Treatment For Klonopin Addiction

Klonopin-Specific Treatment

Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, a drug prescribed for the treatment of panic and seizure disorders. Some people misuse clonazepam, increasing the chance of negative side effects, including addiction.

Klonopin addiction can be treated through an individualized program specific to clonazepam misuse. Substance use disorder (SUD) professionals understand the way that clonazepam interacts with the brain, how it compares to other substances of misuse, and how it must be approached for successful treatment.

Any use of benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, after using or misusing them for even a short amount of time can lead to life-threatening seizures as a part of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Professionals who manage clonazepam addiction will help patients slowly wean off clonazepam on a timeline that fits the patient’s needs.

Each patient is different. For example, two people taking 4 mg of Klonopin per dose may require completely different tapering schedules depending on medical, personal, social, and other factors unique to them. Weaning off Klonopin with professional supervision is the only way to avoid seizures and other dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Medications Used To Treat Klonopin Addiction

Medications can be used during Klonopin addiction treatment to treat cravings, minimize withdrawal symptoms, or treat other co-occurring medical or psychological disorders. Examples of medications that may be used in a clonazepam addiction program include, but are not limited to:

• Other benzodiazepines
• Anticonvulsants
• Antidepressants
• Flumazenil
• Over the counter medications to treat withdrawal symptoms

The specific medications that each person takes during their journey to recovery from Klonopin addiction may vary widely depending on their health history, social history, and other risk factors. However, whether it is Klonopin or another benzodiazepine, a person detoxing from clonazepam will be prescribed a tapering dose of benzodiazepines to minimize the danger of withdrawal and give them the best chance at recovery.

Klonopin Addiction Therapies

Addiction therapies in Klonopin addiction treatment are similar to techniques used in other substance disorder treatments. However, the content of therapy, benefits derived from sessions, and application of technique are always tailored to a person’s unique story and needs for healing. Therapeutic techniques used in addiction treatment, such as Klonopin addiction, may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Motivational enhancement therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy

Because Klonopin is prescribed for panic disorder and may be misused by some for anxiety symptoms, detoxing can increase those psychological symptoms. In clonazepam addiction treatment, mental health professionals will assess and identify other mental disorders or risks that you may have and concurrently treat those disorders. Treatment of panic disorder or other anxiety disorders could involve exposure therapy or other therapies directed at minimizing anxiety triggers.

Klonopin Addiction Treatment Timeline

Healing from clonazepam misuse and addiction can take time. Higher doses and prolonged use can lead to a longer timeline for healing. However, a person seeking recovery may expect treatment to continue for the following lengths of time:

• Detox treatment: 6 or more weeks of tapering doses, with more time required for people who are more sensitive to withdrawal or have been taking higher doses.
• Addiction treatment programs: 6–12 weeks and up to a year is the typical timeline recommended for intensive in addiction services for the best chance at healing. These programs can be started before the weaning (detox) is complete if withdrawal symptoms are managed.
• Aftercare: A minimum of 1 year is recommended for involvement in aftercare services, but it can take up to 5 years until a person’s risk of relapse goes down to a 15% likelihood of any person developing a substance use disorder.

The road to recovery may be long, but it is worth your future health and livelihood.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Klonopin Addiction

How Addictive Is Klonopin?

The use of clonazepam, even as prescribed, can lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence (addiction), or both. Addiction is recognized by a person’s behaviors, often continuing to use clonazepam despite serious physical, mental, social, or relational consequences. However, the risk of addiction may increase when a person develops physical dependence or tolerance.

Physical dependence occurs as the body adjusts to the presence of a drug and can no longer function normally without it. People who are physically dependent on clonazepam may experience withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly decrease their dose or stop using it altogether. Any person who consistently takes a benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam, for more than a few days is likely to develop dependence and could experience withdrawal symptoms if they are not tapered off.

Alternatives To Klonopin

If you are using or considering using Klonopin to treat panic disorder or a seizure disorder, there are alternative treatments available.

Alternatives to Klonopin for the treatment of panic disorder include:

• A different benzodiazepine (such as Xanax)
• SSRI antidepressants
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Mirtazapine

Alternative treatments for seizure disorders vary widely depending on the type, frequency, severity, and trigger for seizures. If you have a seizure disorder and are concerned about clonazepam dependence or addiction, talk to your neurologist about other options. There may be another medication regimen, procedure, or device that can safely control your seizures and prevent a need for Klonopin.

Find Treatment For Klonopin Addiction

If you or a loved one are concerned about your Klonopin usage, help is available. Evidence-based treatment methods have helped countless people achieve recovery and a new life.

Explore our rehab directory to find a Klonopin addiction treatment program near you or contact a treatment provider to discuss your rehab options. Remember, it is never too late to get started.