Medication abuse is a severe problem in the United States. An estimated one in every four people who abuse prescription drugs will develop an addiction. Clonidine is a medication that is sometimes prescribed for treating high blood pressure, but it can also be abused. Since the medication can help control blood pressure, seniors have an exceptionally high risk of abuse. A Clonidine addiction treatment program can help break the cycle of drug abuse and addiction.
If you or a loved one struggles with Clonidine addiction, trying to quit on your own can be dangerous. At Northpoint Washington, our team of professional rehab specialists will tailor a personalized treatment plan to help you succeed in sobriety. Call us at 888.450.2153 to start substance abuse treatment in Edmonds, WA today.
What Is Clonidine?
Clonidine is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels throughout the body. The medication can also help with symptoms of ADHD, menopause, and withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. Clonidine works by slowing down the heart rate and decreasing the amount of blood that flows through the blood vessels.
The medicine can be sold under different brands including:
- Catapres
- Kapvay
- Nexiclon XR
It can be taken orally, or it can be injected. The medication usually comes in tablet form, and it is often combined with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine is also available as a patch, which is applied to the skin.
Since Clonidine can cause feelings of relaxation, it is sometimes abused. People who abuse Clonidine may do so because they are seeking a way to self-medicate their mental health or want to improve their focus or concentration.
Signs of Clonidine Abuse
People abuse medications when they start to take them for reasons other than for what they were prescribed. Clonidine abuse often starts when people begin to take the medication to get high. The medication can cause feelings of relaxation and calmness, which can be appealing to those who abuse drugs.
Some common signs of Clonidine abuse include:
- Changes in behavior
- Problems at work or school
- Money problems
- Sudden changes in friends
- Isolation from family and friends
As a person continues to abuse Clonidine, they often develop an increased tolerance to the medication. This means they need to take more of the drug to get the same effects. As tolerance builds, people who abuse Clonidine often begin to take the drug more frequently. They may take larger doses of the medication, or they may take it more often than prescribed.
Clonidine Withdrawal Symptoms
As a person’s tolerance to Clonidine builds, they become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. This means they need to take the drug just to feel normal. When people who are dependent on Clonidine stop taking the medication, they often experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological, and they can be very uncomfortable.
Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
Clonidine withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, and they can even be life-threatening. Since Clonidine helps lower blood pressure, stopping the drug can cause a sharp rebound in blood pressure. It is important to detox from Clonidine under the care of a medical professional.
Clonidine Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Washington
If you or a loved one struggles with Clonidine addiction, we can help. At Northpoint Washington, our team of professional rehab specialists will tailor a personalized treatment plan to help you succeed in sobriety.
Our inpatient treatment program offers a wide range of programs and services to meet your needs. Some of the programs and services we offer include:
- Detox – Medical detox is an important first step for many people on the road to recovery. During medical detox in our Edmonds, WA treatment center, we prioritize safety and comfort for patients as they clear their systems of drugs and alcohol.
- Individual therapy – One-on-one therapy is a crucial component of addiction treatment. In individual therapy sessions, our therapists will help you uncover the underlying causes of your addiction and learn how to manage your triggers in healthier ways.
- Group therapy – Group therapy can be an incredibly empowering experience for people in recovery. In group sessions, you will build relationships with peers who are also in recovery and support each other as you work toward sobriety.
- Family therapy – Family therapy is an important part of addiction recovery. In family therapy sessions, we will help your loved ones learn how to provide support and understanding as you work toward sobriety.
- Aftercare planning – Aftercare planning is an important part of the recovery process. After completing treatment, our team will help you create a plan for staying sober in the long term.
Your road to recovery starts when you commit to quitting Clonidine. Learn more about how our Clonidine addiction treatment can help you or a loved one when you contact us today at 888.450.2153