Learn about Klonopin addiction and its safe treatment with step-by-step guidance, including detox, therapy, and support to stay healthy and drug free.
Klonopin(Clonazepam) belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class and is prescribed to patients who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. The drug can be taken successfully and safely if taken according to the prescription. However, some people take Klonopin too often or in a dose that is higher than prescribed by a doctor. Over time, the body becomes tolerant of the presence of the drug and becomes physically and psychologically dependent on the drug to feel calm and in control. Examples of symptoms of abuse and dependence include the following: having difficulty sleeping because of the absence of Clonazepam; having extreme mood swings; having feelings of anxiety and restlessness, or taking more than prescribed. If you abruptly discontinue taking Klonopin, you will experience several severe withdrawal symptoms without a medical provider.
You need to discuss your intention to quit taking Klonopin with a properly licensed health care provider or contact a Klonopin addiction treatment center, and if you plan to quit Klonopin you would benefit from being treated at an appropriate licensed substance abuse treatment facility, since you will have a strong chance of experiencing significant negative health issues from withdrawal. Additionally, it is recommended that you seek help from a properly licensed therapist to assist you through your recovery process if you would like assistance as you go through recovery. You will be in the care of professionals who will assist you in dealing with your symptoms of withdrawal as you work through the recovery process from Klonopin dependence.
They will teach you how to deal with the situation without the use of medication after you safely quit the drug. This can include talking to a therapist, having group therapy, or learning skills on how to deal with stress and cravings.
Many people who have been successful at stopping Klonopin addiction have done so under a doctor's care in a detox program. This helps you gradually decrease the amount of Klonopin you take rather than stopping all at once, thus giving your body a chance to adjust after stopping. In addition, a gradual decrease in the amount of Klonopin you take will help prevent withdrawal symptoms from being as severe as they could be if you stopped taking Klonopin all at once; also, there are several withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anxiety, restlessness, trouble sleeping) that you may experience during detoxification but will be under the care of a qualified health care professional during this time.
Aside from having your medication tapered down, detoxification also allows you to receive treatment for your mental health, learning how to cope with stress and cravings. A majority of detoxification programs include counseling services, regular appointments with your health care provider, and peer support from other individuals who are detoxing. Detoxification provides a strong foundation for your recovery, which can further enhance your ability to receive ongoing treatment following detoxification.
Continued care through Klonopin addiction treatment programs after detoxification supports individuals to remain in recovery. These programs are aimed at both the physical and psychological changes associated with Klonopin use and the help of identifying the reasons for initiating Klonopin use, coping with stress and anxiety through non-pharmacologic interventions, and developing new behaviors to help identify and overcome the frequent triggers of Klonopin use.
The way in which you will be treated will depend largely on the manner in which your specific treatment program will be administered, whether it be on an individual or group basis, as well as educational presentations on addiction and addiction recovery.
Once you have completed the process of detoxification and rehabilitation, the next step in maintaining your sobriety from Klonopin is to rebuild your capacity to control your thoughts and emotions, as well as other positive strategies for dealing with triggers, such as the development of new behaviors and a regular program of care. Many people in recovery have found that both individual therapy and small group therapy are extremely beneficial when seeking an emotionally safe and supportive environment in which they can begin to learn how to deal with their anxiety or develop a support system for dealing with stress and triggers.
The support provided through these therapeutic settings will allow you to look back and identify your reasons for abusing Klonopin originally, to learn how to recognize these reasons, and to offer you new skill sets to use to avoid abusing Klonopin in the future. Developing a consistent process of using these newly acquired skills to help manage anxiety will enhance your overall coping skills and increase your self-confidence relative to living a drug-free lifestyle.
Someone can be at risk if they suddenly stop taking Klonopin without consulting with an appropriate medical professional first hand as to whether or not it would be safe for them to do so. Klonopin can cause many adverse reactions on its own, and when taken with other substances, it can affect an individual's ability to continue taking it without impact on their health. Given this, individuals should seek assistance from professionals at a detoxification, rehabilitation program, or professional counseling to obtain assistance in developing alternate coping mechanisms, learning how to live healthier, and creating an adequate support system to allow them to live an independent life without the need to take Klonopin.