Klonopin, a benzodiazepine medication often prescribed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, can be beneficial when taken as directed. However, its combination with alcohol or other substances can result in severe consequences, including life-threatening outcomes. (1)
Understanding the risks associated with mixing alcohol and Klonopin is crucial, as such misuse may lead to serious side effects and potentially indicate substance abuse issues. This article looks more into the harmful effects of alcohol-Klonopin interaction, explores the signs of substance abuse, and provides information on where individuals can seek assistance for addiction recovery. (1)
By examining these aspects, individuals can gain a better understanding of the dangers involved and make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
What Are the Effects of Mixing Klonopin and Drinking Alcohol?
Both alcohol and Klonopin depress central nervous system functioning. When taken together, these effects become more pronounced and can even be deadly.
Depressed breathing, decreased heart rate, and a loss of coordination are the most marked and dangerous side effects. (2) (3)
Although Klonopin is a safe, prescription medication, a doctor will tightly control the dosage of the drug.
Taking too much Klonopin is dangerous, with the following possible side effects of Klonopin:
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Memory and cognitive problems
- A headache
- Coordination problems
- Vomiting and loss of appetite
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
When Klonopin and alcohol are mixed, the dangerous side effects of the drug and alcohol are enhanced. People who do this risk overdose, hospitalization, serious injury, and even death.
Why Is Mixing Klonopin With Alcohol So Dangerous?
Klonopin is similar to alcohol in that it also acts as a central nervous system depressant (CNS). For anxiety sufferers, Klonopin is highly effective in eliminating extreme feelings of fear and worry.
Klonopin gives patients a sense of calm and relaxation. This feeling can become addictive, however. (1)
Because CNS depressants like Klonopin and alcohol increase drowsiness and depress breathing and heart rate, combining these substances intensifies these effects. This intensifying effect is what makes taking the two together so dangerous. (3)
Even small doses of Klonopin and alcohol lead to a lack of coordination and drowsiness. This increases a person’s chances of falling and seriously injuring themselves.
Also, depressed breathing from mixing Klonopin and alcohol means the individual cannot get enough oxygen. If someone combines Klonopin and alcohol and becomes unresponsive, and their lips or fingers begin to turn blue, then they are in danger. If this happens, it’s crucial to receive immediate medical attention. (4)
According to a past SAMHSA study, 32% of all ER visits for benzodiazepines like Klonopin resulted in severe outcomes for the patient, including permanent disability and overdose deaths. (5) 44% of all surveyed ER visits involved mixing drugs like Klonopin with alcohol.
This is why treatment centers with specialized treatment programs are so important for those with this addiction or a dual diagnosis.
Signs That Klonopin Has Been Mixed With Alcohol
Identifying signs that a Klonopin addiction has been mixed with drinking alcohol is essential for recognizing potential dangers and intervening promptly. (4)
Several indicators may suggest such a combination:
- Slurred Speech: When Klonopin and alcohol are consumed together, they can impair motor skills and coordination, leading to slurred speech and difficulty articulating words clearly.
- Excessive Drowsiness: Both Klonopin and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, and combining them can intensify sedative effects, resulting in extreme drowsiness and difficulty staying awake.
- Impaired Judgment: Mixing Klonopin with alcohol can impair cognitive function and judgment, leading to poor decision-making and risky behaviors that individuals may not exhibit under normal circumstances.
- Increased Dizziness: The combination of Klonopin and alcohol can cause significant dizziness and lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falls, accidents, and injuries.
- Memory Impairment: Both substances can impair memory formation and retention, leading to gaps in memory or blackouts when consumed together.
- Respiratory Depression: Combining Klonopin and alcohol can lead to respiratory depression, characterized by slow and shallow breathing, which can be life-threatening, especially in cases of overdose. (6)
- Mood Changes: Mixing Klonopin with alcohol can exacerbate mood swings and emotional instability, leading to heightened agitation, irritability, or even depressive symptoms.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Individuals who have consumed a combination of Klonopin and alcohol may experience nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort due to the substances’ irritant effects on the stomach lining.
- Changes in Coordination: Both Klonopin and alcohol can impair motor skills and coordination, leading to unsteady gait, clumsiness, and difficulty performing simple tasks.
- Slowed Breathing: Combining Klonopin and alcohol can lead to dangerously slowed breathing, potentially resulting in respiratory arrest or even death in severe cases.
Recognizing these signs is crucial for intervening promptly and seeking medical assistance or addiction treatment if necessary. If someone exhibits these symptoms after consuming Klonopin and alcohol, it is essential to ensure their safety and well-being by seeking immediate help from healthcare professionals or emergency services.
Who Is Most Likely to Abuse Alcohol and Prescription Drugs Like Klonopin?
Young people who struggle with alcohol use disorder are the most likely to mix the two substances. Studies of undergraduate students found that the rates of abusing alcohol and prescription drugs were as high as 12.1%. (7)
5% of all drinkers report using drugs other than marijuana to enhance the effects of both substances.
Studies show that the following demographics are also at high risk of abusing prescription drugs and alcohol together, but as a disclaimer, this isn’t always the case: (8)
- People under the age of 25
- Individuals without a high school diploma
- People who are single
- People with a history of binge drinking (9)
- Those with panic disorder (10)
Is Mixing Alcohol With Klonopin Always a Sign of an Addiction Problem?
Mixing alcohol and Klonopin is never advised by a medical professional. Combining these two substances is dangerous and puts the individual’s health at extreme risk. Anytime a person uses prescription medication for something other than its intended use, it is considered abuse.
Left untreated, a substance abuse problem and an alcohol abuse problem can cause severe, potentially deadly consequences for the individual. People who struggle with alcohol and prescription drug abuse must get help before they harm themselves.
Can Rehab or Detox Help Someone With an Addiction to Alcohol and Klonopin?
Rehab and detox can help someone overcome an addiction to alcohol and Klonopin. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the patient may need to spend some time in a medical detox facility.
For people who abuse more than one substance at a time, detox is usually recommended. During detox, patients are monitored for withdrawal side effects.
Doctors can taper patients off prescription drugs safely if there is a klonopin overdose, and can also give them medications to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Once the abused substances have worked their way out of their system, patients can attend either an inpatient or outpatient rehab center.
Inpatient rehab is a more intense treatment method, where patients live on-site for a set period of time. It can be weeks or months, depending on many different factors, such as the severity of addiction, other health conditions, behavioral health, and if the person has adequate support to stay in inpatient rehab. Outpatient rehab requires a patient to check into the facility for treatment at certain times during the week.
During outpatient or inpatient rehab, patients are given access to trained therapists and counselors, support staff, social workers, and doctors. A team of medical professionals is put in place to assist patients with all aspects of their treatment.
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient. Patients may receive CBT, DBT, or a combination of group or family therapy while attending rehab.
After a person has completed either inpatient or outpatient rehab, they must continue to receive ongoing aftercare and treatment. Addiction is a lifelong illness that requires ongoing care.
Although there is no cure for addiction, it can be managed successfully, and people with the illness can live healthy, sober lives. Aftercare programs can help patients avoid a relapse or receive swift attention and care if a relapse does occur.
Let Zinnia Help You Or Your Loved Ones With Addiction
Let us extend our hand to guide you or your loved ones through the journey of addiction recovery. With compassionate support and tailored treatment plans, Zinnia is here to provide the assistance needed and countless treatment options to overcome addiction and improve mental health, so that you can move down a path towards healing and wellness.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a prescription medication and alcohol addiction problem, Zinnia Health can help. Reach out to our trained drug abuse counselors and health care providers today and get the help you need at (855) 430-9439.
Citations
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-klonopin
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314790
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/rehab-treatment/mixing-klonopin
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt35325/NSDUHFFRPDFWHTMLFiles2020/2020NSDUHFFR1PDFW102121.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482238/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1761923/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2043125/
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms
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