Once dependence sets in, it’s not a big leap to addiction—where the user feels they can’t quit, even though they know the drug is harming them. Talk to your care team if you’re interested in using baclofen for alcohol addiction. They will be able to walk you through the risks and benefits of using this medication. Seeking treatment for baclofen abuse may not be easy, but avoiding the severe and dangerous side effects of misuse, overdose, and withdrawal is essential. If you’re looking for a trusted team of providers who can help guide you toward the right treatment plan, Zinnia Health can help.
Mental Health Treatment
Baclofen is not ascheduledmedication because the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determined that the drug does not have a potential for abuse. However, there are reports of people abusing baclofen to get high. Recovery Connection is the ultimate addiction recovery resource portal for information on the latest treatments, centers, and programs. Whether you’re looking for treatment or for aftercare options, we can point you in the right direction. Baclofen is an anti-spasmodic medication that is used in drug rehab facilities for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. It works on the GABA receptors of the brain to produce a reduction in spasticity.
One of the worst problems with medications used to treat addiction is that so many of them can actually become addictive themselves. The term for this is “titrating.” When you first start baclofen, doctors will recommend that you “titrate up” (start low and then increase per your doctor’s instructions). Likewise, when you discontinue baclofen, you’ll “titrate down” very slowly until you’re weaned off of it completely. Addiction occurs when the medication is abused, taking more than what is actually needed. The body gradually develops a dependency on Baclofen, resulting in the user needing more to achieve the same euphoric feelings. Spinal cord injuries can cause similar damage as MS, but the damage is traumatic rather than from the immune system.
How Does Baclofen Work as a Muscle Relaxant?
You will learn healthier ways to handle stress, deal with cravings, and build a life where you feel strong and in control again. Inpatient treatment offers a structured environment where you stay at a facility and focus completely on recovery. Outpatient programmes let you get help while still living at home, making them a good option for those with work or family commitments. Baclofen misuse can lead to severe physical and mental side effects that warrant immediate attention.
The baclofen withdrawal symptoms may include severe side effects and can be life-threatening. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that anyone experiencing misuse of baclofen undergo medication-assisted treatment, starting with medical detox. Why haven’t there been more clinical trials on baclofen addiction treatment?
- Naltrexone is effective because it blocks the pleasurable feelings people have when consuming alcohol.
- The story of baclofen for alcohol addiction has turned this process on its head.
- There, you will have medical supervision around the clock to ensure your comfort and safety.
- If baclofen is prescribed to help someone quit another drug, they might risk relapse if baclofen’s effects wear off.
Levels of Care
In some cases, the Sinclair Method can be a great start toward recovery. If you are interested in trying the Sinclair Method, start by talking to your doctor. They can discuss your current drinking behavior, medical history, and treatment goals to better determine if the Sinclair Method might be a good fit. Baclofen is the only drug used for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that has an anti-anxiety effect.
This makes baclofen particularly suited to outpatient treatment and use in the general practice setting. For anxious patients, stopping the alcohol provokes not only withdrawal, which feels like bad anxiety, but also unmasks their underlying anxiety problem. This double whammy makes it very hard for anxious alcohol addicted patients to sustain sobriety, especially when faced with stressful situations or life events. Once detox is complete, a high-quality treatment program helps address the underlying causes of addiction.
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Still, it has lesser-known effects that make it ideal for treating alcohol cravings. While it’s very effective, baclofen does have some contra-indications, so it’s not right for everyone. It might not be the best option for you if you take certain prescription drugs or have certain medical problems.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) doesn’t currently endorse baclofen in routine clinical settings, mainly because long-term data on its effectiveness is limited. Still, many professionals find it beneficial, especially when standard treatments like other medications or behavioral therapies aren’t enough. Baclofen can also lead to tolerance in many patients, meaning they require higher doses over time to achieve the same muscle-relaxing effects or withdrawal relief.
- Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.
- Patients who have a history of addiction or are sensitive to prescription pain medication are more likely to abuse Baclofen.
- Likewise, when you discontinue baclofen, you’ll “titrate down” very slowly until you’re weaned off of it completely.
Patients who have a history of addiction or are sensitive to prescription pain medication are more likely to abuse Baclofen. The medication can be administered as a pill, topical cream, or injected directly into the cerebral spinal fluid by way of a pump implanted beneath the skin. When used exactly as prescribed by a physician, it is safe and effective and has a fairly low abuse potential, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.1 Brand names for baclofen include Gablofen and Lioresal. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.
Understanding your options is important to make sure you get the help you need for successful addiction recovery. Therapy is key in identifying triggers, changing thought patterns, and building coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatments often prove effective. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider if you want to stop or change how you use baclofen.
If someone uses naltrexone consistently whenever baclofen addiction treatment they drink, over time, they can stop their excessive thoughts about alcohol and free themselves from the symptoms of their addiction. Individuals who take Baclofen regularly and try to suddenly stop may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, muscle spasms, or, in severe cases, hallucinations or seizures. Some people also develop a psychological reliance, especially when using Baclofen for anxiety or alcohol dependence.
Addiction and Dependence
Yes, you can, but it requires excessive doses far beyond what doctors prescribe. While the typical prescribed dose is between 5mg and 80mg a day, some people take far more than that, sometimes even hundreds of milligrams at once, trying to achieve a certain feeling. However, misuse dramatically increases the risk of both physical and psychological dependence. No, Baclofen is not considered addictive, but it can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
92 out of 100 of the people in the study stopped having cravings foralcohol after treatmentusing baclofen. Considering all of these people had tried and failed other treatments, baclofen seems to be very effective. Baclofen is currently being studied to help treataddiction, particularly for alcohol addiction.
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