The Dangers of Mixing Klonopin & Alcohol

Most prescription medications shouldn’t be taken with alcohol. This is a dangerous combo that can lead to several unfortunate health problems. When taken under the controlled environment of a medical doctor, the negative effects of these drugs can be minimized.

However, most recreational users of this drug tend to take Klonopin and other prescription medications along with alcohol in order to increase the effects of the drugs. Even if you’ve been prescribed the drug by a doctor, this doesn’t mean you’re free from the negative effects of combining the two substances.

Below we cover the effects of alcohol and Klonopin, the risks factors that become amplified when mixing the two together, and the treatment options you can consider.

The Effects of Alcohol & Klonopin

On their own, each substance has a wide array of damaging effects. However, when these substances are combined the damaging effects only become amplified. Combining the two can lead to suicidal thoughts, paranoia and increased anxiety.

Alcohol will enhance the effects of Klonopin when the two substances are combined. Mostly, alcohol will start to bring forth the negative side effects of the drug. If you’ve been prescribed Klonopin for medical reasons, then drinking while taking the drug can stop the drug from working properly.

Since the effects of the drugs are heightened when they are taken together, this will increase the likelihood of becoming addicted to both substances.

How these drugs will interact in your body will depend on a variety of factors. However, the most common negative effects are highlighted below:

• Dizziness
• Memory impairment and general fogginess
• Sleepiness and general drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• High risk of seizure
• Lack of motor control and coordination

Risks of Combining Alcohol & Klonopin

Beyond the general health risks associated with combining the two, you also increase your risk of putting yourself into dangerous situations. The two substances together will increase the likelihood of overdose, accidental death, and increase your chances of getting into a motor-related incident.

If you’ve already developed a tolerance to Klonopin over time, then your regular dosage will be much higher. When drinking, you might have poor judgment, and fail to remember how much Klonopin you’ve already taken, which can lead to an overdose.

Being under the influence of both substances will only impair your judgment and ability to function in the world.

See Related: Klonopin High

Signs & Symptoms of Addiction

When you’ve been taking Klonopin for a long period of time, then you’ll start to experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug. These symptoms can signal that you’re addicted to the drug, and it’s time to seek out treatment.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Loss of memory
• Rapid heartbeat and sweating
• General body achiness
• Vomiting and stomach pain
• Numbness and lack of vision
• Panic attacks and increased anxiety

Addiction to two substances, or polysubstance abuse, can complicate the withdrawal and detox processes. In a recent study by The Recovery Village, polysubstance abuse increased the likelihood of experiencing more dangerous or severe withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox. Compared to respondents who were only detoxing from alcohol, people detoxing from alcohol and at least one other substance were:

• 2.14 times more likely to experience Delirium tremens (DT)
• 2.25 times more likely to experience seizures
• 1.6 times more likely to experience hallucinations

Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment

When taking the two substances together it can be possible for a dual addiction to form. This means that you’re not only dependent on Klonopin, but alcohol as well. In order to effectively treat these addictions, you need to find a center that specializes in dual diagnosis recovery. Effective treatment will treat both alcohol and Klonopin addictions separately and together.

Treatment programs will commonly include therapy to address your current addictions, as well as, other programs to address co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. The length of your stay at the facility, and the treatment program you require will depend upon the severity of your addiction to alcohol and Klonopin.

If you, or a loved one, has been suffering from the debilitating effects of alcohol or Klonopin, then get in touch with our team of specialists today.