Transcend Recovery Community has addressed the question, "How long does Klonopin stay in your system?" and collected all the relevant information that you may need to know, such as what to do if you tested positive; its withdrawal symptoms and signs of abuse, its half-life, types of drug testing, and treatment options. Read on to know more.
How Long Does Klonopin Last in the Body and by Type of Drug Tests?
A random drug test is done in most organizational settings, be it in school or at work. The drug screening process is crucial to find out if a student or employee indeed tested positive as it may impact the morale of the organization, as well as their performance. Drug tests also verify if someone indeed is addicted to the substance.
Klonopin in Urine Tests
The University of Rochester Medical Center explains that it can stay for at least seven days.
Klonopin in Hair Follicle Tests
A hair follicle test or hair test may take 90 days or 3 months to detect traces of Klonopin.
Klonopin in Saliva Tests
Of all the lab tests, the saliva test has the shortest period of drug detection in the system just a few hours since the last dose.
Klonopin Detection in Blood Tests
A blood test may detect the drug for several days, approximately 3 to 5, compared to other tests.
What is Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Klonopin is the brand name for Clonazepam, belonging to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. The prescription drug is mainly used for controlling seizures and panic disorder. Klonopin enhances GABA, a chemical that interacts directly with the central nervous system.
It comes in various forms such as an oral tablet and a dissolving tablet. The brand name Klonopin also comes in various dosages. It's not unusual to find long-acting benzodiazepine variants with an extended period for its effects.
Klonopin is a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act, similar to other illicit drugs. That's why the proper use of Clonazepam should be observed at all times. It has a long half-life of about 30 to 40 hours.
Here are some side effects associated with Klonopin use:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- increased saliva production
- elevated blood pressure
Determining Factors on How Long Klonopin Stays in Your System
Our body has an elaborate process of eliminating unwanted toxins and chemicals away from itself. However, if someone engages in consistent substance abuse, our body would understandably have a harder time processing it.
Drugs like DMT, have varying determining factors in how long it stays. The same holds for Klonopin. Here are the factors that would let you answer, "How long does Klonopin stay in your system?"
- Klonopin's half-life - Experts argue that Klonopin has a half-life of almost two days—the time half of it leaves the body immediately.
- Good and functioning kidney and liver - People who have renal or hepatic issues may understandably have a hard time processing Klonopin use.
- Body weight - Overweight or obese individuals may have a longer time detoxifying their bodies after they abuse Klonopin compared to a lighter person.
- Co-occurring dysfunctions - People who have mental health disorders on top of taking Klonopin may have a harder time going through long-term recovery. They may try going through trauma therapy to process their substance abuse.
- Existing medical conditions - If you or someone you suspect of addiction has an autoimmune disease or comorbidities, having too much Klonopin may impact their system.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Klonopin?
Going through withdrawal may prove to be a tough challenge for most people if they want to achieve long-term sobriety. But the thing is, stopping reliance on drugs is a crucial step for any person to start becoming better.
Sure, it may be hard especially if psychological dependence is the top contributing factor. But it is not altogether impossible. As your body adjusts slowly from not receiving any drugs, here's what you may encounter.
- hallucinations
- seizures
- suicidal thoughts
- depressive thoughts
- intense Klonopin cravings
- lethargy
- abdominal aches
- fever-like symptoms
You should note that while these withdrawal symptoms are generally mild, some individuals may feel severe symptoms. When that happens, always consult with your attending specialist or medical professional—especially when it involves depression or suicidal thoughts.
Also, remember that withdrawal should not be done abruptly and must be a slow and deliberate process to avoid any extreme withdrawal problems in the long run.
About Klonopin Misuse and Addiction Treatment
Here are some tell-tale signs that someone is under the influence of Klonopin. It may be more challenging to spot. But with close observation and scrutiny, you can ascertain if someone does manifest these signs.
Let's look at each one of them:
- numbing of hands and feet
- rashes or hives
- light and sound sensitivity
- increased salivation
- breathing difficulty
- "doctor shopping" for prescription medication
- Using Klonopin for non-medical or prescription reasons
- short-term memory loss
- confusion
- isolation from friends, family, partner/spouse
- Psychosis
- Noticeable decline in academic or work performance
The good thing is that even if you remove other factors from the equation, there's still a chance to get treatment from various recovery specialists. Here are some recommended and supplementary programs:
- behavioral therapy (dialectical, cognitive-behavioral)
- Solo/group sessions ("talk" therapy)
- alternative therapy (spiritual retreats, art, and music therapy)
- sober living arrangements
Most specialists would advise that even if someone has finished their recovery program, it's best to stay in a halfway house to ensure that they are taken care of and that any form of relapse will be out of the question.
How To Get Help from Klonopin Addiction?
When you're calling out for help and no one seems to answer, there's no need to fear or worry. Recovery partners like Transcend Recovery Community are here with you to guide you in every step of the process.
Just reach out to a recovery counselor to connect you to a specialist who would then diagnose you. You would need to go through a series of various drug tests to better ascertain the treatment placement tailored for your specific condition. It may involve transitional housing and other empowering programs to enrich your life.
Don't hesitate to contact us to get you started with your journey to a better you.
