Clonazepam Addiction
Individuals who have developed a Clonazepam benzodiazepine addiction may believe that they are incapable of living without the effects of this drug. They often fear that uncontrollable anxiety and extreme withdrawal symptoms will arise from this medication itself or from additional drugs that they may be using in conjunction it.
Clonazepam is classified as a benzodiazepine, a highly habit-forming type of drug, and widely abused by addicts as it is a common drug prescribed for anxiety by physicians or psychiatrists. Understanding benzodiazepine addiction: due to this drug’s addictive qualities, availability, the intens ing effects it has on other drugs, and dampening effects on symptoms of withdrawal, the rate of Clonazepam benzodiazepine addiction has increased.
Psychological and physical dependence: benzodiazepine addiction begins with psychological and physical dependence. Psychologically, an individual may develop dependence to the drug for relief of anxiety. Without the medication, the individual may believe that they will be unable to function and experience uncontrollable anxiety. Physically, an individual who takes a large dose for an extended time period is likely to become dependent on this drug and struggle with withdrawal if they stop taking it suddenly. Such withdrawal effects that result from physical dependence are usually what make individuals continue taking this drug. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 80% of individuals who abuse benzodiazepines consume these medications together with their drugs of choice. Around 15% of individuals who use heroin and up to 90% of individuals who use methadone take benzodiazepines. These drugs have also been known to be used by alcoholics to handle effects of intoxication or to curb hangovers.
Many psychiatrists and physicians will not give any kind of benzodiazepine to people who have a history with addiction because of the addictive qualities of these drugs. Not everyone has an addiction problem that is documented or obvious though, and this how it can be easy for an individual to acquire this medication if they want it. However, when an individual has developed a Clonazepam benzodiazepine addiction and exhausts the supply that their doctor is willing to give them, they will often then turn to buying it on the streets. The American Academy of Family Physicians reported that the value of a benzodiazepine such as Clonazepam on the street ranges from $5 to $10 a pill. As a result from it being so easy to acquire these drugs, it appears that many addicts are even more inclined to continue with their Clonazepam addiction.
Clonazepam is a medication that is used for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety or panic. When use for extended time periods however, it often causes more problems than it was meant to manage, including addiction and pronounced withdrawal symptoms. This medication works by causing GABA to be more absorbable in the nerve synapse and for Calcium to be less absorbable. It will use up all of the individuals GABA, which is the human body’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. When GABA is all gone, there is nothing to inhibit stimulus and therefore everything can be over-stimulating during benzodiazepine withdrawal. Withdrawal is the acute inability of the body to lessen the impulses of nerves, so every sight, sensation and noise can be painful. Also, the sudden Calcium influx can result in elevated muscle contractions, or even seizures. When navigating through this process, one needs to pick a gentle and gradual withdrawal which their body will be able to handle.
Alternative to Meds Center works with our collaborating physicians to help people lessen their dependence on benzodiazepines, and other drugs or alcohol. Our methods for this specific type of medication withdrawal include: careful tapering techniques, a removal of neurotoxins that have built-up in the individuals system due to environmental sources or drug use, neurochemical support is provided by natural substances, support is offered from peers, and there are several benefits of other therapies targeted to induce relaxation including sauna, massage, meditation, and acupuncture.
Learn about what the underlying causes of why benzodiazepines were prescribed, why withdrawal occurs, and how we help overcome Clonazepam benzodiazepine addiction.
Psychological and physical dependence: benzodiazepine addiction begins with psychological and physical dependence. Psychologically, an individual may develop dependence to the drug for relief of anxiety. Without the medication, the individual may believe that they will be unable to function and experience uncontrollable anxiety. Physically, an individual who takes a large dose for an extended time period is likely to become dependent on this drug and struggle with withdrawal if they stop taking it suddenly. Such withdrawal effects that result from physical dependence are usually what make individuals continue taking this drug. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 80% of individuals who abuse benzodiazepines consume these medications together with their drugs of choice. Around 15% of individuals who use heroin and up to 90% of individuals who use methadone take benzodiazepines. These drugs have also been known to be used by alcoholics to handle effects of intoxication or to curb hangovers.
Many psychiatrists and physicians will not give any kind of benzodiazepine to people who have a history with addiction because of the addictive qualities of these drugs. Not everyone has an addiction problem that is documented or obvious though, and this how it can be easy for an individual to acquire this medication if they want it. However, when an individual has developed a Clonazepam benzodiazepine addiction and exhausts the supply that their doctor is willing to give them, they will often then turn to buying it on the streets. The American Academy of Family Physicians reported that the value of a benzodiazepine such as Clonazepam on the street ranges from $5 to $10 a pill. As a result from it being so easy to acquire these drugs, it appears that many addicts are even more inclined to continue with their Clonazepam addiction.
Clonazepam is a medication that is used for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety or panic. When use for extended time periods however, it often causes more problems than it was meant to manage, including addiction and pronounced withdrawal symptoms. This medication works by causing GABA to be more absorbable in the nerve synapse and for Calcium to be less absorbable. It will use up all of the individuals GABA, which is the human body’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. When GABA is all gone, there is nothing to inhibit stimulus and therefore everything can be over-stimulating during benzodiazepine withdrawal. Withdrawal is the acute inability of the body to lessen the impulses of nerves, so every sight, sensation and noise can be painful. Also, the sudden Calcium influx can result in elevated muscle contractions, or even seizures. When navigating through this process, one needs to pick a gentle and gradual withdrawal which their body will be able to handle.
Alternative to Meds Center works with our collaborating physicians to help people lessen their dependence on benzodiazepines, and other drugs or alcohol. Our methods for this specific type of medication withdrawal include: careful tapering techniques, a removal of neurotoxins that have built-up in the individuals system due to environmental sources or drug use, neurochemical support is provided by natural substances, support is offered from peers, and there are several benefits of other therapies targeted to induce relaxation including sauna, massage, meditation, and acupuncture.
Learn about what the underlying causes of why benzodiazepines were prescribed, why withdrawal occurs, and how we help overcome Clonazepam benzodiazepine addiction.
