The average American was prescribed 17.2 prescriptions per person in 2017. That equals out to 5.8 billion prescriptions nationwide. There is no doubt that prescription medications can help improve people’s quality of life both physically and mentally, but being overprescribed can be extremely dangerous. This is especially true for individuals who struggle with mental health conditions like anxiety disorders and depression. And, generally speaking, it is also dangerous for those who are interested in experimenting with prescription drugs.
One of the most prescribed medications in the country is Klonopin. People who take Klonopin as prescribed benefit from it, but unfortunately many people abuse it to their own satisfaction. Not only is abusing this type of prescription medication dangerous on its own, but the dangers increase when other substances are also being abused at the same time. Mixing Klonopin and alcohol, for example, can have deadly consequences.
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin, known generically as clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication that is used in the treatment of panic disorder. Someone with a panic disorder often unexpectedly goes into a panic and is unable to stop themselves from feeling like they are spiraling out of control. Klonopin works to help calm the chaos that is occurring in both the mind and body so that the patient can get a strong grip on the situation. When taken as prescribed, individuals can benefit from minimizing the effects of panic disorder as well as reducing the severity of the panic attacks they have.
However, Klonopin is a habit-forming drug. This means that when used outside of how it is prescribed, Klonopin can lead to abuse, tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction. Many people who abuse or who are addicted to Klonopin use this drug because they enjoy the relaxation and sedation it produces. Unfortunately, the more that Klonopin is abused, the more likely an individual becomes to getting addicted to it, meaning that they have difficulty stopping their Klonopin abuse even if they desperately want to. A major red flag for Klonopin addiction is developing withdrawal symptoms when unable to use as much Klonopin as usual. Easily one of the most dangerous things to do outside of simply abusing Klonopin is to combine it with other mind-altering substances, especially alcohol.
Dangers of Mixing Klonopin and Alcohol
It is a common misconception that prescription medications — because they are written out by medical professionals — are not that dangerous. Unfortunately, that is not the case, especially when prescription medications are being mixed with alcohol.
Mixing Klonopin and alcohol is extremely dangerous. In truth, mixing any prescription medication with alcohol is typically a no-go. That does not mean that it doesn’t happen, though. When someone mixes Klonopin and alcohol, a number of effects can occur, many of which are dangerous. Consider the effects of both substances when used on their own:
Klonopin:
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Low heart rate
- Low respiratory rate
- Poor coordination
- Memory problems
- Problems with sleeping and eating
Alcohol:
- Changes in mood
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Anxiety
- Low heart rate
- Low respiratory rate
- Memory problems
Both Klonopin and alcohol are depressant substances, meaning that they will work to slow down everything in the mind and body. As listed above, many of the effects caused by each of these substances are similar. Some people might think that since the effects are similar, the dangers are less. That could not be farther from the truth. When using two medications that produce similar effects, it creates an increase in those effects, which can lead to serious problems. Someone who is mixing Klonopin and alcohol can experience the following dangers:
- Respiratory rate that becomes so low that asphyxiation becomes possible
- Cardiovascular complications that lead to low body temperature and low blood pressure
- Becoming so impaired that one’s actions can prove detrimental or deadly to themselves and/or others
- Inability to remember what has occurred around them when under the influence
- Blacking out and being susceptible to harm by others as a result
- Overdosing
These are just some of the many dangers that mixing Klonopin and alcohol can cause. The absolute best way to prevent any of these issues from occurring is to abstain from the use of either medication, or take Klonopin as your doctor has prescribed.
Can Klonopin and Alcohol Addiction Be Treated?
When someone is abusing more than one mind-altering substance, it is known as polysubstance abuse. Individuals who become addicted to Klonopin and alcohol face a unique set of challenges due to their polysubstance abuse, but that does not mean they cannot be treated. Just as with any other person addicted to drugs or alcohol, those who are addicted to mixing Klonopin and alcohol can obtain help at a professional facility that offers detox and therapeutic services.
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