is important.
Some statistics highlighting the widespread nature of Klonopin abuse are
- According to the University of Texas, “Between 2004 and 2005, there was a significant increase in the number of persons [between 18 and 25] who used hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, clonazepam, or alprazolam” nonmedically.
- While the amount of clonazepam, or Klonopin abuse rose over this time, likely so did the amount of Klonopin addiction.
- In 2004, 26,238 of the 144,285 emergency department visits involving non-medical use of benzodiazepines were centered around Klonopin.
- According to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System which “systematically collects results from toxicological analyses… on substances seized in law enforcement operations,” Klonopin’s presence in these findings “nearly doubled” between the years of 2001 and 2005.
Clearly, Klonopin abuse has been increasing. In certain cities, like Chicago, Klonopin is one of the most top three most abused benzodiazepines. While some of this is because Klonopin is being used by individuals to facilitate sexual crimes, much in the same way that Rohypnol is used, there is still a rise in the potential for Klonopin addiction.
How Common is Klonopin Addiction?
According to the NDIC, there are many reasons why Klonopin may be chosen to be abused, especially by teens, as opposed to other drugs. “Users claim that it produces a high without the smoke and red eyes associated with marijuana and is easier to conceal.” This makes it desirable to those who would abuse it regularly and makes it more likely that they would become addicted in the long term.
Klonopin abusers are also able to get the drug for very little as many individuals are buying it in Mexico and bringing it into the United States. The drug “may be sold for as little as a dollar a pill,” and heroin addicts have been known to use it when they cannot afford heroin.
In both California and Texas, there has been reported an “increase in the abuse of clonazepam.” While some cities all over the country have their own high rates of Klonopin abuse, these areas are particularly vulnerable to a high volume of Klonopin traffic.
Klonopin addiction may be becoming more common than it has been in previous years, just as Klonopin abuse is. While Klonopin is very dangerous, addiction is possible through long term abuse which is why someone who is abusing the drug should seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid addiction.