Klonopin is the brand name for a drug called clonazepam. A central nervous system depressant, Klonopin is an effective anti-anxiety medication used in the short-term treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, and in preventing some types of seizure disorders. Belonging to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, Klonopin has the ability to relax the brain and nervous system.
Klonopin is usually taken orally; however, there is an increase in individuals snorting the substance as it increases the intensity of the effects. In order to snort Klonopin, users will have to crush the pill and inhale the powdered pill through the nostrils.
FDA-approved in 1975, Klonopin is a prescription drug that is used in the treatment of stress and anxiety disorders, epilepsy, seizures, and convulsions. Currently, benzodiazepine drugs like Klonopin are prescribed for thousands of individuals across the United States and can ease symptoms in some debilitating conditions.
Klonopin works by slowing down the central nervous system through binding to the GABA receptors in the brain. The result of this slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and balances out extreme emotion fluctuation. This can relieve distressing symptoms and give users a sense of calm.
As a Schedule IV drug, Klonopin is categorized as having 'low abuse potential, low risk of dependence and addiction but it does carry risks'.
For individuals living with anxiety or panic disorders, muscle conditions, or health issues that cause seizures, Klonopin can relieve symptoms and allow them to lead normal lives. However, there are serious risks of abuse with this substance, and these dangers increase for those snorting Klonopin.
When Klonopin is prescribed, it is administered under specific conditions. The dosage should be monitored and adjusted depending on the individual's condition, and crucially when a tolerance arises, they should be tapered off the substance.
As prescribed, Klonopin should be swallowed in tablet form. Clonazepam is a relatively fast-acting drug and the effects can usually be felt within an hour of use. Swallowing Klonopin is the slowest way for the drug to enter the bloodstream which makes it the safest method of use. If swallowed, approximately 90% of the ingested dose is available to the body, and the peak concentration of the substance is typically around four hours after it's swallowed.
Klonopin is one of the most commonly abused benzodiazepines and this is thought to be related to its potency and lasting effects. Individuals who abuse Klonopin may find their tolerance builds, encouraging them to take high doses in order to feel the same high they once felt. This 'high' is often achieved by snorting the substance. There is a misconception among users that taking the drug in this way will recreate the feeling they initially felt.
In comparison to swallowing, snorting Klonopin results in much faster results. The peak concentration of the substance reduces from four hours when swallowed, to around fifteen to twenty minutes - usually resulting in a much faster onset of symptoms. This is due to the structure of the nose; the mucous membrane has a good blood supply and is thin, enabling Klonopin to quickly enter the bloodstream directly after snorting it.
After snorting Klonopin, it's possible to experience a second peak in symptoms because some of the substance travels to the oral cavity and is absorbed into the bloodstream this way. Typically the second peak is around 1.5-2 hours later.
Snorting Klonopin can lead to many physical and mental health problems. Using a drug in a way it is not intended can bring a high level of risk to the user. Damage is caused in part by the method of use and how it impacts the respiratory system. It can also leave users vulnerable to infections and diseases.
Some of the damage includes the following:
Snorting drugs can irritate the nasal passages, even at low or infrequent doses. If frequently abused in this method, it can cause the following issues:
Snorting Klonopin leads to some of the powder traveling into the mouth and throat. This can lead to the following issues:
Snorting benzodiazepines results in some of the drug entering the lungs. When this happens over time, it can result in severely damaged lung tissue. This can lead to the following issues:
One of the most significant dangers of snorting Klonopin - and other drugs too - is the risk of infection. In order to snort the substance, individuals may use rolled-up paper or straws, and sharing these among other drug users can lead to the transmission of infections. Individuals who regularly snort Klonopin are likely to have infected areas in their nose cavities that could be easily passed on.
Snorting Klonopin brings a high risk of overdose for the user. It is more common to experience an accidental overdose through this method of use than when swallowing the drug. This is for multiple reasons.
Typically individuals will crush tablets into a powder in order to snort it, but this means they don't have full control of how much they are taking at any one time. Additionally, the drug enters the system much more quickly, and in a more intense way.
Further, individuals looking for the effects of snorting Klonopin tend to be trying to achieve a certain level of 'high'. If they do not achieve this level, they may repeatedly use again and again over a short period of time. The effects of the drug can be felt in the body for hours at a time and can result in a benzodiazepine overdose.
Combining Klonopin with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, brings increased risk for the user. Mixing two depressant drugs, for example, engaging in alcohol abuse and misusing Klonopin or other benzodiazepines, can have severe health implications and could even result in a fatal overdose.
Even if somebody is using clonazepam on prescription, they should avoid any alcohol for the course of their treatment.
Often prescription drug users are misusing substances as a way of self-medicating physical or mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
There is a direct correlation between individuals living with severe mental illness and those with substance abuse issues. Research shows that more than one-quarter of adults living with severe mental health issues also have a substance use problem.
The occurrence of mental health issues and drug abuse is related to a number of reasons:
The good news is, treatment is available for those trying to overcome Klonopin addiction. Depending on your circumstances, there are options to suit your needs. For individuals engaging in poly-substance abuse, or those with underlying mental health conditions, comprehensive rehabilitation can help you get through the challenges of substance misuse.
Substance abuse can develop quickly, and some individuals may not even recognize they have a problem until it is out of their control. This is where medical professionals can step in. Many treatment centers take a multi-faceted approach, treating not only the addiction but also any underlying mental health illness which could be the cause or trigger of your substance use.
To achieve lasting sobriety from any substance use disorder, it's imperative to understand the nature of addiction, learn new coping strategies for stress and challenges, and practice healthier lifestyle choices.
If you, or somebody you know, is engaging in Klonopin abuse, seek immediate treatment help. Over time, drug misuse can lead to serious mental and physical harm. The sooner you access support, the better your chances of a full recovery.
Detox is the first crucial stage of recovery for any prescription drug abuse. This is the process of removing all toxins from your body, enabling you to focus on the psychological aspects of dependency.
The length of time it will take to fully detox depends on a number of factors including how often the drug is used, what dose is taken, what substance is being detoxed, and the existence of other substances in the body.
Because benzodiazepines are particularly difficult to detox from, it is common for individuals to relapse within the first day of the process. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that individuals undergo a medically-supervised detox.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, as can the severity. Additionally, the length of time an individual experiences symptoms can too. Generally, benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms are worse on the second day of detox and taper off after a week of symptoms. In some cases, they can last for weeks.
Some people experience a condition called post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), where they experience distressing mental, emotional, and physical symptoms for weeks or months after finishing benzodiazepine withdrawal. Quality care and support are crucial in these circumstances.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can bring severe risks to the user and are often extremely distressing to manage.
Individuals with severe Klonopin dependency are likely to experience challenging, sometimes dangerous, symptoms. It is strongly advised to withdraw under the guidance of medical professionals to reduce the risks associated with detoxing from the drug. This is true for individuals who engage in Klonopin abuse, and those who are using it under prescription for medical purposes. Both the physical and mental side effects can be uncomfortable, painful, and risky.
Physical symptoms of Klonopin could include:
Psychological symptoms of Klonopin could include:
At Cirque Lodge, we know how much drug addiction can dictate your life. We are confident that your future can be free of substance abuse and we want to help make that possible. We are a top-tier rehabilitation and addiction treatment center, offering a range of therapeutic modalities to provide a comprehensive therapeutic experience with lasting results.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our admissions process and talk with a compassionate staff member about our treatment facilities. Let us help you on the road to recovery.
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