‘Is Klonopin addictive?’ is a question that people who have been prescribed Klonopin often wonder. Several individuals who are prescribed Klonopin end up developing substance abuse disorders related to Clonazepam. Clonazepam is a drug that is used to treat anxiety, panic disorder and seizures. Clonazepam is sold under the brand name Klonopin.
As per recent studies, 17% of patients out of the total 30.6 million patients who take Klonopin as per a valid prescription of a certified medical professional also develop disorders related to Klonopin abuse.
This is because Klonopin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, and it dims the ability of the human brain and its receptors to process emotions like uneasiness, tension, fatigue, and stress. This makes this drug highly addictive and habit-forming. With the long-term use of this drug, patients are vulnerable to developing a dependency on it and they become unable to feel calm and composed without this drug.
In this blog, we will discuss, ‘Is Klonopin addictive?’ along with other topics related to Klonopin abuse and subsequent addiction.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin, which is a brand name for the drug clonazepam, is a type of benzodiazepine. This drug is used to treat patients with anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and certain types of seizures.
The drug clonazepam was introduced by scientists in the 1970s under the brand name Klonopin. This drug was marketed as a treatment for epilepsy and seizures. Just like other benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, Klonopin is also a sedative medicine. It works by suppressing the central nervous system of an individual and by slowing the neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, an individual feels more relaxed and relieved of the symptoms of panic disorder, anxiety disorder, and seizures.
If you were wondering, ‘Is Klonopin addictive?’, then the answer is yes. Because of the addictive nature of Klonopin, it is a controlled substance under Schedule IV and is only sold with a valid prescription from a certified medical professional.
What is Klonopin abuse and addiction?
To find an answer to the question, ‘Is Klonopin addictive?’ we must first understand Klonopin dependency, Klonopin abuse or misuse, and Klonopin addiction.
Given that Klonopin is a controlled substance under Schedule IV, an individual who takes Klonopin even with a valid prescription from a doctor is vulnerable to Klonopin dependency, Klonopin addiction, or both. This is because Klonopin is a strong and potent drug. Once it is taken for a long term, the body becomes habitual of functioning with this drug in the system. This is called Klonopin dependency.
Once an individual is dependent on Klonopin, they may find it impossible to function normally and do their daily chores without taking this drug. Additionally, they may also undergo mild to extreme withdrawal symptoms if they stop the use of this drug.
On the other hand, Klonopin abuse or misuse is when an individual arbitrarily takes this drug without a valid prescription from a certified medical professional. A person who is abusing or misusing Klonopin may showcase the following symptoms:
- They will start taking this drug arbitrarily without a valid prescription from a doctor.
- They will try to obtain a prescription from different doctors to purchase Klonopin from the pharmacy. This phenomenon is also called ‘doctor shopping’. The patient may even lie about experiencing the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, and seizures so that the doctor may prescribe Klonopin.
- They will start taking Klonopin more often than what was originally prescribed by the doctor.
- They will steal Klonopin from other patients.
- They will not be able to stop using Klonopin, despite being aware of its side effects.
Having said that, it is not necessary for an individual who is misusing or abusing Klonopin or a patient who is dependent on Klonopin to be addicted to this drug at the same time. However, long-term misuse and abuse of Klonopin may lead to addiction.
Is Klonopin addictive?
In this section, we will discuss an answer to the golden question: ‘Is Kolopin addictive’?
It is not a secret that Klonopin is prescribed by psychiatrists, physicians, and neurologists worldwide to treat the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures. However, doctors prefer Klonopin specifically as a short-term treatment. This is because long-term use of Klonopin can lead to Klonopin tolerance. Klonopin tolerance means that an individual will no longer feel the benefit from small doses of Klonopin, and they will have to take larger doses to feel the same effect.
As per the reports from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), about 5 million people in the United States from the age of 12 and above have been prescribed benzodiazepines like Klonopin at some point in their lives.
This opens doors to Klonopin addiction, as some individuals might be tempted to chase the tranquil effects that they might feel after taking Klonopin. As a result, Klonopin is highly addictive and habit-forming. But the question of how ‘is Klonopin addictive’? still lingers. In the next section of this blog, we will discuss an answer to this question.
How is Klonopin addictive?
Benzodiazepines like Klonopin make an individual highly vulnerable to Klonopin tolerance, Klonopin dependence, and Klonopin addiction. We have discussed each one of these symptoms in the previous sections.
If you were wondering how is Klonopin addictive compared to other benzodiazepines (also known as benzos) like Valium and Xanax, then it is crucial to understand that Klonopin is the most addictive and habit-forming.
This is because the ingredient clonazepam found in Klonopin has a long half-life. The half-life of a drug means the time taken for the body to detoxify from half of the total dose of that particular drug. Klonopin works by slowing the central nervous system (CNS) and depressing the neurotransmitters of the brain. As a result, using this drug brings contentment, tranquility, and sensations of peace. This doubles the secretion of relaxing hormones in the brain. Therefore, individuals wanting to escape the daily stress in their personal and professional lives may want to abuse Klonopin by using it as a coping mechanism for stress.
The danger of abusing Klonopin to attain an unnatural ‘high’ is that the brain of an individual will become so used to having Klonopin in the system that it may not be able to produce the relaxing hormones without the use of Klonopin.
Is Klonopin addictive if used for a short term?
If you were wondering ‘Is Klonopin addictive if used for a short term?’, then the answer is a reassuring no. Klonopin does not cause addiction if the use is short-term and the following precautions are taken:
- Klonopin should not be used without a prescription from a doctor.
- The dosage, frequency, and tenure should not exceed what is prescribed.
- Each dose of Klonopin should be taken with a tall glass of water.
- If you feel the urge or craving to take an additional dose of Klonopin, consult your doctor immediately.
- Share your progress with your doctor regularly so that your doctor may readjust the dose as and when needed.
- Consult your doctor before stopping the use of Klonopin to avoid nasty withdrawal symptoms.
If precaution is exercised while using Klonopin, it is not addictive if it is used for a short term.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Klonopin addictive if used for the long term?
The answer to this question is an astounding yes. Klonopin is never prescribed by doctors as a long-term treatment. It is only preferred as a short-term treatment for panic disorder, anxiety, and seizures. Long-term use of Klonopin will not only lead to addictions but can permanently alter the chemical structure of your brain.
2. Is Klonopin addictive?
Yes, Klonopin is highly addictive and habit-forming. This drug works by relaxing the central nervous system, and individuals might be tempted to use this drug for its relaxing properties.
3. Can an individual take Klonopin every day?
Depending upon your condition and the severity of the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, or seizures, your doctor may prescribe you to take Klonopin every day. However, it is strictly advised against taking this medicine for the long term, as prolonged use of Klonopin may make an individual vulnerable to Klonopin addiction, Klonopin tolerance or Klonopin dependency.
4. Is Klonopin a sleeping pill?
Klonopin is used as a short-term treatment for anxiety, panic disorder, and seizures. However, it is not specifically used as a sleeping pill.
5. How is Klonopin addictive compared to other benzodiazepines Valium and Xanax?
Klonopin is the most addictive compared to other benzodiazepines Valium and Xanax.
Conclusion
With the advancement of medical science, there is a cure for almost every disease and disorder. Klonopin can help patients suffering from serious medical conditions like epilepsy, anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and seizures.
Having said that, the use of Klonopin without a valid prescription from a certified medical professional is termed as Klonopin abuse and misuse. The very fact that Klonopin alters the chemical structure of the brain determines how is Klonopin addictive. The abuse of this drug affects the central nervous system (CNS) and can hamper the normal functioning of an individual. Once an individual is addicted to Klonopin, the road to sobriety can be quite challenging.
Additionally, the side effects of Klonopin abuse include clumsiness, dizziness, a short attention span, episodes of depressive disorder, aggression, and slowed reflexes. To avoid these unpleasant side effects, Klonopin should strictly be used as per the advice of a doctor.
Klonopin is one such drug that is capable of making you addicted, leaving you directionless. Any kind of drug addiction can be a burning cause of your constant confusion, anxiety, fear of the unknown, and mood swings. In such scenarios, having an expert by your side makes things possible where you tend to start giving words to your thoughts, and this makes your condition better. Avisa has a team of experts who are here to assist you in conquering drug addiction and guiding you toward a joyful and healthy life of sobriety.