Gabapentin Addiction and Treatment Options
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a gabapentinoid drug, which is commonly prescribed to treat seizure and convulsion disorders as well as severe pain. Sold under the brand name Neurontin, it also has off-label uses in the treatment of fibromyalgia and hot flashes. It is also a useful drug for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms, which may produce uncomfortable physical effects. Despite its medical uses, the mechanism by which it has an effect on the brain and nervous system can lead to abuse and addiction.
Gabapentin works by mimicking the effect of the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. This naturally-occurring neurotransmitter regulates motor control, cortical functions, and vision. More specifically, GABA can reduce unnecessarily high central nervous system activity. When people do not naturally produce enough GABA, they may become prone to motor control disorders like epilepsy or anxiety disorders. Gabapentin can be prescribed to take over this deficient function to create a feeling of sedation and tranquility.
This effect, which is similar to the relaxing effects of marijuana, can motivate individuals to use the drug outside of medical indications. Typically when taken as prescribed, gabapentin has a low potential for physical dependence and abuse. But if taken at higher doses or more frequently than prescribed, it can cause dependence and withdrawal like its more dangerous opioid counterparts.
Side effects of Gabapentin use
In addition to its intended calming effects, gabapentin use can lead to a host of detrimental side effects. These include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Heartburn
Tremors - Blurred vision
- Abnormal eye movements
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Issues with coordination
- Anxiety
- Speech impairment
- Diarrhea or constipation
Higher doses of gabapentin typically increase the likelihood and intensity of adverse effects. At extremely high doses, other side effects may include:
- Effects on memory
- Suicidal ideation
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Exacerbated medical problems (particularly with the kidney or respiratory system)
- Gabapentin toxicity, leading to death
Individuals with a history of kidney disease are especially prone to gabapentin toxicity because their condition slows the rate at which chemicals are metabolized out of the body. This means that the medication remains in the body for longer and its effects may be compounded by continued use.
Signs of Gabapentin abuse and addiction
Gabapentin may become a drug of abuse because it is often prescribed to individuals detoxing from other drugs. At high doses, gabapentin may also cause a euphoric state similar to that of opioids, which may be especially attractive to anyone trying to overcome their opioid addiction. Combined with the fact that most drug panels do not screen for gabapentin, knowing the potential signs of gabapentin addiction is paramount.
Some behavioral signs of gabapentin abuse and addiction include:
- Intense cravings for gabapentin use
- Increased amount of time spent trying to obtain, use, or recover from gabapentin
- Continued use despite its social and financial consequences
- Decreased interest in hobbies and other enjoyable activities
- Doctor-shopping to obtain additional gabapentin prescriptions
- Taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed
- Failed attempts to quit using gabapentin
The risk of Gabapentin overdose
Despite its perceived safety, it is possible to overdose on gabapentin, though overdoses typically occur when it is taken in conjunction with other drugs like opioids. Prescriptions for gabapentin have risen steadily over the last two decades, and because it's so often used to treat withdrawal from other substances like opioids, it is often used to enhance the effects of those substances. This danger is particularly pronounced due the fact that gabapentin is not a controlled substance, so it is relatively easy to obtain.
The danger of combining gabapentin with other drugs is that it leads to a synergistic effect, wherein the effects of each drug are compounded. This can lead to unexpectedly powerful highs that can easily become deadly. Since gabapentin is a nervous system depressant, it is most dangerous when combined with other nervous system depressants. At extremely high doses, gabapentin can lead to respiratory depression, which can cut off the brain’s access to oxygen, leading to coma or death.
Treating gabapentin addiction
Like all substances of abuse and addiction, gabapentin addiction treatment needs to be personalized according to the individual and their needs. If polysubstance abuse is present, treatment must be designed to target each substance abused. Typically, the most dangerous substances of addiction are prioritized, but in most cases, polysubstance abuse is treated simultaneously.
Treatment begins with detox, providing individuals a safe environment to eliminate gabapentin and other abused substances from the body. Further treatment is governed by a treatment plan which is designed by a primary addiction counselor or therapist. This treatment plan can be adjusted as the program progresses. After detox, most treatment plans include substantial behavioral therapy. The aim of this part of treatment is to address underlying issues that lead to substance use. For some individuals, this may include treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.
A full gabapentin addiction treatment program also involves education and skill-building. By learning more about their condition, individuals are empowered to prevent relapse. Since addiction is a chronic disorder, treatment requires ongoing involvement in recovery activities such as peer group meetings.
Gabapentin Addiction FAQs
Gabapentin abuse and addiction treatment at Riverwalk Ranch
A Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area Addiction Treatment CenterAt Riverwalk Ranch, we offer gabapentin abuse and addiction treatment as part of our comprehensive addiction rehabilitation programs. Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our experienced addiction professionals can provide personalized treatment and 24-hour medical care during detox. To help your journey toward recovery, our facilities offer an encouraging and safe destination to detox that is both comfortable and private.
If you or a loved one is suffering from gabapentin addiction, don’t hesitate to contact our addiction treatment center today at (877) 863-3869. Whether you are a local in Texas or you want a fresh start in a new environment, Riverwalk Ranch can provide a therapeutic and supportive home for you to detox. We are committed to helping you overcome your substance addiction and getting you on your way to recovery.
