When it comes to addiction, knowledge is power. The more families know about how drugs works, the quicker they can identify addiction in themselves or loved ones. It is never too late to get help, but the quicker you find treatment, the better the outcome. Klonopin addiction has several universal and drug-specific symptoms. These will help you identify the disease. They will help you understand the importance of reaching out for professional help.

Klonopin’s Physical Effects

Klonopin causes a variety of physical, observable effects in users. The Food and Drug Administration1 explains that the following are the most common physical side effects:

  • Drowsiness
  • Problems with walking and coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Individuals who take Klonopin may seem drunk or exhausted. They may find it difficult to speak clearly or to move without stumbling or staggering. Experienced users will experience fewer side effects or will be better at hiding them. However they will exhibit signs of intoxication from time to time too. Individuals with prescriptions may experience these side effects.

If you or a loved one seems to be experiencing them often or all the time, you may be taking the drug too often or in too large of quantities. This is drug abuse, and it both causes and is a sign of addiction.

While under the influence, people who take Klonopin might seem drunk or just exhausted, and they may find it difficult to speak clearly and move about from place to place without stumbling or staggering. Experienced users might be adept at keeping their physical symptoms masked and hidden, but they may experience breakthrough bouts of intoxication that families might easily spot.

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Klonopin’s Effects on Mental Health

Sleepy man at computerKlonopin creates psychological changes. It affects emotions, thoughts and mental health. It can contribute to depression or suicidal thoughts. It can worsen anxiety, the same mental health issue the drug is prescribed to treat.

Psychology Today shares a study that found that after long-term use or abuse, “A great majority of the patients had significant symptomatology, in particular major depressive episodes and generalized anxiety disorder, often with marked severity and disability.”2 New and worsening mental health symptoms may be a sign of Klonopin addiction.

Klonopin Addiction and Behavioral Changes

Klonopin changes how you think and feel. It also changes what you do and say. Individuals struggling with Klonopin addiction may begin to engage in dangerous or illegal practices. For example a study published in Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology found many Klonopin users obtain the drug illegally.3 They buy Klonopin from dealers, steal the drug or shop for doctors who are willing to write prescriptions. Many people would never dream of stealing or lying before becoming addicted. The drug changes what you or a loved one is willing to do and say.

Responding to Klonopin Addiction Symptoms

If you notice physical, mental and behavioral changes in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait. Call Black Bear Lodge at 706-914-2327. We can help you assess your or a loved one’s addiction. We can help you take the next best steps. This may involve intervention, therapy, outpatient or inpatient care. Our experienced treatment team understands every situation is unique and every patient has his or her own recovery needs. Let us create a customized treatment plan for you. Find immediate health and long-term recovery. Reach out today.


Sources

1 Food and Drug Administration. “Medication Guide: Klonopin Tablets and Wafers.” Aug. 2010. Accessed 12 Sep. 2017.

2 Lane, Christopher. “Brain Damage from Benzodiazepines.” Psychology Today. 18 Nov. 2010. Accessed 12 Sep. 2017.

3 Frauger, E; Pauly, V; Pradel, V, et.al. “Evidence of Clonazepam Abuse Liability.” Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology. Oct. 2011. Accessed 12 Sep. 2017.