The dangers of snorting clonazepam cannot be understated. Clonazepam, or Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine drug used to control seizures or to alleviate symptoms of panic disorders. These benefits are owed to the way the drug reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain. However, there are serious risks associated with using, and particularly snorting, clonazepam.
If you or a loved one has been misusing Klonopin, our Klonopin addiction treatment may be able to help. Contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 to learn more about the dangers of snorting Klonopin. A brighter future is possible.
What Is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a brand name for the drug clonazepam, a benzodiazepine medication. Its primary use is to treat seizures and panic attacks by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It also has sedative properties that can be used to help people with insomnia fall asleep faster or stay asleep longer. It is prescribed in two forms, either as a tablet or as an orally disintegrating tablet. Though either may be used when snorting this substance, drug users generally prefer the former. Snorting Klonopin (also referred to as insufflation) creates a high much more quickly than when the drug is consumed orally.
The Dangers of Snorting Clonazepam
The nasal tissue is very delicate and easily damaged by foreign substances. In the least, snorting Klonopin causes irritation and, in the most severe cases, long-term damage. Medications are commonly manufactured with fillers or binders. These chemical substances can cause additional irritation and complications when snorted.
The prolonged snorting of Klonopin can cause sores, chronic inflammation, and crusted skin in the nasal passages. Many individuals develop chronic runny noses, nosebleeds, or whistling noises. Some individuals also experience chronic halitosis (bad breath). Recurrent sinus infections, or sinusitis, may also develop.
The nose is tasked with the important responsibility of filtering air before it reaches the lungs. Frequent insufflation of Klonopin makes this system far less capable and efficient. The damage to the nose, cilia (hair inside your nose), and mucous membranes decrease the quality of air our lungs receive.
More serious dangers of snorting Klonopin include:
- Blocked nasal airways
- Collapsed nasal passages
- Decreased, or complete loss of smell
- Loss of bone
- Perforated septum (hole in the tissue between the nostrils)
- Perforation in the roof of the mouth
- Saddle nose deformity (a broad, flat nose)
Certain individuals may experience damage so severe that they require reconstructive plastic surgery.
Additional Risks And Dangers Of Klonopin Use
In addition to the dangers which are caused by snorting the drug, any form of Klonopin use causes physical and mental health problems and reduced quality of life.
Physical concerns include:
- Adverse effects of pregnancy
- Motor incoordination
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Slurred speech
- Vertigo
While intoxicated on Klonopin, an individual has an increased risk of falls and accidents. Benzodiazepine intoxication is linked to an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. These accidents can cause personal injury or death to passengers and pedestrians alike.
Mental concerns include:
- Aggression
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Impaired thinking
- Memory problems
- Paranoia
- Rebound anxiety
- Rebound insomnia
Despite their use for improving mental health problems, research suggests that higher benzodiazepine doses may lead to depression and suicidal ideation.
Snorting Klonopin Can Cause Addiction Faster
Abusing a drug in any capacity exposes a person to the risk of addiction. Due to the quicker and more potent high, snorting Klonopin may make addiction happen faster.
When you crush a drug and snort it, it’s far more difficult to control the dose consumed. This can lead an individual to take more than they intended. These increased doses can result in unpredictable side effects and greater risks, including addiction.
Finding Klonopin Addiction Help at Vertava Health
We highly suggest that individuals pursuing treatment for a Klonopin addiction begin the process with medically-supervised detoxification. This program provides comprehensive medical care and monitoring throughout the duration of withdrawal. The use of medications, as needed, and compassionate support ensures a person is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 to learn more about the dangers of snorting clonazepam.
