Klonopin Addiction Statistics

How Many People Are Addicted to Klonopin in the U.S.?

Exact data for Klonopin addiction rates in the U.S. are not widely available. However, Klonopin falls under the benzodiazepines class of drugs, also including Xanax, Valium, alprazolam, and more.

A 2022 report shows that 1.3% (or roughly 3.7 million people) aged 12 and older misused prescription benzodiazepines (benzos) in the United States.

Roughly 2% of people who use benzos develop a drug addiction, with 80% of that population self-reported getting the drug from family or friends.

Klonopin Addiction Rates in the U.S. vs. Other Nations

Global consumption of Klonopin, grouped under the collective rate of benzos, shows its prevalence in countries with a high rate of mental health disorders such as anxiety and more. These countries also have high GDPs (or gross domestic product).

 2018 global data shows the top 10 countries for benzo abuse include:

• Serbia
• Portugal
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Spain
• Latvia
• Hungary
• Luxembourg
• Puerto Rico (U.S.)
• Japan

Statistics on Klonopin Use

In 2019, an estimated 92 million Americans were prescribed benzodiazepines, with 23.7 million of those prescriptions written for Klonopin. Of that population, the risk of addiction is roughly 17% for those who misuse benzos.

The risk of addiction, overdose, and severe klonopin withdrawal symptoms highlights the importance of monitoring benzo drug use.

This is especially true for at-risk populations, such as older and younger adults, who have a higher likelihood of using and abusing benzodiazepines.

Klonopin is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, and seizures. It works by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

GABA is a naturally occurring chemical that inhibits neurotransmission to induce a calming effect on the user’s central nervous system. It can also be used in the short term to treat insomnia and muscle spasms.

Stopping the use of benzos can cause moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be potentially life-threatening for long-term and high-dose users.

These withdrawals may include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Muscle pain
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

Statistics on Klonopin Abuse

Long-term use of benzos like Klonopin as an anti-anxiety, panic, and seizure disorder drug can build tolerance, physical dependence, and cravings.

This, in turn, can lead to substance abuse and a substance use disorder, increasing the potential of drug mixing and the risk of overdose.

A 2018 study reported that 5.2 million people misused benzodiazepines for the following reasons: 

• 3% to relax and relieve tension
• 4% to help with sleep
• 8% to get high
• 5% to help with emotional distress
• 7% for experimentation
• 5% to increase or decrease the effects of other drugs (i.e., opioids or alcohol)

Misuse of Klonopin can lead to short- and long-term side effects.

These often include:

Short-term side effects:

• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Impaired judgment

Long-term side effects:

• Physical dependence
• Cognitive impairment
• Respiratory depression
• Depression
• Emotional numbness

Klonopin Addiction Statistics by Demographic

Klonopin addiction and the need for addiction treatment can vary by different demographics.

Gender and Klonopin Use

Research shows that there is no major difference in the rates of Klonopin use or benzodiazepine misuse between men and women.

Although women were more likely to be prescribed benzos for mental health conditions (at roughly 60% compared to about 45% for men), abuse rates remained about the same.

Both men and women were found to misuse benzos at around 40%, while regular misuse (classified at 3 times per week) hovered between 25-30% for both genders.

Age and Klonopin Use

Klonopin use patterns differ based on age. Older adults are more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepine medications by a healthcare provider.

Benzodiazepine use by age group shows:

• Adults aged 18-35 report a 2.6% use rate, with Klonopin prescribed primarily as a short-term treatment for anxiety or panic disorders.
• Adults aged 36-50 have an increased use rate of 5.4% for anxiety and sleep disorders.
• Adults aged 51-64 have the highest long-term use rate at 7.4% for chronic anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health concerns.
• Adults aged 65 and older have a 5.2% use rate. However, there is a growing concern for severe side effects like cognitive decline for this age group.

Race and Klonopin Use

Benzodiazepine use, including Klonopin statistics, shows significant differences between racial groups. Data from 2019 shows that:

• Non-Hispanic White adults make up 12.9% of users for anxiety, insomnia, and mental health disorders
• Non-Hispanic Black adults reported a 4.5% use rate for anxiety and other related disorders
• Hispanic adults reported a 5.6% use rate, with Klonopin less frequently prescribed

*Sufficient data could not be calculated for Native American/Indigenous and Asian populations.

Socioeconomic Factors and Klonopin Use

Various socioeconomic factors can influence benzo use rates, including Klonopin use. These include income level, access to healthcare, education levels, and more.

Research shows a benzodiazepine use pattern of decline as income increases.

Reasons for higher use in lower-income populations may include:

• Higher rates of anxiety and stress from financial stress, job insecurity, social pressures, and mental health disorders
• Limited access to therapy and alternative mental health treatment options like non-drug interventions (i.e., from costs and time barriers, etc.)
• Healthcare disparities include limited opportunities for preventative care, leaving benzodiazepines as a quick solution for chronic mental health conditions.

Increasing the number of mental health treatment centers in areas with limited to no healthcare access—along with less drug-reliant treatment plans—may decrease Klonopin dependence.

Klonopin Overdose Rates

Klonopin is a schedule IV drug, meaning its use requires medical supervision, especially for prescriptions of higher doses.

Specific overdose and emergency room visit rates are not readily available for Klonopin. It is instead grouped under benzodiazepine-related overdoses.

In 2021, benzos were involved in 12,499 overdose deaths. This rate is typically combined with other prescription drugs like opioids or alcohol, causing respiratory failure.

Statistics on Effects of Klonopin Misuse

The 3.7 million benzodiazepines (including Klonopin) misusers highlight a need for detoxification and treatment programs to prevent the harmful effects of Klonopin misuse.

Benzodiazepine abuse may result in:

• Poly-drug use may not be seen as a life-threatening issue for some users, but it can lead to long-term mental and physical health impairments, coma, and even death
• Babies born of Klonopin users may develop birth defects requiring intensive medical care
• Physical symptoms like anxiety, seizures, and sleepiness could intensify
• Excessive drowsiness could increase the risk of accidents and falls, which can be especially harmful for older adults

Find Supportive Resources for Klonopin Addiction Now

If you or a loved one are struggling with a Klonopin addiction, personalized and compassionate Klonopin addiction treatment can help you make a full recovery.

You can find both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. First, search for treatment centers near you by visiting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). They offer a treatment finder tool that shows all providers in the U.S.

If you want targeted, accessible support from home, consider looking at treatment options through BetterHelp. Here, you can find a therapist who works with you and switch therapists as needed.

You can also contact us today to get the help you need to regain control of your life.