Klonopin is the name brand for the benzodiazepine medication clonazepam. It is typically prescribed to treat seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety.[1] While Klonopin is effective in managing these conditions, it is not intended for long-term use as it can lead to dependency and addiction.
Because clonazepam can cause a sedative and euphoric high, many people abuse it. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), “benzodiazepines were involved in 12,499 deaths in 2021—steadily increasing since 2015.”[2]
If you are addicted to Klonopin, that means your brain and body are dependent on it, and suddenly stopping the use of it can result in severe symptoms of withdrawal. Klonopin withdrawal can be life-threatening, so it’s always important to detox under the close supervision of a medical professional. A Klonopin detox center in South Florida can help you or a loved one start your recovery safely.
What are the Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal?
Physical dependence on Klonopin can happen when you are misusing the substance or taking it as prescribed for longer than recommended. In other words, you can experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping Klonopin whether you are obtaining the substance illegally or through a prescription.
The symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal include:[3]
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Severe depression
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Headaches
- Irritability or mood swings
- Memory problems
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Klonopin withdrawal can result in suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and life-threatening seizures, so you should never attempt to detox off of the medication on your own.
How is Klonopin Withdrawal Treated in a South Florida Detox Program?
Klonopin withdrawal can become life-threatening without proper medical assistance. Drug detox centers in South Florida can provide the medications and treatments necessary to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the withdrawal phase of addiction recovery.
If you are considering attending a South Florida Klonopin detox program, you might be wondering what to expect.
Initial Assessment
Detox begins with an initial assessment.
The length and severity of your withdrawal symptoms will depend on a variety of personal factors. Some of these factors include how long you were using Klonopin, how frequently you abused it, and the dosage you were taking. Other important factors include whether you were misusing other substances or suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions.
Because so many factors play a role in what your withdrawal syndrome will look like, South Florida detox programs conduct a thorough initial assessment to determine your specific needs. Having an individualized treatment plan ensures that you receive the treatment you need to make a full recovery from Klonopin addiction.
24/7 Monitoring
Once you begin detoxing, staff will monitor your symptoms on a 24/7 basis. Typically, this includes regularly monitoring your vital signs, such as body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure, to ensure that you are safe and responding well to treatment.
You will also have constant access to peer and professional support. Support and counseling are important during Klonopin withdrawal, especially if your symptoms include depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Having professional mental health treatment and peer support will help alleviate your symptoms.
Medications
In addition to monitoring your vital signs and mental health, you will be prescribed medications to lessen the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. The standard treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal is a slow taper. Your doctor may slowly reduce your dose of Klonopin over the course of several days or weeks to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. They may also switch you to a longer-acting benzodiazepine, such as Valium (diazepam), and taper you off of benzodiazepines using it instead of Klonopin. A slow, gradual taper allows your body to adjust to lower and lower levels of benzodiazepines in your system, thereby preventing severe symptoms of withdrawal such as seizures.
You may receive additional medications based on the specific symptoms you experience., such as:[4]
- SSRI antidepressants to soothe anxiety and depression
- Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures
- Beta-blockers to soothe symptoms like tremors or excessive shaking
- Clonidine to maintain a healthy blood pressure
- Anti-nausea medications to prevent vomiting
- Sleep medications to soothe symptoms of insomnia
Referral to Additional Treatment
Detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. After you have recovered from Klonopin withdrawal, the clinical team will provide you with referrals to additional substance abuse treatment programs based on your needs and addiction severity.
Typically, inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment is recommended after completing a detox program. Some individuals with severe substance use disorders or co-occurring mental illnesses might require a continuum of care, which includes inpatient, outpatient, and sober living programs.
The referrals you receive from your benzodiazepine detox facility will depend on your personal needs and goals for addiction recovery.
Find a Klonopin Detox Center in South Florida
Klonopin withdrawal can be incredibly dangerous without proper medical attention, so you should always attend a drug and alcohol detox program instead of attempting to detox at home.
At Mandala Healing Center, we combine holistic healing with cutting-edge science for maximum effectiveness. We utilize the latest in detox medication to make the process as pain-free as possible. Mandala’s highly trained medical staff specializes in treating addiction, going above and beyond 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year to provide the safest detox possible while minimizing discomfort.
Get started today by reaching out to one of our dedicated admissions specialists.
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