Klonopin is a drug typically prescribed to treat panic attacks and anxiety. However, doctors can also prescribe it with other medications to address seizures. When patients take it as prescribed, they can still develop a physical dependence on Klonopin. Users can also develop a tolerance to Klonopin and take increasingly higher doses to experience the desired effects.
Once you establish that you need to stop using this drug, you will need to go through Klonopin detox to taper off your current dose under medical supervision slowly. The process is not too complicated, but there may be a few risks.
When the user develops both physical and psychological dependence on Klonopin coupled with compulsive drug use, this indicates they are addicted to the drug. Thus, a professional Klonopin detox program with medical supervision is the best course of action to stop effectively and safely detoxing from the drug.
Individuals are advised to take the following steps to ensure their Klonopin detox process goes safely and smoothly:
#1 – Find a professional Klonopin detox program
Detoxing from Klonopin requires medical care and round-the-clock supervision. When you stop using the drug after developing a tolerance or dependence on it, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Klonopin withdrawal can also lead to complications that can be life-threatening if the patient does not receive medical intervention promptly. Hence, a licensed medical detox program is the safest way to go through the process.
#2 – Stop using all addictive substances
Klonopin detox will require the patient to stop using any addictive substances they are currently taking, including Klonopin. Even if they have been using this drug primarily, taking any other drugs will hinder the ultimate goal of recovery and sobriety. Thus it is essential to avoid using all addictive drugs, including cigarettes.
Since withdrawal from Klonopin can lead to panic attacks and anxiety, recovering users are advised to avoid using stimulants such as caffeine during detox.
#3 – Disclose any underlying medical conditions, including co-occurring mental health problems
Chronic illnesses can make managing the Klonopin withdrawal symptoms harder, depending on the exact condition. It is always advisable to undergo a full medical assessment to gain a baseline for specific factors. This also helps to check for any disorders that might have been unidentified and could affect the ability to handle the withdrawal.
Co-occurring mental health conditions like mood disorders, depression, and anxiety can considerably impact each person’s Klonopin detox experience. Once you enroll in a detox program, you should report any mental health symptoms, diagnoses, and ailments you’ve experienced.
#4 – Report any medications you’re using aside from the drug of abuse
Make sure you bring any medications you are taking to the detox program in their correct containers with the doctor’s prescription. This includes any drugs you take to address mental health problems, chronic pain, or illnesses.
#5 – Take a psychiatric and medical assessment
After the patient is admitted and stable, they will typically undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This assessment is to check that their vital signs are normal while observing for any problems that will need to be monitored. The evaluation can be more intensive with blood tests and various screenings to ensure all patients’ medical needs are addressed as necessary.
A psychiatric evaluation will be conducted at the beginning of the Klonopin detox program to understand better the extent of the patient’s continuing mental health symptoms, especially if they do not have a current diagnosis.
#6 – Getting medical care
A personalized plan will be developed for each patient during Klonopin detox based on their medical and psychiatric evaluation, screenings, and medical history review.
#7 – Working with a therapist
The recovering patient can start therapeutic work even when dealing with the intense Klonopin withdrawal symptoms. You can talk to a therapist, nurse, or case manager during the detox process to get advice on handling the mental and emotional withdrawal symptoms experienced during the Klonopin detox. This also helps provide a solid emotional support system during detox and withdrawal.
#8 – Visit support groups
There are support groups with peers in recovery who are also undergoing Klonopin detox or have recently gone through the process. They can be beneficial in providing tips on how to get through the detox experience and what to do or avoid while offering you moral support. This will help you learn how to detox safely and efficiently.
#9 – Follow through with therapy
After the Klonopin withdrawal symptoms start fading, you will be able to concentrate on the necessary therapy to help you establish a solid recovery foundation. Even though detox is a crucial first step in addressing a Klonopin abuse problem, it is not a complete treatment program. You will still need to follow up with a comprehensive addiction treatment program.
Cold-turkey vs. Medical Detox for Klonopin
Cold-turkey detox involves stopping Klonopin use suddenly. It is common in people with a long-term addiction who run out of their drug supply. The withdrawal symptoms can be long-lasting, intense, and dangerous for the user in such a situation. Medical detox, in contrast, involves medical supervision from doctors who can place the patient on a tapering schedule.
Medical professionals usually advise people suffering from Klonopin abuse or addiction to get assistance from a medical detox facility. Since this drug is a benzodiazepine, it is not advisable to quit cold turkey or alone because dangerous cardiac problems and seizures can occur. There is also an increased risk of self-harm and developing depression during detox.
People have different responses during Klonopin withdrawal, depending on several factors:
- The user’s emotional and physical health
- Metabolic rate
- Weight
- Age
- Poly-drug abuse
These factors will determine each person’s intensity and duration of Klonopin withdrawal symptoms. However, assistance from a medical detox facility is the best way to have a safe and efficient Klonopin withdrawal.
