A common misconception of drug addiction and substance abuse is that people struggling with either are abusing only one substance at a time. In many cases, two or more substances are used in combination, which creates enhanced, desired effects for the user and subsequently intensifies the addictive outcomes for the user. The act of abusing more than one drug together is called ‘polydrug abuse.’
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States, and often, additional substances are used alongside alcohol to enhance the effects of the drugs. Mixing certain substances can be dangerous and potentially increase one’s likelihood of developing an addiction. Substance abuse’s additional adverse effects can lead to chronic memory loss and even death with long-term use.
When mixing Klonopin and alcohol, the effects of both drugs intensify, and the likelihood of developing consequences from this type of polydrug abuse increases. Many Americans struggle with this type of polydrug abuse, given that Klonopin is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and seizures. In the effort to spread awareness of the dangers of polydrug abuse, in this article, we discuss the adverse effects of alcohol and Klonopin individually and how these dangers are enhanced further when people mix Klonopin and alcohol simultaneously. Read on to learn more.
Alcohol Abuse: The Adverse Effects
The side effects of persistent alcohol abuse include depression, aggressive behavior, memory loss, and euphoria. On a physical level, consequences include coordination loss, unsteady heart rate or breathing, vomiting, stomach upsets, nausea, and slurred speech. The longer the time an individual is struggling with alcoholism, the more likely they are to develop serious issues that can be fatal, including strokes, pancreatitis, and other life-threatening conditions.
Klonopin Abuse: The Adverse Effects
The side effects of regular Klonopin abuse include drowsiness, frequent headaches, poor appetite, memory loss, blurry vision, vomiting, difficulty sleeping and insomnia, and slurred speech. Long-term effects are consistent with the long-term physical effects of alcohol abuse. Psychologically, chronic abuse of Klonopin may lead to effects like aggressive and antisocial behaviors, memory problems, and even Alzheimer’s.
Polydrug Abuse: Mixing Klonopin And Alcohol
Both alcohol and Klonopin are more likely to create enhanced, adverse effects for users when they are mixed. Likewise, the euphoric effects and relief that emerge from mixing Klonopin and alcohol are also intensified, making this form of addiction difficult to overcome. Abuse of Klonopin and alcohol can lead to severe consequences when mixed, as both drugs are classified as central nervous system depressants (CNS). When two CNS drugs are combined, like mixing Klonopin and alcohol, the individual is more susceptible to complications that can be fatal.
Treat Your Addiction Before It’s Too Late
If you are mixing Klonopin and alcohol, or are struggling with another form of polydrug abuse, get in touch with an addiction center to find resources and begin your recovery journey. Reach out to a treatment team as soon as possible to treat your addiction before it’s too late.