Contrary to what you may have heard, mixing alcohol and gabapentin can cause a range of distressing side effects.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription medication that is commonly used to treat people who have been having seizures. Though the drug is classified as an anticonvulsant, It is also often prescribed on an off-label basis to alleviate postherpetic neuralgia, which is extreme pain that occurs in the aftermath of shingles.
In the United States, Gabapentin is sold under several brand names, including Neurontin, Gabarone, and Gralix. A generic version is also available.
Research suggests that gabapentin works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in a person’s system. GABA is a naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that is slows the delivery of messages throughout the central nervous system (CNS). This, in turn, can have an overall calming effect on the body and mind.
Gabapentin was developed in the 1970s, and the medication earned initial approval from the U.S. Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. At that time, experts believed that it posed little to no risk of abuse.
Unfortunately, that belief has proved to be erroneous. For example, one small study in Central Appalachia found that the illicit use of gabapentin for recreational purposes had increased by almost 3000% between 2008-2014.
People who abuse gabapentin report that it can elicit a sense of relaxed euphoria, similar to what marijuana and opioids can provide.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gabapentin is the seventh most frequently prescribed medication in the U.S. In 2019, the CDC reports, U.S. pharmacies filled about 69 million prescriptions for this drug.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse and need help, call us today or verify your insurance online and discover a path to healing and recovery with Live Oak Wellness.
Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Gabapentin
Patients who take gabapentin are typically advised to avoid alcohol. Both of these substances act as CNS depressants, so mixing alcohol and gabapentin can intensify their effects. Someone who drinks alcohol while using gabapentin may experience effects such as:
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Delayed reactions
- Impaired cognition
- Poor judgment
- Trouble focusing and concentrating
- Mood swings
Signs of Gabapentin Addiction
The best way to avoid the side effects listed in the previous section is to avoid mixing alcohol and gabapentin at the same time. This can be extremely difficult to do if you have become dependent on either of these substances
Gabapentin addiction isn’t nearly as common as alcohol addiction, but it can occur. A person’s risk for this condition increases if they have been abusing the drug, either in an attempt to self-medicate or solely for recreational purposes.
Someone who exhibits the following signs and symptoms may have developed an addiction to gabapentin:
- Using gabapentin more frequently or in larger amounts than intended
- Becoming agitated or irritated when unable to use gabapentin
- Lying about symptoms or visiting several doctors in an attempt to illicitly acquire prescriptions for gabapentin
- Trying to buy, borrow, or steal gabapentin that was prescribed to someone else
- Needing to use larger amounts of gabapentin to achieve the effects they could previously experience via smaller doses
- Continuing to abuse gabapentin even after incurring harm as a result of prior abuse
- Using gabapentin in ways that are clearly dangerous, such as combining it with alcohol and other substances
- Wanting to stop using gabapentin, but being unable to do so
Anyone who exhibits these signs should be assessed by a qualified professional. Gabapentin addiction can be highly disruptive to a person’s life, but it is a treatable condition. Completing an assessment and receiving an accurate diagnosis can be essential steps toward effective care and a healthier future.
How to Choose an Addiction Treatment Center
If you have developed an addiction to gabapentin or alcohol, professional treatment can help you end your substance abuse and achieve successful recovery.
The good news about addiction treatment is that you have many options. Professional care for addictions to gabapentin and/or alcohol can take a variety forms and involve a wide range of therapies and support services.
Understanding Your Options for Addiction Treatment
It can sometimes be difficult to review all your options and find the best source of care. When you are evaluating addiction treatment providers, asking the following types of questions can help you identify the right place for you:
- How will the center assess the full scope of your needs?
- What level or levels of care does the center provide?
- Does the center have an on-site detox program?
- What types of therapies and support services does the center offer?
- How will your treatment team determine which programs, therapies, and support services are right for you?
- What are the qualifications of the people who will be providing your care?
- Does the center offer family therapy?
- How long will you need to remain in treatment?
- How does the center define success for its patients?
- What happens if you have a relapse after completing treatment?
- Does the center offer discharge planning or aftercare services?
- Does the center accept your insurance?
Don’t ever be afraid to ask these or other questions. Any reputable addiction treatment center should be happy to provide you with the answers you are seeking.
For example, at Live Oaks Wellness, we are committed to personal empowerment. We encourage our patients to ask questions, request clarification, express their concerns, and otherwise play an active role in all aspects of their care.
From the moment you first contact us until they day you complete your time in treatment, we want you to always feel informed, included, and supported.
Find Addiction Treatment in Marin County
Live Oaks Wellness is a trusted provider of life-affirming residential care for adults who have become addicted to gabapentin, alcohol, and other substances. We also provide on-site detox to help patients get through withdrawal safely and with minimal discomfort.
When you choose our addiction treatment center near San Francisco, California, you will be cared for by a team with more than 70 years of combined experience helping people recover from compulsive substance abuse. We will work closely with you to develop a customized plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals.
When you’re ready to get started, the Live Oaks Wellness team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment visit our admissions page, or call us today to begin your journey.
