Klonopin in Fort Lauderdale FL
Klonopin is a trade name for the benzodiazepine drug clonazepam, which is prescribed to treat panic disorders, anxiety, seizures, and insomniaA central nervous system sedative, clonazepam increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which causes a calming effect by slowing down the nerve transmission in the bodyOther similar medications in the benzodiazepine family include Xanax, Ativan, and Valium.
Klonopin is a common drug of abuse due to its calming effects, which produce a distinct sense of wellbeingKnown as K-pin on the street, Klonopin is listed under Schedule II of the Controlled Substances ActThis means that clonazepam is highly addictive, but it has medical valueClonazepam abuse is characterized by using it in ways other than as directed by a doctor or using it for non-medical purposesMany people who abuse Klonopin have a co-occurring mental illness, leaving them more susceptible to developing an addiction to this drug.
Why is Clonazepam So Addictive?
Over time, higher doses of clonazepam may be needed in order to get the same effectsThis is known as building up a tolerance, and over time, as neurotransmitter activity is affected by consistent use and higher doses, this can lead to changes in the structures and functions of the brain that indicate an addiction has developedWithdrawal symptoms will set in if someone with an addiction suddenly stops using the drug, and this is the body's way of indicating that it needs the substance in order to operate "properly."
Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Abuse and Addiction
Some of the signs and symptoms of clonazepam abuse include:
- Changes in behavior, such as mood swings, agitation, and irritability.
- Forging or stealing prescriptions.
- Getting prescriptions from more than one doctor.
Signs and symptoms of Klonopin addiction include:
- Obsessive drug-seeking behaviors.
- Continuing to use clonazepam despite undesirable consequences.
- Continuing to use clonazepam despite wanting to quit or trying to quit.
- Neglecting important responsibilities.
- Building up a tolerance so that the body requires higher doses for the desired effects.
- Losing interest in hobbies.
- The onset of withdrawal symptoms when the drug use is discontinued.
- Intense cravings.
Health Effects of Clonazepam Abuse
Over time, abusing Klonopin may lead to serious mental and physical health problems, including:
- Changes in personality.
- Deviant behaviors.
- The onset of mental illness.
- Reduced cognitive function, including memory, processing, and learning problems.
- Sexual and reproductive dysfunction.
- Seizures.
- Organ damage.
Treating a Clonazepam Addiction
The first step in clonazepam addiction rehab is medical detox, during which traces of the drug are allowed to be flushed from the body to break the physical addictionUsually, medical detox involves administering medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, but since quitting any benzodiazepines "cold turkey" can cause dangerous shifts in heart function and there are no medications to treat these problems, the detox process for Klonopin involves weaning the patient from the drug over time to prevent the onset of symptoms.
After detox is complete, the underlying complex psychological issues surrounding the addiction are addressed by utilizing various treatment therapies, such as motivational interviewing, which leads patients to identify their own reasons for wanting to quit, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients learn to replace harmful attitudes and behaviors with healthier onesDuring the treatment phase, any present co-occurring mental illnesses will also be treated.
Once the treatment phase of rehab is complete, an aftercare plan will be set up to help prevent lapse and relapse after the patient returns homeThe aftercare plan is individualized based on the patient's specific needs and unique challengesTypical aftercare plan components include continued individual, group, and family therapy and a commitment to attending recovery group meetings through a 12-Step or similar programOther components will be added based on need and may include a stay at a sober living facility to ease the transition back home or vocational rehab to increase employability.
At Drug Treatment Centers Fort Lauderdale, they have the experienced staff to provide you with the best treatment facility options available that best meet your needs. Call Drug Treatment Fort Lauderdale today at (877) 804-1531, begin your road to recovery today.