Addiction to Klonopin

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Klonopin or k-pin is a benzodiazepine drug having anti convulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties. Clonazepam is classified as a high potency benzodiazepine and is sometimes used as a second-line treatment of epilepsy. Clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, used primarily for treatment for acute seizures, is not suitable for the long-term treatment of seizures due to the patient developing a tolerance to the anti convulsant effects. Clonazepam is also used for the treatment of panic disorder. If you live in South Carolina and are suffering from addiction to Klonopin, see: Klonopin Addiction.

Those most prone to addiction to Klonopin tend to be the elderly. Those aged 65 years and older seem to become the most dependent on this drug. The elderly metabolize benzodiazepines at a vastly slower rate than younger individuals and are  more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines. Doses for the elderly are recommended to be about half of that which is given to younger adults and given for no longer 2 to 2 1/2 weeks at the most.
Klonopin  and the elderly
Long-acting benzodiazepines such as clonazepam are not generally recommended for the elderly because of the high risk of drug accumulation. Caution in the elderly: increased risk of impairments, falls and drug accumulation. Individuals and individuals with co morbid psychiatric disorders such as multiple personality disorders, etc are especially in danger of suffering the most ill side effects. Clonazepam is generally not recommended for use in elderly people for insomnia due to its high potency relative to other benzodiazepines. Particularly important especially among the elderly is the withdrawal effects that can be dangerous. Abrupt withdrawal from clonazepam may result in the development of the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome causing psychosis characterized by dysphoric manifestations, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, and hallucinations. Sudden withdrawal may also induce the potentially life threatening condition status epilepticus. Anti epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam in particular, should be reduced slowly and gradually before discontinuing the drug to reduce withdrawal effects. Carbamazepine has been used in the treatment of clonazepam withdrawal and has been found to be ineffective in preventing clonazepam withdrawal status epilepticus from occurring, which is important to take into consideration. psychotic manifestations, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, and hallucinations. Sudden withdrawal may also induce the potentially life threatening condition status epilepticus.

Anti epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam in particular, should be reduced slowly and gradually when discontinuing the drug to reduce withdrawal effects. Carbamazepine has been used in the treatment of clonazepam withdrawal and has been found to be somewhat ineffective in preventing clonazepam withdrawal  status epilepticus from occurring. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition in which the brain is in a state of persistent seizure. Typically it is defined as one continuous unremitting seizure lasting longer than 30 minutes. Medical attention must be sought immediately for this.

Least dangerous/benign side effects:

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Confusion

Loss of or impaired motor function

Lack of coordination and balance

These side effects are typically experienced when used in the short term.

Side effects when combined with other drugs:

Use of alcohol and other depressants intensifies the general effects of the drug.

Withdrawal dangers:

Klonopin use is especially dangerous when it is used of the drug is abruptly discontinued after long term use. Everyone who continually use Klonopin long term becomes what is known as low dose dependent. Side effects of the drug itself are generally benign, but sudden withdrawal after long-term use can cause severe, even fatal, symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal include:

Anxiety

Irritability

Insomnia

Panic Attacks

Tremors

DT’s (Delirium Tremens)

Long term use dangers:

Withdrawal from Klonopin can last from months to a life time. This occurs in those at high risk for dependency. This results because of brain damage which is usually irreversible. Some symptoms include:

Anxiety

Insomnia

Tinnitus

Tingling and numbness in limbs

Muscle pain and tension

Cramps

Weakness

Irritable bowel

Cognitive difficulties

If you suspect you are addicted to Klonopin, or any other drug, see: The Addicted Family for additional support and information.

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Amy Winehouse's death due to alcohol poisoning

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While this latest news may not be a surprise to anyone in particular, it does drive home the very real threat of alcoholism and death. Amy Winehouse is the public face that we can give this deadly disease today, however there have certainly been many famous celebrities that have come before her, see: Janie Lane's sister suspects alcohol played a part in singer's death. If you live in South Carolina and are battling alcoholism like Winehouse was, seek help today by contacting: South Carolina Depart of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.

The coroner investigating Winehouse's death, Suzanne Greenaway gave an official ruling of “death by misadventure.” The singer died after the resumption of drinking alcohol following a brief period of sobriety. Death by misadventure may be the terminology used, but to many it would be better received and have greater impact to call it more definitively, “death by alcohol poisoning.” Why? Well simply put, words can easily usher those who drink heavily into that perpetual denial they exist in.

It is as easy for an alcoholic to dismiss a term like “misadventure” as it is for a chronic smoker to say, “oh this cough is because there is too much dust in the air.” Those caught in the grasp of addiction, in fact grasp onto many things that help them avoid confronting their illness, even words. Amy Winehouse is not the first to relapse, and she certainly will not be the last, however the key thing to remember is that the disease of alcoholism is a very real, very deadly disease and should be regarded as such. If you or a loved one is in the very real danger of dying from this disease seek information and treatment resources here: The Addicted Family.

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• Resources and help for alcoholism

Could family intervention save Michael Jackson?

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According to reports and television interviews, Michael Jackson's family stated they did try interventions with the popular King of Pop. However, in a recent interview given by former wife Lisa Marie Presley with Oprah Winfrey, Presley stated that the singer could simply "ice you out" whenever he decided, making it extremely difficult for many to intervene. "Icing" a loved one or friend "out" according to Lisa Marie, simply meant to cut you off and out of his life. If you live in South Carolina and suffer from any form of addiction, including insomnia drug use see: Drug Addiction South Carolina.

This isn't exactly unheard of with many drug addicts, however with the money and access afforded only the rich and famous it is highly effective. While Jackson's physician does bear a great deal of the blame, the truth is, Jackson was not going to be deterred in his acquiring the drug Propofol.

Dr. Conrad Murray will no doubt be found guilty in his part of this deadly lifestyle, however one has

to wonder, what more could have been done?

In cases like this, those closest to Jackson might have considered the children's welfare. Although

by most accounts Jackson was a wonderful father, the truth is, an addict, even a famous one can not

be beyond reproach. If an addict engages in a behavior that can ultimately cause an untimely death,

this is negligence on some level. Should someone have raised these questions to the proper authorities, child welfare, etc. and might we have seen a different outcome in Michael Jackson's life?

Presley also stated in the same interview that on many occasions where Jackson was on television she could tell he was under the influence. Perhaps during the time when he so carelessly dangled his infant son from a balcony in Berlin, the red flag was waving prominently. Again, one has to ask, if child protective services had intervened, would this have made a difference? Had this been anyone else, surely an investigation would have ensued. In summary, the death of Michael Jackson was fostered by more than just one person, there were many that could have done more, and getting “iced out” may have been worth it to not only spare the singer's life, but spare his children of the grief and loss they suffered as well.

 

 

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Addiction to inhalants

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Addiction to inhalants

All too often addiction to inhalants becomes overshadowed by other drugs like meth and crack cocaine. However, inhalants are just as deadly and even scarier, because they are easier to obtain due to the fact many are sold in many retail stores for other purposes. If you live in South Carolina and are suffering from inhalant abuse, or have a loved one suffering see: State Rehab Information - South Carolina

What are inhalants?

Inhalants are a broad range of drugs whose volatile vapors are taken in via the nose and trachea. Most inhalant drugs that are used non-medically are ingredients in household or industrial chemical products that are not intended to be concentrated and inhaled. A small number of recreational inhalant drugs are pharmaceutical products that are used illicitly.

Categories of inhalants - volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrites

Side effects of using inhalants

Short term adverse side effects of abusing inhalants include dilated pupils, palpitations, breathing difficulties, disorientation, headaches, nausea and a chemical smell on the breath. In extreme cases they can include death from suffocation or heart failure, as well as vivid hallucinations and a tingling sensation in the extremities.

Long term side effects of using inhalants

• Bone marrow injury

• Heart damage

• Lung damage

• Liver damage and/or cirrhosis

• Kidney damage

• nerve cell damage

• Brain shrinkage
   
  
• Addiction and tolerance
  
  
• Withdrawal
   
• severe weight loss
   
• Muscle weakness
   
• confusion
  
  
• lack of concentration
   
• Poor coordination
   
• Irregular or rapid heart palpitations
  
  
• Irritability
   
• Depression
   
• Reduced ability to make rational decisions 
   
• Dementia
  
  
• Lost sense of touch
   
• Deafness
   
• Blindness
   
• Reproductive complications

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome:

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is the result of someone (usually a youth) sniffing inhalants. While it can occur with any variety of Inhalants, it has been reported largely due to the abuse of air conditioning coolant, butane, propane, and the chemicals in some aerosol products as well. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome can and does result in sudden cardiac arrest. The Inhalant causes the heart to beat rapidly and erratically, thus causing cardiac arrest in the user.

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