What Helps with Klonopin Withdrawal

With over 40 million Americans struggling with anxiety disorders it is no wonder that benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, are so highly prescribed. This classification of drugs, which are sedatives, is used for reducing the effects of anxiety but swiftly impacting the central nervous system, causing nearly immediate relief of symptoms.

As with other benzos, Klonopin carries a high risk of becoming both psychologically and physically addicting. The body soon develops a higher tolerance to the drug’s effects, leading the individual to increase dosing throughout the day. Over time, this misuse of the drug can lead to addiction or dependency.

Once addiction has taken root, the individual will need professional assistance to wean them off Klonopin. Benzodiazepine detox and withdrawal can be unpredictable and even dangerous if not managed by a residential detox team. The team will know what helps with Klonopin withdrawal and will access these interventions throughout the process.

Understanding Klonopin

Klonopin is the brand name of a benzodiazepine called clonazepam. This drug is prescribed for treating symptoms associated with anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. While the drug is very effective in producing feelings of deep relaxation, euphoria, and sleep-inducing properties, it is also prone to abuse.

Klonopin addiction can occur within only two weeks of regular prescribed Klonopin use. This happens as the body becomes less affected by the effects of the drug, leading the individual to ramp up dosing. This misuse of Klonopin will show up in the following symptoms:

• Uncoordinated, clumsy
• Dizzy
• Slurred speech
• Restless and agitated
• Constipated
• Hypersomnia
• Slowed reactions
• Memory problems
• Aggression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Psychotic symptoms

When someone attempts to just quit taking Klonopin “cold turkey,” severe withdrawal symptoms can occur. This can become a danger when after a couple of days without the drug the withdrawal symptoms, including rebound anxiety, panic attacks, and hyperventilating, become so intense that the individual reaches for the usual dose of the drug to stop the withdrawal discomfort. This could prove to be too much medication after being off of the drug for a few days and could result in an overdose. For this reason, it is always advisable to undergo detox from Klonopin under the care of a residential detox professional.

What is a Residential Detox?

Once the individual seeks professional help to wean him or herself off the Klonopin they will need to start the recovery process with a supervised detox. This is an essential step before beginning a rehab program and must be properly guided by a trained detox team. Klonopin detox is a lengthy process, up to four weeks for severe benzo addictions, because the drug will be incrementally stepped down using a scheduled tapering program in order to avoid any emergencies.

The detox team will have what helps with Klonopin withdrawals at their disposal throughout the process. By using various interventions that help ease withdrawal symptoms, as well as providing the psychological support needed, the residential detox team will safely transition the individual to the next step in recovery.

What Helps with Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms?

To manage and reduce Klonopin withdrawal symptoms, it is imperative that a drug tapering method is utilized. This allows the brain and central nervous system to gradually stabilize as the drug dosing is slowly reduced. During detoxification the residential detox team will be managing the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Muscle and joint pain
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

The detox team will provide the client with medications to help manage nausea, muscle pain, and headaches, to help ease withdrawal discomforts. In addition to offering support, the detox team is also trained to provide emotional support. This is critical during the detox process, as the individual may give up on detox when symptoms start to peak. With psychological support, the client is able to stay the course until the completion of the detox process.

Next Steps After Klonopin Detox

After the Klonopin detoxification is completed, which may take 2-4 weeks, the individual is ready to transition to addiction treatment. Without this active treatment phase, the individual will soon return to drug use, so rehab is essential for someone with a benzodiazepine addiction or dependency.

Rehab will begin with a customized treatment plan created specifically for the client. Rehab should never be a one-size-fits-all approach, as each client will have unique features that will influence exactly what their treatment needs will be to reach recovery goals. Because the underlying issue in individuals with a benzodiazepine addiction is anxiety, treatment will also focus on learning methods to effectively manage anxiety without these drugs.

The fundamental addiction treatment elements include:

• Talk therapy. A psychotherapist will assist the client in exploring unresolved conflicts or emotional pain points that might be contributing factors. Using an evidence-based approach the therapist can help the client process any lingering emotions surrounding the issue, and begin to heal. Psychotherapy also provides an opportunity, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) guide the individual toward shifting the negative thoughts toward constructive, healthy thought and behavior patterns.
• Group counseling. Small groups are facilitated by a therapist during which topics are discussed among others, fostering a sense of social support. People participating in the group sessions are encouraged to be actively involved in the topic of discussion, by offering their own insights and personal experiences to the conversation.
• Medication management. Medication may be prescribed if there is a co-occurring mental health disorder. Many individuals with a benzodiazepine use disorder, such as Klonopin, also struggle with coexisting anxiety. Sometimes antidepressant drug therapy can assist in reducing symptoms.
• Addiction counseling. Classes are provided that teach clients about how addiction develops and how to avoid relapse, as well as teach important recovery tools. Equipped with better communication skills, anger management techniques, and conflict resolution skills, the client is prepared to confront triggers in recovery.
• Holistic activities. Holistic therapies can augment the effects of traditional psychotherapy and might include yoga, mindfulness meditation, massage therapy, acupuncture, art or music therapy, hypnotherapy, or aromatherapy. These holistic activities help with regulating stress and promote relaxation.
• 12-step or similar meetings. Many rehabs integrate A.A.’s 12-step programming to some degree, encouraging involvement in recovery meetings while in rehab, and afterward. Alternatives to A.A. are also available in many cases.

How to Maintain Sobriety after Rehab

It is understandable that someone who has completed a treatment program may feel prepared to move forward in their life. After the structured rehab environment, it may be tempting to desire some autonomy again. The problem is that too often the person leaving treatment is still vulnerable to relapse. They have not had the opportunity to practice recovery skills in real life scenarios yet, and are unprepared. There are some preventative measures that can be taken that help to reinforce sobriety in those first several months after rehab. These aftercare activities include:

• Sober living residence. Not everyone has a supportive home environment to return to after treatment. A sober living home can provide a substance-free zone for an extra layer of support. Sober living allows time to reinforce recovery, as well as opportunities to be accountable to others. Regular testing and a zero-tolerance policy act as a strong deterrent to relapse.
• Outpatient therapy. There are bound to be bumps in the road after completing rehab. New stressors or negative life events can challenge sobriety in early recovery. Having a therapist in one’s corner provides a supportive sounding board as stressors or triggers are encountered.
• Recovery meetings. Finding a recovery community is essential after rehab. There one can find a sponsor to offer extra support, as well as new sober friendships. Meetings provide an excellent source of social support, often organizing social events and opportunities to help others.

Capo By the Sea Luxury Rehab for Klonopin Addiction Treatment

Capo By the Sea is an upscale addiction treatment program located in Orange County, CA. This luxury rehab is situated in a lovely coastal community where the relaxed beach vibe offers the perfect setting for healing and restoration. At Capo By the Sea, our expert residential detox team will manage all aspects of detox and withdrawal, knowing what helps with Klonopin withdrawal specifically. These interventions help ease the discomforts of withdrawal while safely guiding the client through the detox process and transitioning them to the active treatment phase of recovery. For more information about our program, please contact Capo By the Sea today at (888) 529-2114.