Are you an addict or know someone that is addicted to Gabapentin? If you are or do, then you need to read this!
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a drug that belongs to the Gabapentinoids medicine class. Its brand name is Neurontin. The drug is classified as an anticonvulsant and is used to control fibromyalgia, nerve pain, alcohol and cocaine withdrawals, diabetic neuropathy, epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, and seizures. The substance is used as a less addictive substitute for opioids. Nonetheless, the medicine is subject to substance abuse. But who is likely to abuse Gabapentin? I will tell you. Anyone can abuse the drug.
However, people who already have Opioids addiction and alcoholism tend to abuse it more. The effects of Gabapentin intoxication include euphoria, calmness, and a high similar to that of bhang. Abuse of the drug also comes with several side effects.
However, Gabapentin is not a narcotic. Although, most states in the United States do not classify it as a controlled substance. Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Virgin have Gabapentin reclassified as a Schedule V controlled substance. A study conducted in Kentucky, 2013 discovered that 15% of the 500 participants who reported illegal substance abuse used Gabapentin and other drugs to get high in the preceding half a year.
Another Survey on Drug Use and Health was conducted in 2017 using a population sample to represent the United States population. According to the study, nearly a quarter of Gabapentin co-prescription patients used more than thrice the prescribed dosage to satisfy the addiction. However, it is difficult to approach the problem from a policing perspective because the drug is legally accepted. Gabapentin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States due to its unique ability to treat various diseases. Gabapentin was the sixth most prescribed medicine in the United States in May 2019, according to statistics. Despite its minimal abuse potential, its abusers’ ability to combine it with other narcotics produces severe addiction.
Side Effects of Gabapentin
You may ask yourself what the side effects of Gabapentin abuse are? Let’s jump into it! As you know, drugs or substance abuse and side effects are a ‘happily married couple”. Distinguishing between the adverse effects of regular Gabapentin use and those of misuse can be difficult.
However, if someone abuses Gabapentin instead of taking it as recommended, the side effects will be more common and severe. With that in mind, the following are the most common Gabapentin side effects:
- Extreme fatigue
- Dizziness
- Memory impairments
- Trouble talking
Signs and Symptoms of Gabapentin Addiction
Suppose you are addicted to Gabapentin or suspect a friend or relative is abusing it. In that situation, you can look for the following symptoms and signs:
- Taking Gabapentin in exceedingly high doses.
- Taking Gabapentin with other medications (especially opioids) or alcohol.
- Pretending to have symptoms to obtain gabapentin prescriptions.
- Refusing to stop using Gabapentin. Because someone is likely to be addicted to other drugs simultaneously, treatment for Gabapentin addiction can be more complex than recovery from drugs and alcohol. However, just like with any other drug, recovery from addiction is always possible.
Treating A Gabapentin Addiction
If used regularly and excessively, Gabapentin is a drug that can cause psychological dependence. That happens when you grow accustomed to taking medicine to the point that you need it to feel and operate normally. However, abruptly terminating Gabapentin addiction or forcing someone to stop can be harmful and result in various withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, discomfort, and sweating. Quitting abruptly can lead to a seizure, leading to personal injury, other medical issues, and the development of life-threatening complications.
Attempting to stop Gabapentin abuse should be done at a rehab center or under the supervision and advice. When choosing a gabapentin addiction rehab program, you should look for one that offers a detox program. You should also select one with the ability to treat multiple addictions simultaneously because abuse of Gabapentin is usually in conjunction with other drugs. The treatment facility should assist you or your loved one in addressing the treatment of addiction/alcoholism separately but ultimately together.
Act now!
A journey towards your recovery from Gabapentin addiction can start by giving us a call at 833-820-2922. Remember, addiction is a disease that can be managed effectively!