Understanding Gabapentin: Effects, Risks, and Addiction
Gabapentin Addiction: Side Effects, Detox Withdrawal, and Treatment
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Table of Contents
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant used to treat seizures, nerve pain, and conditions like anxiety or withdrawal symptoms. Though experts aren’t sure exactly how it works, it affects the brain and nervous system. It comes as capsules, tablets, or oral solution. Some people abuse it by snorting crushed pills or mixing it with opioids or alcohol, which can be dangerous.
Gabapentin is sold under the following brand names:
- Neurontin
- Gralise
- Gaborone
- Fanatrex
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
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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.
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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.
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Does Gabapentin Build Up in Your System?
Gabapentin does not build up in the body over time. Its half-life is about 5 to 12 hours. This means most of the drug leaves the body in about 48 hours.
Higher doses or extended-release versions may stay in the body longer. However, gabapentin does not build up in the body over time.
Does Gabapentin Have to Build Up in Your System?
No. Gabapentin does not need to accumulate in your system to be effective. It reaches therapeutic levels shortly after each dose.
Some treatment plans slowly increase the dosage to reduce side effects. This is not to build up the drug. To ensure tolerance and lessen discomfort.
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.
Gabapentin Addiction FAQs
Yes. While once believed to have low addiction potential, studies and case reports now confirm that gabapentin can lead to dependence, abuse, and withdrawal—especially when used in high doses or mixed with opioids or alcohol.
Common signs include escalating dosage without a prescription, strong cravings, withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and impairments in daily functioning or social responsibilities.
Many misuse gabapentin to amplify effects of opioids or alcohol, seeking relaxation, sociability, or a mild euphoria. It’s also easily accessible and often under-recognized in substance abuse settings.
In the general population, misuse is estimated around 1%, but among individuals with opioid dependence, rates may rise to 15–20%. In addiction centers, up to 22% report misuse.
Withdrawal may include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, headache, nausea, sweating, and in rare cases, seizures—emerging 12 hours to 7 days after stopping.
Symptoms typically begin within 12–48 hours and last up to 7 days, though sleep or mood disruptions may linger longer for some users.
Treatment involves medically supervised tapering, symptom management (for nausea, anxiety, insomnia), and addiction therapy. Severe cases might require inpatient detox with close monitoring.
Yes—high-dose use or combining gabapentin with opioids, alcohol, or sedatives elevates risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Off-label, gabapentin may support withdrawal management for alcohol, opioid, or cannabis use—but it is not a primary addiction treatment and should be used under supervision.
Gabapentin isn’t scheduled by the DEA, though multiple states (e.g., Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia) now classify it as Schedule V due to its misuse potential.
- https://www.drugs.com/ingredient/gabapentin.html
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24192603
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3404313/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24192603
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2017-nsduh-annual-national-report
- http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/ghb.asp
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/gabapentin.pdf
- https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/gabapentin
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If gabapentin addiction has become more than just a medication—and you’re dealing with cravings, tolerance, or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms—it’s crucial to reach out for expert help. Nova Recovery Center specializes in gabapentin addiction treatment, offering medically supervised detox, personalized tapering plans, comprehensive therapy, and continuous aftercare tailored to your unique needs.
Don’t let dependency define your life. Call Nova Recovery Center for a free, confidential consultation and insurance verification—available 24/7. Our compassionate team is standing by to guide you toward safe detox, effective recovery, and a healthier, addiction-free future. Your healing journey from gabapentin addiction starts with that first courageous call.
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Our 90-day residential drug and alcohol rehab in Austin center provides a safe, comfortable, and supportive space for you to heal, learn, and recover. Unlike other 30 or 60-day programs, our long-term rehab program gives you more time to adjust to a new way of living, more time to practice the mental and spiritual tools you will use outside of rehab, and more time to acclimate into a recovery community. This 90-day time span promotes genuine and lasting change for sobriety that lasts long after inpatient rehab ends.
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Our medical detox programs treat all kinds of addictions and are tailored to meet your individual needs. We use a comprehensive assessment to design a personalized detox program that will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the withdrawal process. You’ll also have the opportunity to begin individual and group therapy to address any emotional issues and prepare for the transition into a rehab program. We believe this process provides the best foundation for continued sobriety.
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The transition from a residential rehab center into independent sober life is littered with obstacles. For this reason, we provide sober living homes and support programming for clients who need continued support as they make the transition. With regular drug and alcohol screenings, one-on-one sobriety coaching, and a safe, comfortable place to practice relapse prevention strategies, our sober living program is key to achieving an independent, substance-free life.
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