Why would dr prescribe klonopin (clonazepam) to a recovering addict for insomnia? tried seraquel, serequel xr, and trazadone to no avail

Klonopin (clonazepam) : Klonopin (clonazepam) can be used for detoxification or treatment of severe anxiety. Klonopin (clonazepam) is sometimes prescribed to assist with insomnia because it is often sedating. It is clear that previous trials of strong medications to aid your sleep were not helpful. Your doctor may have considered using Klonopin (clonazepam) because trials with other medications were not successful. Klonopin (clonazepam) falls into a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are mood altering substances with risk for tolerance / addiction. There is a degree of inherent risk when an addict is taking potentially addictive medications. It is especially important for patients with addictions to ask questions about any medications that might be prescribed and to insure that their medical providers are aware of their specific addictions. Exploring solutions that pose no risk to your sobriety may benefit you. Dr bunt's recommendation for progressive muscle relaxation is excellent. Another option is auricular (ear) acupuncture. It can be used in combination with progressive muscle relaxation or as a stand alone treatment. It will not pose the risk of medication side effects or endangering your sobriety. There are safe, simple and effective acupuncture protocols for both addiction and insomnia.

Klonopin (clonazepam) : Klonopin (clonazepam) is a member of a highly addictive class of medications, and generally would not be considered appropriate to prescribe to a recovering addict except perhaps as part of a detox protocol, for benzos or alcohol. It's not even a great choice for sleep. Sure, it can knock a person out, but it alters the "sleep architecture" such that a person doesn't even get normal sleep, so it's not as restful and restorative as it should be. Regardless of whatever else you take or do, please look up "progressive muscle relaxation" on the internet. Recent research has shown that if you do an exercise like that (meditative, activating the "relaxation system" of the brain) for 15-20 minutes every day (more often is even better), after 4-5 months, there is physical growth in the part of the brain which controls anxiety, which is visible by neuro-imaging techniques! read that last line again. It's a real game changer, and as i love to say; the biggest news to come down the pike in psychiatry, in the last 50+ years!