Pregabalin and gabapentin are prescription medications part of the Gabapentinoid group of drugs. Used primarily to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety, they work by binding to the central nervous system and calming down your nerve signals.
Like most prescription drugs, pregabalin, gabapentin, and other Gabapentinoids are safe for use when taken in controlled doses. However, misuse such as:
can lead to serious health complications and addiction.
Gabapentinoid drugs act by mimicking the GABA neurotransmitter in your body to reduce pain caused by overactive nerves. Drugs including pregabalin (also known as Lyrica) and gabapentin are classified as controlled substances due to their stronger euphoric effects.
As with other drugs, over-prescribing or use over extended periods can cause the body to develop a tolerance for their effects, and you may find that you need higher dosages to achieve the same results. Following extended use, the comedown experienced from withdrawal can also sometimes be too much, and you may feel like another dosage is needed to bring you back to how you feel regularly.
This can eventually lead to dependence and addiction.
Spotting the signs of any kind of Gabapentinoid abuse can be complicated, however, there are usually warnings that you, or someone you know, may be developing an issue.
These are typically unwanted physical and psychological symptoms including:
Recovery from gabapentinoid abuse can be difficult, but it’s entirely possible to eliminate any cravings and dependencies.
For many who started taking gabapentinoids for medical reasons, it’s not recommended to abruptly stop taking all medications, as it may risk a dangerous return of your underlying conditions.
Stopping suddenly can also trigger severe withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. In some extreme cases, if you were taking gabapentin for help with epilepsy, sudden withdrawal can trigger an increase in seizures.
Recovery from gabapentinoid addiction is possible, but it can be extremely difficult. If you’re considering recovery independently from a rehabilitation centre, we’d still recommend seeking support from your family or local healthcare services.
Seeking help for your addiction doesn’t have to be a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s an important stage in your recovery.
Recovery at Cassiobury Court provides you with a safe and structured environment to work through your addictions. It can address the underlying reasons behind your actions and help you develop healthier habits.
We’d recommend seeking residential rehabilitation if:
Treatment is designed to work for you and your situation. Our team of support workers will be by your side every step of the way to help you on your way to long-term recovery.
Take a look inside Cassiobury Court with our interactive VR tour. Explore our private residential rehab centre in Watford, including our bedrooms, therapy spaces, communal areas and peaceful outdoor surroundings.
The tour is designed to help you or a loved one feel more familiar with our environment before admission, giving you a clearer idea of the calm, comfortable and supportive setting we provide throughout treatment.
View VR Tour
Recovery isn’t an overnight process, and overcoming addiction requires professional support, patience, and commitment. At Cassiobury Court, we’re committed to helping you understand every stage of treatment, ensuring you know what to expect and feel supported from the moment you begin your journey with us.
Our admissions process is designed to make starting treatment as easy and comfortable as possible. From your first enquiry, you’ll speak with a caring member of our team who will listen carefully, provide guidance, and collect the information needed to build a treatment programme around your individual recovery journey.
Before therapy and rehabilitation can begin, many clients require a period of detoxification. At Cassiobury Court, our supervised detox programme helps you safely transition away from substance use, giving your body and mind the opportunity to stabilise before starting further treatment.
Following detox, you’ll begin the therapeutic phase of your recovery, working alongside our experienced clinicians to explore the underlying causes of addiction. Through a combination of CBT, counselling, workshops, and holistic therapies, we’ll help you develop healthier habits and a stronger foundation for the future.
Recovery continues even after rehab, which is why we help you create a 12-month aftercare plan to support your sobriety and prevent a relapse. This will include ongoing support from our team, as well as introductions to local therapy groups and home resources.
Living with pregabalin, gabapentin, or any other gabapentinoid addiction is a huge challenge. Whether it’s been a couple of months or years, professional help can make stopping safer and give you the tools to achieve lasting recovery.
If you’re concerned about your own use, or someone else’s, the team at Cassiobury Court is here for you. Speak to us today for a confidential chat about your treatment options.
Our team includes experienced counsellors, psychologists, and medical professionals specialising in addiction treatment and mental health. We are passionate about helping people overcome addiction and achieve their goals for a healthier and happier life.
We hold the highest professional standards here at our CQC-registered rehab centre. Our fully trained GPs, Physchiatristes, Support Workers, Counsellors and Mental Health Nurses can deliver a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.
View All Team Members
