What Is Gabapentin Addiction?
Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin and Gralise) is an anticonvulsant medication originally developed for epilepsy that is now widely prescribed for neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, and as an adjunct in opioid and alcohol withdrawal management. Despite initial classification as a non-addictive medication, gabapentin misuse has surged dramatically in recent years, with individuals taking supratherapeutic doses to produce effects described as euphoria, relaxation, and a feeling similar to a mild benzodiazepine or alcohol intoxication. Gabapentin misuse is particularly prevalent among individuals with current or prior opioid use disorder, who have discovered that gabapentin can potentiate the effects of opioids and other depressants. Several states have now reclassified gabapentin as a controlled substance in response to rising misuse rates and increasing involvement in overdose deaths. Trust SoCal recognizes gabapentin addiction as a legitimate and growing clinical concern requiring specialized treatment approaches that differ from standard opioid or benzodiazepine protocols.
