More and more, people are interested in using drugs and supplements to enhance their minds and bodies. Entire communities exist online, centred around nootropics, substances that are marketed to enhance brain function.
Increasingly, a drug called phenibut is being talked about and used. It is marketed as a safe supplement that can help with your sleep and mood.
The reality is different. There are many risks to the drug, issues around the legality of the substance and concerns over phenibut withdrawal. We’re going to take a look at what phenibut is, why it is risky to take and how you can get help if you are suffering.
What Is Phenibut?
Rather than a safe supplement, phenibut is a synthetic depressant that was developed in Russia in the 1960s. It was initially used in the Soviet Union by cosmonauts to help Russian astronauts stay calm whilst in space, but has since become a prescription drug in the country, as well as a popular recreational drug.
Phenibut works on the central nervous system by modulating GABA receptors, mimicking the neurotransmitter GABA. This produces calming and muscle-relaxing effects.
Phenibut effects mean that it was originally used as a prescription drug in Eastern Europe for anxiety, insomnia and part of mental health treatment. It has now become popular recreationally and is used in the UK and the USA as part of self-treatment for anxiety and to improve cognition.
Is Phenibut Legal in the UK?
The phenibut UK legality is not entirely straightforward. It is not approved for medication or as a supplement, so it cannot be prescribed by a medical professional.
It exists in a grey area, though, as under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, the sale, production and supply of phenibut for human consumption is banned. However, phenibut is not a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, so it is legal to personally possess the drug.
This means that people can access the drug online, which is illegal to sell, but if they are found with it on them, then they are not technically breaking the law. This loophole means that buying phenibut online is risky because you have no idea about the purity or dosage amount of what you are buying.
How Phenibut Affects the Brain & Body
Phenibut works as a depressant on the central nervous system, mimicking the inhibitory neurotransmitter to produce the benefits that people want from it.
The effects of phenibut on the brain and body include:
- Reduced anxiety
- Relaxation
- Improved mood
- Enhanced sociability
- Sedation and help with sleep
This sounds all well and good, but phenibut comes with many risks.
Risks & Side Effects
You can expect to encounter many unwanted side effects that will put you at risk. Phenibut can cause:
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Confusion and irritability
- Nausea
- Coordination issues
- Emotional instability
- Memory and cognitive issues
- Headaches
- Anxiety
Higher doses of the substance can also bring about hangover-like symptoms afterwards, which may lead to people taking more to avoid this. Repeated use could lead to dependence.
Can Phenibut Cause Dependence?
Yes, phenibut is an addictive substance. Like many forms of drug addiction, phenibut dependence develops because of tolerance. Users of phenibut quickly develop a tolerance, meaning that they need higher amounts to feel the same desired effects as before.
Increasing the dosage leads to repeated use and a cycle of dependence, when you soon need to take it to avoid withdrawal.
Not only does phenibut carry a physical dependence risk, but a psychological one as well. Your addiction will soon hijack your brain’s reward system, flooding your brain with pleasure hormones when you engage in an addictive behaviour. This makes you crave the substance and action, reinforcing the addiction.
Phenibut Withdrawal
One of the biggest phenibut risks is actually withdrawal. Coming off this substance can bring on more severe withdrawal symptoms than people might expect. You should be aware of what symptoms to expect.
Common phenibut withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety spikes
- Rebound insomnia
- Panic and agitation
- Tremors
- Hallucinations (in severe cases)
- Severe depression
- Muscle cramps
As phenibut is not a well-known substance and the withdrawal can be severe, you should not go through it without professional help. We recommend getting medical support during withdrawal, as going cold turkey can be dangerous, and a more regimented detox programme is safer.
Why People Misuse Phenibut
No addiction is the same. People take substances for many reasons and don’t plan on becoming addicted. A greater understanding of the why of addiction can help people feel more comfortable about asking for help and feeling less shame over it.
People commonly misuse phenibut because:
- They are self-treating anxiety
- They are suffering from sleep problems
- They are using it to cope with stress
- They find it gives them confidence in social settings
- They have found information about online nootropic communities and are curious
When to Seek Help
Phenibut addiction will not get better over time. In fact, it will only get worse. Early intervention is important to an effective recovery, so you should access professional rehabilitation services as soon as possible.
If you are not sure if you or someone you know needs professional help, there are some clear indications. Signs that you need to seek professional help include:
- Can’t stop taking phenibut without bringing on withdrawal symptoms
- Needing more to feel the same effects as before
- Panic and anxiety are worsening
- Neglecting daily responsibilities
- Using daily or going on frequent binges
Treatment at Cassiobury Court
If you are looking for phenibut addiction help, the support you are after is available. Cassiobury Court provides industry-leading addiction treatment at our private facility, staffed by experienced professionals.
The available treatment options at Cassiobury Court include:
- Medically assisted detox
- Range of psychological therapies, including DBT and CBT
- Mental health support and dual-diagnosis treatment
- Holistic and well-being care
- Relapse prevention support
- Aftercare and wellbeing plan, giving you access to ongoing support
- Social activities
Concerned About Phenibut Addiction? Get Support Today
If you are struggling with anxiety or insomnia and have heard about phenibut, don’t use it. Phenibut is a relatively unknown and potentially dangerous drug with addiction risks. If you are already struggling with addiction, it’s not too late to get help.
At Cassiobury Court, we can help you overcome your phenibut addiction or offer guidance if you are concerned for someone else. Get in touch today to find out more about the confidential support we can offer.
