Clonidine Addiction Treatment Near You
Clonidine is a doctor-prescribed medication used to control high blood pressure. Clonidine can be addictive. It does affect brain chemistry and as such it does have the ability to become habit-forming. Attempting to detox from the drug, Clonidine without professional help can be very difficult, which is why we recommend reaching out to the addiction specialists at a qualified rehabilitation treatment center near you. Here at Ambrosia Treatment Center in Port St. Lucie, FL, we utilize the latest Clonidine drug abuse treatments, including contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These treatments have proven to be effective for Clonidine addiction, as well as substance abuse to other legal and illegal drugs.
Through our motivational enhanced therapy sessions, we help people understand and focus their energy on the benefits of continued abstinence from drug use instead of on the drug itself. And in our cognitive behavioral therapy, individuals learn skills to help them deal with addiction-related situations as they arise. These effective strategies help to cut the probability of patients falling back into a cycle of Clonidine abuse significantly.
At Ambrosia Treatment Center, we have three locations throughout Florida; West Palm Beach, Singer Island & Port St. Lucie. We offer a holistic and supportive approach within our nationally-recognized rehab program that focuses on each one of our client’s individual needs. If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to a drug like Clonidine you don’t need to feel ashamed or feel as though you have to do it on your own. There is help.
What Is Clonidine?
Part of the class of drugs called antihypertensives, there are actually two types of Clonidine on the market. Catapres which is Clonidine hydrochloride or Clonidine hcl works by altering nerve impulses in the brain, which allows blood vessels to relax and let blood pass through them more easily, which lowers blood pressure. Kapvay is an extended-release version of Clonidine designed to help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD either alone or paired with other drugs. Either version does have a sedative quality to them, which can help a user achieve a twilight high type feeling. Clonidine can also be used to help people who are dealing with an addiction to opiates such as heroin, however, it does have the ability to lower the person’s blood pressure so it is not the top choice.
Is Clonidine Addictive?
Clonidine has the potential for abuse and most often is abused in conjunction with other drugs including heroin, opiates, and methadone. When a doctor prescribes Clonidine they will typically begin with a dosage of 0.1mg to be taken when waking up in the morning and at bedtime. This dosage can be upped to 0.2mg or even 0.6mg depending on the person’s responsiveness to the drug. Because it is designed to regulate high blood pressure when prescribed it should be taken even when feeling okay. It comes in transdermal patch or pill form, and should not be crushed or chewed because of its time-release aspect. On the street, Clonidine is known under the names that most sedatives are: chill pills, downers, candy, sleeping pills, or tranks.
Side Effects of Clonidine
It is important to watch for possible side effects when using Clonidine, especially if it is a child prescribed the drug for ADHD. If any of the following occur it is important to contact the prescribing doctor or to seek medical attention:
- drowsiness, dizziness
- dry mouth
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- dry eyes
- insomnia
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- irregular heartbeat
- slow heart rate
- severe headache
- blurred vision
- nosebleeds
- irritability, anxiety, or confusion
- lightheadedness
It is also dangerous to mix Clonidine with alcohol as it can escalate the effects of the drug on one’s system and increase the chance of an overdose. If you or someone you know has overdosed on Clonidine it is imperative they seek medical attention right away or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 for more instruction.
How To Tell If You Are Addicted To Clonidine
Because Clonidine is used to manage either high blood pressure or ADHD, it is prescribed as a long-term drug. This means that the potential for addiction is particularly strong. Withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur when a person is attempting to discontinue using Clonidine and can include things such as, headaches, tremors, anxiety and agitation.
If a person is dealing with a Clonidine addiction they could also be exhibiting any of the following behaviors:
- Lying about the usage of the drug
- Attempting to get extra doses
- Neglecting social habits and responsibilities
- Obsessive thoughts about the drug
- Failed attempts to quit to a refusal to quit
Attempting to quit using any sort of doctor-prescribed medication can be quite difficult, but it is possible. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to Clonidine seeking professional help is the best way to successfully deal with the withdrawal period and to take control of your life again.
Clonidine Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Port St. Lucie, FL
Ambrosia Treatment Center Drug & Alcohol Rehab & Detox in-patient, out-patient, detoxification, substance abuse rehab centers provide advanced addiction recovery treatment. Get your health, future, and family back with top-rated compassionate care at one of our Drug Alcohol Rehab Centers. Recover at our therapeutic, sun-filled, palm tree-lined, addiction rehabilitation centers. Ambrosia’s drug & alcohol rehab experts have been featured in the media hundreds of times including at CBS, NBC, CNN, Washington Post, Forbes & The Wall Street Journal. You’re in the right place to make real change.
To get started today, visit our admissions process page and fill out the form. One of our experienced staff members will contact you and help you or your loved one begin their recovery.
