Snorting gabapentin is not its intended method of use. Gabapentin pills are meant to be taken by mouth. However, some people try to misuse the drug. They may use risky methods, like crushing the pills and sniffing the powder. This method has serious health risks. It can cause problems like a higher chance of overdose and withdrawal.
If you are addicted to gabapentin, getting expert help is important for a safe and successful detox and recovery. Reclaim your life today! Call We Level Up Texas Treatment Center 24/7 for a free consultation.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin, a prescription medication also known by its brand name Neurontin, is used to treat:
- Neuropathic pain.
- Epilepsy.
- Hot flashes.
- Restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin reduces brain nerve impulses as a mild tranquilizer. The medicine was once seen as having little risk for misuse. However, its euphoric effects can lead to substance use disorder. The Drug Enforcement Administration has not classified it as a restricted substance since 1993. Still, some states label it as a Schedule III-V controlled drug.
Can You Snort Gabapentin?
Generally, an oral capsule, oral solution, or oral tablet with immediate release is indicated for gabapentin. Nonetheless, those who begin abusing the medication frequently inhale powdered gabapentin down their nasal passages.
One case study talked about people snorting gabapentin from capsules. They felt a high like the one from snorting cocaine. Another commonly reported sensation from gabapentin misuse was sedation/relaxation/calmness. [1]
What Happens If You Snort Gabapentin?
For some drugs, snorting gabapentin is the preferred method for misuse. But the short- and long-term effects can lead to significant damage. The physical harm of gabapentin manifests in several ways. Signs to look for include:
- Runny nose.
- Frequent cold/allergy signs.
- Chronic sinus/nasal problems.
- Nosebleeds.
- Sores on the mouth or nose.
- Problems swallowing and breathing.
Someone snorting gabapentin may possess paraphernalia, such as razor blades, tiny spoons, straws, and small mirrors.
Gabapentin can cause feelings of happiness, calmness, and increased sociability. These effects happen when the drug is snorted in large amounts. As a result of consumers chasing after this high over time, users can develop a physical and psychological dependence that leads to addiction.
Why Do People Snort Gabapentin?
Gabapentin misuse is found in 1% of the general population. Among those with prescriptions, misuse ranges from 40% to 65%. In groups of people who abuse opioids, misuse is between 15% and 22%. An array of subjective experiences resembling opioids, benzodiazepines, and psychedelics was reported over various doses, including those within clinical recommendations. [2]
Gabapentin is often misused for fun, self-medication, or self-harm. People misuse it alone or with other drugs. This includes opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Individuals with histories of drug abuse were most often involved in its misuse.
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Dangers and Side Effects of Snorting Gabapentin
You can feel euphoria from snorted gabapentin. You can also feel sedation, relaxation, or calmness. This can happen when you mix gabapentin with other substances. These substances include quetiapine, alcohol, cannabis, and buprenorphine/naloxone. You can also feel these effects by taking gabapentin alone. This can occur at different doses, from 600 to 4800 mg.
Other gabapentin addiction effects include:
- Improved sociability.
- Marijuana-like “high,” cocaine-like “high,” “amphetamine rush.”
- Disassociation.
- MDMA-like “high.”
- Increased energy and focus.
- Improved quality of sleep.
- Becoming more talkative.
Abusing gabapentin, including snorting it, can increase the risk of these adverse effects. This is also true if a person mixes gabapentin with other drugs like alcohol or opioids.
The most common side effects of gabapentin abuse include:
- Suicidal behavior and ideation.
- Drowsiness.
- Difficulty with coordination.
- Respiratory depression.
- Withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue.
- Central nervous system depression (sedation).
- Dizziness.
- Tumorigenic potential (may form tumors).
- Sudden death in patients with epilepsy.
If you’re struggling with gabapentin addiction, get treatment counseling that works. Discover professional help from We Level Up Texas’s addiction and mental health therapists. Start getting support with a free call to our addiction hotline.
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FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Is Gabapentin Addictive?
After heavy or extended use of gabapentin, your system can develop dependency and would need more of the drug to function and avoid a possible dangerous withdrawal. Fortunately, getting medically assisted gabapentin detox can help you slowly wean off gabapentin while under medical care.
Gabapentin Addiction
Gabapentin was often misused for fun, self-medication, or to harm oneself. It was used alone or with other drugs, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Individuals with histories of drug abuse were most often involved in its misuse.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that gabapentin is being misused around the world. This medication is used for epilepsy and pain relief. People who abuse substances are at a higher risk of misusing gabapentin. [3]
Gabapentin Overdose Warnings
A gabapentin overdose surprises many people. Since it was created in the 1980s, many have thought gabapentin is safe. They believe it has no risk of misuse. This anti-seizure medication is getting national attention. There are worrying trends of rising abuse and related deaths.
Healthcare providers should know about this risk in their patients. They need to watch for signs of abuse, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
Here are the symptoms of a gabapentin overdose:
- Double or blurred vision.
- Slurred speech.
- Drowsiness.
- Diarrhea.
- Coordination difficulties.
- Tremors.
- Restlessness.
- Unusual eye movements.
- Increased seizures (for individuals with epilepsy).
- Loss of consciousness.
In case of suspected gabapentin overdose, it is critical to contact 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
Once someone develops a gabapentin addiction, a cycle of both physical and psychological dependence occurs. It is a good idea to get medical advice when stopping the medication. This can help manage withdrawal effects and make the transition easier.
The most common withdrawal symptoms of gabapentin include:
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Nausea.
- Sweating.
- Fatigue.
- Irritability.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Seizures (in rare cases).
- Tremors.
- Intense cravings.
If you need help with your rehab journey, contact a We Level Up Texas treatment professional today. Your call is free and confidential.
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Treatment for Gabapentin Addiction
Getting treatment for gabapentin addiction is essential to overcoming the difficulties brought on by drug abuse. To treat the psychological as well as the physical components of addiction, getting expert assistance is essential. Promoting recovery and avoiding relapses need a thorough strategy.
Medical Gabapentin Detox
Do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. The We Level Up Texas Treatment Center provides care with medical staff available 24/7 to support your recovery.
Therapy
The addiction treatment community knows that addiction is a mental disorder. This makes the connection between mental health and addiction more complicated. Many treatment communities for substance use disorders do not understand dually diagnosed conditions. These include issues like depression and drug abuse. As a result, these conditions are often treated separately. In some cases, they are not treated or diagnosed at all.
The We Level Up Texas Treatment Center has professionals trained to help treat co-occurring disorders concurrently. This type of tandem treatment provides some of the best success rates.
The most effective therapies for treating gabapentin addiction and mental health issues are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET).
- Contingency Management (CM).
- Supportive Psychotherapy.
- Group Therapy.
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), when applicable.
- 12-Step Programs.
- Integrated Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders (when mental health issues are present).
Inpatient Rehab
The inpatient treatment approach is most effective in changing the person’s behaviors. Also, it will help clients establish social support systems and better coping methods. However, a person will likely experience many different side effects from the abuse and misuse of gabapentin. These side effects may be physical, emotional, or mental.
For instance, someone in withdrawal will likely experience many uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts about life during detox. Unfortunately for those with dependency, medically assisted gabapentin detox is an unavoidable first step toward recovery.
We Level Up Texas Gabapentin Drug Rehab
Get back on track with We Level Up Texas inpatient rehab center for gabapentin addiction. Our team of experts is ready to help you. We will create a personalized recovery plan for you. This service is available at our facility in Texas. We combine proven methods with compassion and a science-based approach to help you break off gabapentin’s hold.
Contact We Level Up Texas Treatment Center today. If you or someone you know is addicted to gabapentin or any other substance, we can help. Get support and information from us.
Programs offered at We Level Up Texas inpatient rehab for gabapentin addiction include:
- Detoxification Services.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment.
- Individual Counseling.
- Group Therapy.
- Medical Supervision.
- Educational Workshops.
- Holistic and Evidence-Based Therapies.
- Aftercare Planning.
Are you seeking gabapentin drug rehab centers? Get a free rehab insurance check without any obligation. The result can help you explore several treatment options.
Gabapentin Ruined My Life: A Nightmare You Can’t Ignore! | Informative Video
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Sources
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- Notes from the Field: Trends in Gabapentin Detection and Involvement in Drug Overdose Deaths — 23 States and the District of Columbia, 2019–2020 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- FDA warns about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR) – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)