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Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act by producing a sedative-hypnotic effect. The mode of action of the drugs in this class are similar, but their durations vary. Clonazepam is a long-acting drug in this class making it a great option when prolonged drug action is needed. Excessive use of clonazepam for more than the recommended duration can cause addiction. This article will provide information about clonazepam addiction and treatment methods.
What is Clonazepam
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine. It acts by slowing down brain activity to produce a sedative and relaxing effect. Aside from its sedative effect, its mode of action also makes the drug useful in treating conditions that are caused by excessive brain activity, such as epilepsy and anxiety disorders.
Due to the addiction risk, clonazepam use is regulated by doctors; however, some people find other means of getting the drug. A lot of people who abuse clonazepam usually do so to help them sleep better. This is quite risky, as taking clonazepam every night causes addiction.
Indications for Use
Due to its long-acting effects, clonazepam is used for treating conditions like epilepsy and anxiety disorders. Occasionally, it may also be used by doctors to treat some movement disorders. Clonazepam is an addictive drug, which is why it is best used with the prescription of a doctor.
Analogs
The drug goes by many names, depending on the producers of the drug. The most popular of these are Klonopin and Ritrovil; however, all brands of drugs contain the same active compound and produce similar effects.
Other popular names by which it goes by on the streets include:
The Effects of Clonazepam Use
Users of clonazepam usually experience some side effects, especially when using more than prescribed. These are grouped into short-term and long-term effects.
Short-Term Effects
Short-term effects are seen within a few minutes of taking the drug and don’t last very long. Some short-term effects include headache, drowsiness, confusion, and lack of muscle coordination.
Long-Term Effects
Long-term effects occur because of a gradual process that results in altering the brain function following prolonged use. These effects include:
Symptoms and Signs of Clonazepam Abuse
Addiction potential is great, so when the drug is used for longer than prescribed, the risk of dependence increases. This means that larger amounts of the drug would be needed to produce a similar effect over time. When a person abuses clonazepam, they start showing certain symptoms and signs over time. Clonazepam abuse in users can manifest with physical, psychological, or behavioral signs.
Physical Symptoms
Clonazepam can affect various body systems leading to symptoms such as dizziness, muscle weakness, slurred speech, and excessive sleeping.
Psychological Symptoms
Clonazepam addiction can also affect the mind function and lead to loss of memory, feeling of depression, anxiety, and aggressiveness.
Behavioral Symptoms
These include poor personal and work relationships, faking illnesses to get new prescriptions, extravagant spending, and a risky lifestyle.
Clonazepam Addiction Treatment Options
Clonazepam addiction treatment involves various techniques. The best method of treatment is a blend of medical and non-medical techniques.
Medical Treatment for Clonazepam Addiction
Short-term addiction can be successfully treated by a gradual reduction of the drug dose. This is quite safe, with minimal symptoms of withdrawal. People who have a longer duration of addiction have increased risks of withdrawal symptoms, requiring all-day monitoring by professionals who can help manage those symptoms.
Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment for Clonazepam Addiction
The therapy plan is largely based on several factors. People who haven’t been addicted for very long and who don’t take very huge doses can still be treated as out-patients.
TIn-patient treatment is the most effective method for people who suffer longer addictions and who were used to taking higher doses. During in-patient treatment, facilities and personnel are available to monitor and manage possible symptoms of withdrawal and provide the required behavioral and psychotherapy. Patients can also partake in support groups.
Process and Stages of Clonazepam Addiction Treatment in VipVorobjev Clinic
The treatment starts with identifying the patient’s addiction and ends with follow-up after treatment. The process involves making a diagnosis, detoxification, and rehabilitation.
Diagnosis of Clonazepam Addiction
Diagnosing clonazepam addiction is done by finding out information from the users or people around them. The information includes:
A urine sample may also be taken to test for the drug in the patients.
Clonazepam Detoxification Treatment
Clonazepam should not be stopped abruptly. Detoxification is done by gradually reducing drug doses until it is stopped completely. Monitoring for clonazepam addiction withdrawal symptoms is also done. These symptoms include convulsions, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and restlessness.
Rehabilitation
This step is also done to restore the patient’s social and work relationships, and reduce their risk of relapsing. Various aspects of rehabilitation are behavioral modification and occupational and social rehabilitation.
Statistics from research show that adequate rehabilitation and behavioral modification help reduce the risk of relapse.
Average Length of Clonazepam Addiction Treatment
The time to achieve clonazepam addiction recovery isn’t fixed and varies from one individual to another, depending on how long they used the drugs and how severe their symptoms are. In users with short-term addictions, treatment could take just a few weeks. Treatment of long-term addiction is more complex and could take a few months or a year.
Effectiveness of Treatment for Clonazepam Addiction
The effectiveness of clonazepam addiction treatment largely depends on various factors. The detoxification process is quite effective and helps to relieve clonazepam addiction symptoms and withdrawal symptoms. Adequate rehabilitation with psychological and behavioral therapy also improves treatment effectiveness.
Cost of Clonazepam Addiction Treatment
The cost of treatment for clonazepam addiction also varies depending on the addiction time, treatment method, and the duration of treatment. In-patient treatment typically costs more than out-patient treatment. The cost starts at 2700 €.
Doctors
The doctors at VipVorobjev Clinic are seasoned professionals in the management of clonazepam addiction. They employ the best methods and a patient-centered approach to solve the unique problems specific to each patient and provide the best care.
Patents and Certificates
Our facility is DAACC (Drug, Alcohol, and Addiction Counselor Certified). Our specialists are highly trained and certified for clonazepam addiction treatment.
Reviews
Patients who complete treatment at our facility always provide positive feedback and great reviews about our services. Quite a number of them have also recommended our facility to people around them who are struggling with addictions.
