Symptoms and Side Effects of Klonopin Addiction

If your life is affected by Klonopin addiction, you’ll need accurate, helpful information to prepare for the challenges ahead. Particular topics to focus on at this critical time include the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction, the steps needed for successful completion of the withdrawal/detoxification process and an understanding of the right types of treatment for follow-up care. Once you’re familiar with these topics, you can move forward with the assurance that your choices will support each phase of substance recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction

People addicted to Klonopin (clonazepam) or any other benzodiazepine medication have a version of a larger condition known as sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic (SHA) use disorder. The terms of this condition also cover cases of serious, non-addicted abuse of benzodiazepines, barbiturates and other prescription tranquilizers. The SHA-use disorder diagnosis was created because people addicted to these medications may also have symptoms of non-addicted abuse, and vice versa.

When making assessments for Klonopin addiction, doctors look for things such as:

• Loss of the ability to control how often you consume the medication
• Loss of the ability to control how much Klonopin you consume during episodes of use
• Repeated lack of success when trying to quit Klonopin or reduce your intake
• Increasing tolerance to the medication’s effects
• The development of medication cravings between episodes of intake
• Establishment of Klonopin consumption as a new favored activity
• A pattern of medication intake that continues despite physical and/or mental problems triggered by your Klonopin misuse

Signs that you or you loved one are affected by non-addicted abuse of the medication include a Klonopin-related decline in your ability to fulfill important responsibilities, recurring consumption of Klonopin in situations that pose a health risk and a pattern of use that continues despite serious, negative repercussions within your family or circle of friends.

You may also notice or experience other indications of a Klonopin-related problem.² Potential giveaways include:

• A confused mental state
• A disoriented mental state
• Loss of the ability to speak clearly
• Thought impairment
• Memory problems
• Loss of the ability to make sound judgments
• Loss of normal body coordination
• Unexplained loss of normal muscle strength

It’s important to note that physical dependence can appear in anyone who uses Klonopin on a regular basis for two weeks or longer.³ Dependence differs from addiction in two important ways. First, dependent people do not lose control over their intake of the medication. In addition, they develop none of the physical, mental and social dysfunction that characterize addiction.

Reach Out For Help

We provide holistic care and treatment using an individualized approach specifically tailored to your needs. Our goal is to help you lead a healthy, substance-free life with adaptive coping and problem-solving skills. Contact us today for more information on our certified staff of professionals and first-rate facilities.