Understanding Pregabalin Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Help Available
Pregabalin is a prescription medication most commonly used to treat conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, anxiety and fibromyalgia. However, for some people pregabalin use leads to addiction. This article will explore pregabalin addiction, its warning signs and symptoms, and the help that is available.
What is Pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called gabapentinoids. It works by interacting with nerve receptors in the brain and spinal cord to help reduce feelings of pain and anxiety. Pregabalin is usually prescribed as a capsule that you take two to three times per day. Brand names for pregabalin include Lyrica. It's most commonly used to treat:
- Nerve pain from diabetic neuropathy or spinal cord injuries
- Restless leg syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Generalised anxiety disorder
While pregabalin helps manage certain medical conditions for many, it also carries risks of abuse and addiction if misused. Let's explore what pregabalin addiction looks like.
Signs and Symptoms of Pregabalin Addiction
Some signs that pregabalin use may be turning into addiction include:
- Taking higher than prescribed doses to feel effects or relieve withdrawal symptoms
- Inability to reduce or stop pregabalin use despite harmful consequences
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using and recovering from pregabalin
- Continued use despite relationship, work or school problems related to pregabalin
- Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, nausea when not taking pregabalin
- Trying to hide or lie about how much pregabalin is being taken
- Frequently running out of pregabalin prescription early
- Making pregabalin a higher priority than family, work obligations and responsibilities
Physical signs of pregabalin addiction or withdrawal may include tremors, abdominal pain, diarrhea, anxiety, aggression and worsening of the condition it is being taken for such as increased nerve pain. Psychological addiction is also possible and signs include obsessive thinking about pregabalin and using it to cope with stress or emotions.
Why Does Pregabalin Become Addictive?
There are a few reasons why pregabalin may become addictive for some individuals:
- Neurochemical changes -
Pregabalin acts on GABA receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and pain. Repeated use can alter GABA activity and lead to dependency.
- Euphoria -
In some cases, pregabalin triggers release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine which reinforce its use.
- Self-medicating -
Pregabalin is prescribed for pain and anxiety. For those with underlying issues, it can become a way to cope instead of treating the root problem.
- Slippery slope -
Gradually increasing doses is common and makes pregabalin harder to quit without withdrawal effects.
- Combining substances -
Using pregabalin alongside other sedatives like alcohol increases risk of overdose and dependency.
It's important to remember pregabalin addiction doesn't define a person's character. However, recognising signs of misuse or dependency is key to getting help needed.
Getting Help for Pregabalin Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with pregabalin misuse or addiction, there are treatment options available on the NHS and privately:
- Speak to your GP -
Discuss signs of addiction openly and ask to be referred to an addiction specialist or treatment service. Your GP can also provide medications to safely detox off pregabalin.
- Outpatient addiction treatment -
Group or individual therapy sessions help address root causes, learn coping skills and prevent relapse. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous are also beneficial.
- Residential rehab -
A live-in program removes access to pregabalin and supports detox through 24/7 medical supervision. Holistic treatments address body, mind and spirit to heal from addiction.
- SMART Recovery -
Self-management and mutual aid program uses cognitive behavioural techniques to change addictive patterns and thoughts about substances.
- Medications like Suboxone -
In some cases, replacement therapies are used under medical guidance to ease cravings and withdrawal when stopping pregabalin.
The most important steps are being open about pregabalin use, getting support, exploring any underlying issues, and utilising multiple methods like therapy, support groups and lifestyle changes to achieve stable recovery. With time and commitment, overcoming pregabalin addiction is absolutely possible.
What can you do now?
In summary, while pregabalin serves important medical purposes, it carries risks of dependence and substance abuse for some individuals. Recognising warning signs of pregabalin misuse or addiction is key to getting needed treatment from addiction specialists. Multiple options exist on both the NHS and privately to safely detox, address underlying contributors, and establish long-term recovery without relying on pregabalin. With help and continued efforts, people can and do overcome pregabalin addiction every day.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Pregabalin?
-
Pregabalin is a prescription medication used to treat conditions like epilepsy, neuropathic pain, generalised anxiety disorder, and fibromyalgia. It works by binding to calcium channels in the central nervous system to reduce excessive nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord.
- What are the signs and symptoms of Pregabalin addiction?
-
- Strong cravings for the drug - Continued use despite negative consequences - Tolerance - needing larger doses to achieve the same effect - Withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, headaches - Prioritising drug use over responsibilities - Using more than prescribed or changing how it's taken (e.g. crushing and snorting)
- How can I tell if I'm addicted to pregabalin?
-
Some warning signs include constantly thinking about Pregabalin, using more than prescribed, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, continuing use despite relationship or work problems. Speaking to a medical professional can help determine if your use has become dependent or addictive.
- How common is Pregabalin addiction?
-
While Pregabalin is effective for treating certain conditions, there is a risk of addiction especially at higher doses taken for longer periods. Risk factors include a history of substance abuse or mental health issues. Data suggests around 10-15% of long term Pregabalin users may become dependent.
- What treatment is available?
-
If addiction is diagnosed, treatment options may include: - Medically supervised withdrawal management to safely reduce dosage under medical supervision and address withdrawal symptoms. - Counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy to address underlying causes, learn coping skills, and prevent relapse. - Medication assisted treatment for addiction combined with counseling. Options include Suboxone for opioid addiction or antidepressants for anxiety related addiction. - Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous which provide a supportive community for recovery. - Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs for more severe cases involving detox and intensive therapy. The most effective treatment typically combines medical, therapeutic and support elements tailored to the individual's needs. Ongoing treatment or aftercare may be recommended to prevent relapse.
