Is Gabapentin physically addictive? If you are asking yourself that, it’s likely you or someone you love has already developed a problem with abusing this medication. Because this drug is not yet fully understood in terms of how many people misuse it, this question is worth exploring. For those who abuse their prescriptions or obtain the drug through other channels, Gabapentin can become a real problem in their lives. Finding help to deal with drug addiction and abuse helps the individual detox from the substance and learn to adopt a sober and healthy life.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription drug that treats conditions such as pain related to nerve damage, epileptic seizures, and restless leg syndrome. Common brand names include Neurontin, Gralise, Gaborone, and Fanatrex. Gabapentin falls in the category of anticonvulsant drugs and is also known as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue. It helps reduce the excitability of neurons in the brain, which in turn helps control seizures and pain signals transmitted to the body. The drug comes in tablets, capsules, and oral solutions and should only be used when a physician prescribes it and monitors its usage for how well it works and possible side effects.
Side Effects of Abusing Gabapentin
As with any drug, side effects may occur while using Gabapentin. These can include:
- Memory loss
- Sleepiness
- Shakiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Difficulty communicating
- Uncoordinated movements
- Blurry vision
- Anxiety
- Depression
People commonly wonder with any prescription drug if it presents a risk of becoming reliant on it. Is Gabapentin physically addictive? Studies are still being done on this, but signs point to the fact that people can end up abusing the drug, which can lead to negative results.
Is Gabapentin Physically Addictive?
The question “Is Gabapentin physically addictive?” doesn’t have just one answer. For one thing, studies are still being done. In addition, how the drug is viewed is constantly changing, with many states recognizing the potential for abusing this drug. As of 2022, seven states have classified Gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance. Another 12 states have placed it in prescription drug monitoring programs (PMP), while three more are in the process of either classifying it as a controlled substance or adding it to their state PMP.
While many people who have a prescription for Gabapentin take it without any negative repercussions, some end up abusing it. As well, many people who do not have a prescription for it use it as a recreational drug, not understanding they may end up experiencing a psychological or physical addiction. Even if addiction does not take hold, a lot of people end up abusing the drug. This puts them at risk for a host of physical and psychological damage that requires professional drug rehab to overcome.
One of the biggest risks of becoming addicted to Gabapentin involves mixing it with alcohol or opiates. Someone who relies on either combination often develops or already has an addiction in place related to alcohol or opiate drugs. If the individual does not address that addiction, they often become more reliant on the potentially deadly combination of alcohol and Gabapentin, or opiates and Gabapentin.
How is Gabapentin Addiction Treated?
If a person has determined that Gabapentin has become physically addictive for them or someone they love, they can get help. Many people begin treatment by going to a detoxification program. This allows addiction specialists to monitor them as they go through the detox process. Medications exist that help reduce or eliminate many withdrawal symptoms and can be used to make the person more comfortable.
From there, the individual can choose from a variety of programs designed to help them learn about their addiction and how to keep from relapsing. Popular outpatient programs help many, allowing them to receive expert help without having to move into a residential facility. At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, we offer a multitude of programs to help individuals. These programs include:
Outpatient Program (OP): Our outpatient rehab in Tampa provides the lowest level of treatment for addiction and is ideal for those who have already completed more time-intensive programs.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Our IOP in Tampa requires attending treatment sessions a few days a week for a few hours per session. People typically remain in this kind of treatment for 30 to 90 days.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP in Tampa Bay provides the highest level of outpatient treatment available. Participants usually attend treatment sessions five to seven days per week for several hours per day. They remain in treatment for 30 days or more.
Virtual Care: Virtual treatment allows those who qualify to receive valuable counseling and treatment for their addiction without leaving their homes.
When Gabapentin Is Addictive: Getting Help
If you are wondering “Is Gabapentin physically addictive?”, you or someone you care about may already be in trouble. The first step to getting help involves getting a proper diagnosis. A trained addiction clinician can assess the person and determine if addiction or abuse of Gabapentin has taken hold. From there, a plan can be made for which treatment route will best fit the individual.
In order to get the ball rolling for treatment, the person can make an appointment with their doctor or contact their insurance company for information on options. Additionally, they can consult with a treatment facility that specializes in addiction and see what they recommend. Not only can the right facility provide an evaluation, but they can also lay out the person’s options for the right care to help them recover. They can also help communicate with the person’s insurance company.
Drug Rehab in Tampa Bay
Many people end up abusing Gabapentin making it necessary to get professional help in order to stop the cycle. Tampa Bay Recovery Center offers multiple outpatient drug rehab in Tampa that will allow you to get to the heart of your addiction and recover from it, all while still living at home. We even offer virtual care for those who qualify. Our caring staff helps walk you through each step of getting sober and prepares you to stay strong after you leave our program.
Visit our admissions page and let us answer any questions you have. We can help you quickly get into treatment and stop letting addiction rule your life.
