When it comes to substance abuse, the spotlight often falls on illicit substances. However, addiction isn’t limited to these drugs. Prescription medications, when misused, can also lead to a similar cycle of addiction. BlueCrest Recovery aims to shed light on this issue as an institution offering comprehensive substance abuse treatment. Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe these potent medications. Contact our team online or call 888.292.9652 to find out if the prescription drug, gabapentin, comes with a potential for misuse, and how to help someone struggling with gabapentin addiction.
What to Know About Prescription Drugs and Addiction
Prescription drugs are typically prescribed to treat specific health conditions. However, when taken in doses or methods not approved by a healthcare provider, they can lead to addiction. This misuse can stem from an individual’s desire to self-medicate or to experience the drug’s psychoactive effects. The most commonly abused prescription drugs fall into three categories:
- Opioids – Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe these potent medications to manage moderate to severe pain. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, effectively reducing the perception of pain. However, it is essential to note that opioids can be highly addictive, and their misuse can lead to serious health consequences.
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants – This category of drugs includes benzodiazepines, which are prescribed to treat various conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures. By enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), CNS depressants produce a calming effect, promoting relaxation and sedation. Despite their therapeutic benefits, these medications should be used with caution due to their potential for dependence and overdose.
- Stimulants – These medications are primarily prescribed to individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, stimulants help improve focus, attention, and impulse control. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and guidelines when taking stimulants, as misuse or overuse can lead to adverse effects on physical and mental health.
One drug that doesn’t fall neatly into these categories but has potential for misuse is gabapentin.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin, is a medication often prescribed to treat seizures and nerve pain. It stabilizes electrical activity in the brain and affects how the nerves send messages to the brain. However, when misused, it can lead to physical dependency and addiction.
How Does Gabapentin Misuse Develop?
Gabapentin misuse can start innocently, with a person taking a higher dose than prescribed to achieve desired effects. But is gabapentin addictive? Over time, the body builds a tolerance, requiring more of the drug to attain the same results. This cycle can quickly lead to dependency and addiction.
What to Expect from Substance Abuse Treatment
If you suspect someone you care about is struggling with gabapentin addiction, approach the situation with understanding and empathy. Please encourage them to seek professional help. At BlueCrest Recovery, we offer programs like our partial care or partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), and outpatient program (OP) to cater to individual needs.
Our treatment approach integrates evidence-based practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and yoga and meditation sessions for mindfulness and emotional well-being. Our educational groups, inspired by the 12-step program, offer valuable insights and support for personal growth. For medication-assisted treatment (MAT), we administer Vivitrol, a proven option that complements our holistic approach.
At our treatment center, we believe in combining personalized, evidence-based practices with the principles of the 12-step program. This approach offers a comprehensive path to long-term abstinence and overall well-being.
Enroll in Addiction Treatment at BlueCrest Recovery
Understanding if gabapentin is addictive and how its misuse can lead to addiction is the first step in addressing this issue. At BlueCrest Recovery, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for individuals struggling with substance abuse. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to our team online or call 888.292.9652 today. Let us guide you on your journey to recovery.
