Gabapentin Effects, Risks, and Abuse: Does It Build Up in Your System?

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

Yes. Gabapentin is a commonly prescribed prescription drug and Neurontin may also be abused for fun. Not a controlled substance in the U.S. However, using it for fun can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Slang for Gabapentin

The following terms are street names or slang for gabapentin:

• Gabbies
• Morontin

Gabapentin is not a controlled substance in the U.S. This makes it easier to get a prescription for it.

Many Neurontin abusers even say the effects are similar to those of marijuana.

People who have had problems with alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and other drugs often misuse gabapentin. The medical journal, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, reports that gabapentin misuse is 1.1 percent in the general population. However, in addiction treatment centers, the misuse rate is 22 percent.

In 2017, a national survey found that 0.4 million Americans misused prescription sedatives like gabapentin in the last month, according to the national institute on drug abuse. Researchers first reported gabapentin in 2004 with FDA approval. However, the FDA says that law enforcement has seen it more often in recent years. National crime lab reports have included it, and poison control centers have reported it.

People also misuse gabapentin illegally. Law enforcement reports also indicate that traffickers use it as a cutting agent in heroin.

What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin Abuse?

It can be hard to tell the side effects of regular gabapentin use from those of abuse. However, these side effects may be more common and stronger, like cocaine withdrawal, in people who abuse Neurontin. This is different from those who use prescribed gabapentin.

Common side effects of gabapentin abuse may include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Difficulty speaking
• Jerky movements
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle tremors

Signs and symptoms of gabapentin overdose may include:

• Slurred speech
• Double vision
• Diarrhea
• Extreme drowsiness

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gabapentin Addiction?

If you believe a loved one has a substance use disorder to Neurontin or using it for fun, they may show some signs of gabapentin abuse.

• Taking extremely high doses of gabapentin.
• Using gabapentin with other drugs (especially opioids) or alcohol.
• Faking symptoms to get gabapentin prescriptions.
• Doctor shopping (seeing multiple doctors to get gabapentin prescriptions).
• I focus on using and/or obtaining gabapentin.
• Displaying sudden changes in appearance, hygiene, or social habits.
• Refusing to stop using gabapentin, despite financial problems, relationship issues, or legal problems.

Gabapentin Detox and Withdrawal Treatment Options

Despite its low addictive potential, gabapentin can cause withdrawal symptoms if it is abused. A person may become tolerant and when they stop using it, they may experience prescription medication withdrawal symptoms. Common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms are:

• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Pain
• Sweating
• Flulike symptoms
• Postherpetic Neuralgia
• Rebound pain
• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors

If a person is dependent on gabapentin or addicted to it, he or she may need help quitting. Because gabapentin withdrawal can be serious, a medical detox program may be the safest way to stop using it. This program can also help with any other drugs the person has abused at the same time.

Gabapentin abusers often take other drugs to boost its effects. This can make detox and withdrawal unpredictable. As a result, it’s always safest to complete gabapentin detox under the supervision of a trained medical doctor. Gabapentin detox can also reduce the likelihood of relapse and overdose.

What Is the Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline?

Predicting the timeline for gabapentin withdrawal is hard. This timeline can change a lot based on several factors, such as:

• Whether the gabapentin use was fun or for medical purposes
• How much gabapentin was consumed
• If any other drugs were abused simultaneously
• Individual factors like age, overall health, lifestyle, mental health, genetics, etc.

All these factors will determine the length and severity of gabapentin detox and withdrawal.

Education & Support

Is Neurontin (Gabapentin) Addictive?

Neurontin (gabapentin) is not traditionally addictive, but misuse can lead to dependence, especially when combined with other substances. The quiz below can help identify concerning patterns.

What Is the Treatment for Gabapentin Addiction?

Gabapentin addiction often involves other drugs like opioids or cocaine, so treatment must address polydrug abuse and its effects. After detox, rehab is vital for preventing relapse and building life skills. A 90-day program offers the best chance for lasting recovery. A 90-day drug rehab program is considered a “long-term recovery program” and is typically comprised of the following levels of care:

• Behavioral therapy
• Individual counseling and group counseling
• 12-step work
• Gender-specific programming
• Chemical dependency education
• Relapse prevention strategies
• Life skills development
• Support Groups
• Other alternative therapies (music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, etc.)

Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab for Gabapentin Addiction

As you begin to look into gabapentin treatment, you will see two main options. These are inpatient gabapentin rehab and outpatient gabapentin rehab. Before you make a decision, it’s important to recognize the differences between the two types of gabapentin treatment.

Residential gabapentin rehab programs requires you to live onsite and follow a consistent daily routine. This includes therapy sessions, group support, educational lectures, meditation, meals, fitness activities, and free time. Residential treatment is extremely helpful for people who have relapsed before. It also helps those who need a structured environment to stay sober.

Outpatient gabapentin rehab programs in austin tx let you live at home while attending scheduled group sessions multiple times a week. Led by professionals, these sessions offer the same core treatments as residential rehab. A good fit for those needing flexibility for work, school, or family.

The cost of drug rehab for addiction recovery, whether inpatient or outpatient, can vary. This depends on the type of gabapentin treatment program, the rehab center’s location, the amenities, and the services provided. However, clients have several different payment options to pay for drug rehab, including:

• Health insurance benefits
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Financed private healthcare loans
• Out-of-pocket payments

Continued Care Options for Gabapentin Addiction Treatment

After gabapentin rehab, the work isn’t over. Overcoming any addiction, not just Neurontin addiction, will take continuous work and effort. Keeping up with your gabapentin treatment for as long as you can is best. The longer you stay in treatment, the less likely you are to relapse.

Two common types of continuing care programs for people in recovery are sober living programs and aftercare programs.

Sober Living Programs

A sober living program offers transitional housing for men and women in recovery. Sober living homes offer safe and sober group housing. They help people who have finished rehab or who often relapse.

Sober living programs help people recover for the long term. They offer services like drug testing, structured living, personal support, and assistance with work or school. These homes are ideal for those transitioning from rehab to independent sober living. Costs vary by location, amenities, and services offered.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare programs are specifically designed to meet the recovery needs of drug and alcohol rehab alumni. Aftercare includes weekly group sessions where clients share progress and challenges with peers, supporting ongoing sobriety and personal growth. These meetings help build relationships and reinforce sober living.

Nova Recovery Center provides detox, residential, outpatient, and sober living programs for gabapentin addiction. Contact us to learn more about your options.