Mixing Alcohol and Klonopin

Both alcohol and Klonopin depress central nervous system functioning. When taken together, these effects become more pronounced and can even be deadly. Depressed breathing, heart rate, and a loss of coordination are the most marked and dangerous side effects.

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:

• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Memory and cognitive problems
• A headache
• Problems with coordination
• Vomiting and loss of appetite
• Insomnia and other sleep problems

When Klonopin and alcohol are mixed, dangerous side effects of the drug and alcohol are enhanced. People who do this risk overdose, hospitalization, serious injury, and even death.

Klonopin is similar to alcohol in that it also acts as a central nervous system depressant (CNS). For anxiety sufferers, Klonopin is highly effective for eliminating extreme feelings of fear and worry. Klonopin gives patients a sense of calm and relaxation. This feeling can become addictive, however.

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 combining the two so dangerous. 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 serious danger. If this happens, it’s crucial that they get swift medical attention.

According to a 2014 SAMHSA study, 32% of all ER visits for benzodiazepines like Klonopin resulted in serious outcomes for the patient, including permanent disability and overdose deaths. 44% of all surveyed ER visits involved mixing drugs like Klonopin with alcohol.

Young people who struggle with alcohol use disorder are the most likely to mix the two substances. Studies of undergraduate students found that rates of abusing alcohol and prescription drugs were as high as 12.1%. 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:

• People under the age of 25
• Individuals without a high school diploma
• People who are single
• People with a history of binge drinking

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 a prescription medication for other than its intended use is abusing it and this is a sign of a serious substance abuse disorder. Left untreated, a substance abuse problem and an alcohol abuse problem can cause severe, potentially deadly consequences for the individual. It’s crucial that people who struggle with alcohol and prescription drug abuse get help before they harm themselves.

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 are able to taper patients off prescription drugs safely, and can also give them medications to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Once the abused substances have worked their way out of the person’s 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 and if the person has adequate support to stay in inpatient rehab. Outpatient rehab is when patients are required to check in to the facility for treatment at certain times during the week.

It is during outpatient or inpatient rehab where 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 the patient 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, it is critical that they 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.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a prescription medication and alcohol addiction problem, reach out a trained drug abuse counselor today and get the help you need.