Is Gabapentin Addictive?

If you’ve ever received a prescription for gabapentin, or you know someone who has, you may already realize how helpful this medication can be. But are you also aware of its risks? For example, is gabapentin addictive?

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don’t wait to reach out! Call us today or verify your insurance online to take the first step towards healing. 

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication that is categorized as an anticonvulsant. In the U.S. it is sold under multiple brand names, including Gralise, Neurotonin, and Horizant. 

When gabapentin was developed in the 1970s, it was intended to be used as a muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic. 

However, by the time it earned approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, a better understanding of its effects resulted in it being authorized for the following conditions:

• Partial seizures
• Nerve pain in the aftermath of shingles
• Restless leg syndrome

In addition to using the medication for these FDA-approved purposes, physicians also prescribe gabapentin on an off-label basis to treat an array of additional physical and mental health concerns, including:

• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Researchers are not entirely sure how gabapentin works, but they know that it limits the functions of excitatory neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that stimulate greater activity throughout the central nervous system. This can have a calming effect on a person, sometimes leading to a sense of relaxed euphoria.

Unfortunately, these effects have led some people to abuse gabapentin for recreational purposes, either on its own or in combination with other substances. Some people have reported using gabapentin to enhance the effects of opioids, which can be a highly dangerous – and potentially deadly – behavior.

A study of postmortem toxicology reports from 23 states and the District of Columbia found that about 9.7% of overdose deaths in 2019-2020 involved gabapentin. Just under 90% of these overdose deaths also involved heroin or another opioid.

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

We know that gabapentin can be extremely beneficial when used appropriately. We also know that the drug can expose a person to substantial harm when it is abused. But do the risks of using this medication include dependence? Is gabapentin addictive?

Gabapentin does not present the same risk of addiction that some other prescription medications do, such as those that include opioids or benzodiazepines. But that doesn’t mean you can use gabapentin as you see fit with no danger of becoming addicted.

In other words: Yes, gabapentin can be addictive.

A systematic review in the journal Addiction reported the following about gabapentin abuse and addiction:

• Among the general public, the rate of gabapentin abuse is about 1%.
• Research indicates that 15%-22% of people who abuse opioids also abuse gabapentin.
• As many as 65% of people who have received prescriptions for gabapentin may be abusing the drug.
• Case studies suggest that gabapentin addiction, while rare, is most likely to occur among people who abuse the drug.

What Are the Signs of Gabapentin Addiction?

If you fear that your gabapentin use has caused you to develop an addiction, you should consult with your primary physician or an addiction treatment provider. Additionally, you can reach out to Retreat of Atlanta, our facility offers specialized care and support for those struggling with substance abuse. If you’re not sure about making an appointment, ask yourself the following questions:

Evaluating Your Gabapentin Use

• Do you ever use gabapentin in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than you intended?
• Do you find that you need to use more gabapentin to achieve effects that you used to experience after taking smaller doses?
• Have you ever failed to meet your responsibilities at home, in school, or at work, as a result of your gabapentin use?
• Have you continued to use gabapentin even after incurring some type of harm due to previous use?
• Have you been using gabapentin in ways that you know can be especially dangerous, such as combining it with alcohol, opioids, or other substances?
• Have you lied to friends or family about your gabapentin use?
• Have you lied about or exaggerated your symptoms in order to get additional prescriptions for gabapentin?
• Do you frequently use gabapentin that wasn’t prescribed to you?
• When you abruptly stop using gabapentin (or when you can’t acquire the drug), do you experience physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms?
• Do you want to stop using gabapentin, but you simply can’t?

These questions are not a replacement for an assessment with a qualified professional. But if you answered yes to any (or all) of them, it may be a sign that it’s time to schedule that assessment. 

The good news is that gabapentin addiction can be treated. When you find a provider that will develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your history, needs, and goals, you can stop abusing this drug and build a healthier future in recovery.

Learn More About Gabapentin Addiction in Atlanta

If you have developed an addiction to gabapentin, The Retreat of Atlanta is here for you.

Our addiction treatment center near Atlanta, Georgia, offers personalized care and comprehensive support at two levels:

• Detoxification: This short-term program includes both medical and therapeutic services that can help you get through withdrawal safely and with as little discomfort as possible.
• Residential treatment: At this level, you will participate in full days of treatment. Following a customized schedule that includes the therapies and support services that can help you build a foundation for successful, long-term recovery.

In each of these programs, you will be cared for by a team of experienced and compassionate professionals. Every member of our team is committed to providing quality service while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all patients, staff, and visitors.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.