Dangers of Mixing Klonopin and Alcohol

Learn about the risks, dangers, and side effects of mixing Klonopin and alcohol in this informative article.

Table of Contents

What Is Klonopin?

Klonopin, a brand name for the benzodiazepine drug clonazepam, works by slowing down brain activity to produce a sense of calm and relaxation. Doctors often prescribe this medication to treat epilepsy and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines are the third most abused drug in the U.S., accounting for 2.2% of the population misusing this drug. 1
klonopin and alcohol

Contact Profound Treatment to Learn More

Our team is standing by to discuss treatment options with you. Your call is completely confidential and no obligation is required.

Call Us 24/7

Can You Drink Alcohol With Klonopin?

A Klonopin and alcohol mix is not recommended. Both drugs are depressants, so taking them together will increase their effects. Combining them can lead to the following:

  • Excessive drowsiness or sleepiness
  • A lack of coordination, which can increase the risk of an accident
  • Depressed breathing, which can be fatal
  • Liver damage
  • Memory issues

Is Mixing Klonopin and Alcohol Dangerous?

Yes, mixing Klonopin and alcohol is dangerous as it can slow heart rate, induce a coma, and cause a lack of muscle coordination, increasing the risk of an accident. It can even result in a fatal Klonopin overdose.

Signs of Addiction to Alcohol and Klonopin

Here are some side effects of Klonopin and alcohol that may be indicative of dependency issues:
  • Changes in Personality: Someone addicted to Klonopin and drinking may experience changes in brain chemistry that make them excessively relaxed when under the influence of both substances and agitated when they are not in their system. They may also exhibit dishonest behavior in trying to attain the drugs.
  • Dizziness: Drinking on Klonopin slows down breathing, preventing less oxygen from getting to the brain and causing dizziness.
  • Numbness of Limbs:  Mixing Klonopin with alcohol can cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness of the limbs.
  • Memory Loss: Both Klonopin and alcohol slow down brain activity, which can cause memory loss.
  • Confusion: Slowed brain activity can cause confusion.
  • Hallucinations: The mix of Klonopin and alcohol can alter perception, potentially leading to hallucinations.

Who Abuses Klonopin and Alcohol?

While benzodiazepine abuse affects 2.2% of the U.S. population, alcohol addiction affects 5.3%. As a result, combining Klonopin and alcohol may occur often. Discover various reasons why individuals abuse Klonopin and alcohol: 3

  •  People dealing with severe anxiety and mental illness may begin drinking on Klonopin to further reduce the effects of anxiety.  
  • Individuals may combine Klonopin with alcohol because they feel the medication is not effective enough on its own.
  • People may mix Klonopin and alcohol as a form of recreational drug use.

What Are the Effects of Mixing Klonopin and Alcohol?

Mixing Klonopin & alcohol can cause the following side effects:
  • Blurred Vision:  Blurred vision is one of the common side effects of Klonopin, which can become more severe when someone mixes clonazepam with alcohol.
  • Memory and Cognitive Problems: Both Klonopin and alcohol slow down brain activity, making memory and cognitive problems more likely.
  • Headaches:  Headaches are a common occurrence with Klonopin and alcohol interactions.
  • Problems With Coordination:  The relaxing effects of clonazepam mixed with alcohol can cause issues with coordination.
  • Vomiting and Loss of Appetite: Vomiting and loss of appetite are common clonazepam and alcohol side effects.
  • Insomnia and Other Sleep Problems: Both Klonopin and alcohol have relaxing effects. Once the body becomes accustomed to and dependent on these effects, sleeping can be difficult if they are not in the system.
  • Coma: Klonopin and drinking make it difficult to wake a person up, and they may fall into a coma.
  • Death: Klonopin and drinking slow down breathing rate, which can stop completely, resulting in a fatal Klonopin overdose.

Can You Overdose on Klonopin and Alcohol?

Yes, you can overdose on Klonopin and alcohol. For clonazepam, taking a dose higher than 0.08 mcg/mL is considered toxic, and the risks increase when combined with other central nervous depressants. 4
Here are some signs of an alcohol and Klonopin overdose:
  • Altered Mental Status: Altered mental status occurs when the drugs disrupt proper brain functioning, causing a change in behavior. Symptoms can range from minor confusion to complete disorientation, from increased sleepiness to coma.
  • Ataxia (Slowed Movement):  Ataxia is a Klonopin overdose brain damage symptom. It’s caused by poor muscle control, usually related to damage in the region of the brain that is responsible for muscle movement.
  • Slurred Speech: Slurred speech is a common symptom of a drug overdose.

When Can You Take Klonopin After Drinking?

It’s best never to take Klonopin and alcohol together. If someone drinks one glass of wine, they may be able to take a small dose of clonazepam a few hours later, but not at the same time.

How Long After Taking Klonopin Can You Drink?

The half-life of Klonopin is very long, ranging from thirty to forty hours. To play it safe, do not consume alcohol for nine days after taking Klonopin.

Get Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment at Profound Recovery

Klonopin and alcohol are a dangerous combination. Fortunately, Profound Recovery offers effective methods for breaking the cycle. Here’s what’s involved:

klonopin with alcohol

Drug and Alcohol Detox

Detox is typically the first step in the rehab process, involving eliminating the substances from the body. The patient will experience withdrawal as they get used to being without the drugs and alcohol in their system. But the medical staff will oversee the process and keep them as comfortable as possible.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab

After detox is complete, the patient will move on to rehab. Therapy plays a major role in the recovery process. Specific methods and personalized treatment plans are used to treat addiction and its underlying cause simultaneously.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is commonly integrated into rehab. It involves a group of patients meeting to discuss their experience with substances and the recovery process. It provides the support the patient needs to recover and lets them know they are not alone.

Aftercare Recovery Programs

After the patient completes rehab, aftercare is provided to ensure they maintain sobriety.
In addition to our comprehensive recovery process, Profound also stands out for our unique treatment approach. We combine traditional and alternative therapies to ensure patients get the individualized care they require. We combine our expert evidence-based care with luxury accommodations and quality healthy cuisine.

Drinking on Klonopin can greatly reduce the quality of life. If you find yourself taking Klonopin with alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out to Profound for the treatment you need today. We will help you achieve a higher quality of life.

logo
Start your healing today>>
phone number (310) 929-9546