Klonopin Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with Klonopin abuse, there are multiple forms of treatment to help you begin your recovery.

Treatment for drug addiction or substance use disorder includes several levels of care. Recovery likely starts with a detoxification program to address dependence and withdrawal. Once you’re stable, inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment is the next step in an average treatment plan.

Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam and is considered a benzodiazepine (benzo) and a central nervous system depressant. It’s typically used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and seizure disorders like epilepsy.

The drug works by increasing the effects the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has on the brain.

But while the prescription drug does have a medical use, it’s also classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has a lower potential for abuse than other drugs but can still lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Benzodiazepine Taper & Detox

Detoxification or detox is usually the first step in recovery. With benzodiazepines like Klonopin, detox may consist of tapering.

With tapering, a healthcare provider will give you a lower and lower dose of Klonopin over an extended period of time (about 10 weeks). This ensures that once you stop Klonopin treatment entirely, you don’t experience any (or very few) withdrawal symptoms.

Even if you experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting the drug, the intensity will be much lower than if you quit completely on your own. And if the symptoms do occur, a medical professional can provide medications or supplements to make you more comfortable.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

If you abuse Klonopin or take it in high doses over a long period of time, you’re likely to build up a physical dependence on the drug. If that happens and you try to quit the drug, withdrawal symptoms may occur.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms or side effects that you may experience when coming off of Klonopin can include:

• seizures
• hallucinations
• muscle pain and cramps
• tremors
• fever
• irritability
• trouble with coordination
• drowsiness
• nausea and/or vomiting
• anxiety
• increased heart rate
• drug cravings
• panic attacks

Inpatient Treatment

After detox, depending on the severity of the addiction, inpatient or outpatient treatment is the next step. Inpatient treatment involves staying at an addiction treatment facility 24/7 and is usually for those who need around-the-clock supervision.

While in an inpatient treatment program, you’ll receive individual behavioral therapy and/or group therapy, go to support group meetings, receive medical care, and go through dual-diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders if necessary. You’ll also learn skills to help with relapse prevention.

How long you stay at an inpatient rehab facility depends on the specific program you’re in. They can range from 30 days to several months.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment offers similar treatment as inpatient care, but you aren’t required to stay at a treatment facility. Because of this, it’s best for those who don’t need 24/7 supervision.

There are different types of outpatient rehab including intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). Despite the name, partial hospitalization is more intense and takes up more time per week than the intensive outpatient programs.

Aftercare

Once you leave inpatient or outpatient treatment, many treatment facilities also offer aftercare programs to help you maintain sobriety. Aftercare can include therapy, 12-step meetings, support groups, medical evaluations, and even sober-living housing arrangements.

Aftercare can be what keeps you going on your recovery journey once you don’t have the accountability of being in treatment every day.

If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of Klonopin substance abuse, you don’t have to do it alone. At Northeast Addiction Treatment Center, we offer several treatment options including outpatient services, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.

For more information, please call our helpline today.