Neurontin is a drug that gets little press when it comes to challenges with addiction. There is research to suggest, even though it was not previously thought to be addictive, the opposite may be true for some people. Neurontin diversion is a diversion that is related to the opioid epidemic which is taking over so much of the United States. People are using the drug to get high with a combination of opioids. Find out why it is on the rise and how to help someone struggling.
Lyrica and Neurontin
When treating chronic pain and discomfort, Neurontin and Lyrica are effective because they are stronger than anything found in drug stores. They are less dangerous than opioids. The drugs work because Neurontin and Lyrica are referred to as gabapentinoids, which exert similar actions. Although both are used to control seizures, these drugs are recognized as neuromodulators, for easing various types of chronic pain and discomfort. GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which is distributed throughout the cerebral cortex, or outer layer of the brain. This results in the regulation of anxiety and pain.
Why Neurontin is Abused
Substance misuse and abuse are different things. The difference lies in the intention. When a person takes legal prescription medication for a purpose other than the reason it was prescribed, or when the person takes a drug not prescribed to him or her, that is a misuse of a drug. Drug abuse is a special form of substance misuse. It happens when people take drugs to get ‘high’ or experience euphoria. With respect to drugs like Neurontin, this is similar to the effects o psychedelics. Neurontin is used for all kinds of things like substance use disorders and pain, but people forget its power to be abused. It is a drug that people love using for the euphoric highs and, for this reason, people use it more consistently to maintain this high. Not everybody who abuses this drug is going to experience addiction, but for those who look to get high or feel good when using the drug, they will experience the potential for abuse. Physicians also prescribe the drug for pain relief. When someone is struggling with chronic pain, it is hard to treat without medication. It is easy to get addicted when not monitoring use for awhile. There is doctor shopping that sees people hop from one person to the next so they can obtain more of the drug.
Although abuse of Neurontin is on the rise, it is not one of the more well-known addictions. Overdose is likely once tolerance builds, so people should be mindful of how much they abuse the drug. It is good to closely be monitored for discomfort, feelings of not being able to control use, and using the drug to get ‘high.’ Other medication can be used that is helpful when dealing with this condition. Finding the right place for treatment is crucial to the success of the person in recovery. They can start to process the drugs out of their system, find the underlying root causes of addiction, and begin the journey of hope for healing in recovery.
A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702