Is Baclofen Addictive? Learn The Truth Missouri Alcohol & Drug Rehab

Baclofen is a pain medication that many people aren’t familiar with. Every day, opioid-related drug overdoses kill over 130 people in the US.1 Addiction treatment in a rehab facility can help with recovery from substance use disorders. Inpatient is best if you require a higher level of treatment and monitoring during your recovery, such as a dual diagnosis. During inpatient recovery, health care services can seek to resolve any other drug use problems or mental health concerns that you face besides Baclofen misuse. When taken as prescribed by a doctor, it was not found to be particularly addictive.

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The risk of addiction is generally low when baclofen is taken under medical supervision, but it’s not zero. The more you drink, the more your brain motivates you to seek out alcohol — that’s what causes cravings. Baclofen is one of several medications used to help people overcome compulsive drinking that doesn’t create an aversion to alcohol. It doesn’t make you sick when you drink, and it doesn’t affect the taste of alcohol.

Why Does a Baclofen Overdose Occur?

• Baclofen can affect people in different ways, and the severity of the side effects will depend on how much of the drug was taken.
• After all, some individuals know all too well how unfortunately easy it is to develop prescription drug addictions.
• There were 27 cases of withdrawal and 6 deaths during the first 9 years after the FDA approved baclofen for marketing.7 However, details on the exact causes and other contributing factors are not known.
• The medicine has been considered helpful in treating anxiety and depression in individuals suffering from alcoholism or substance abuse.
• Long-term residential treatment provides structured care in the therapeutic community or a sober living home.
• An acute dose of 20 mg of baclofen can decrease the palatability of cigarettes.10 The patient might have substituted his cigarette with baclofen resulting in massive overdose of the drug.

These services are beneficial if you do not have a healthy home life or severe drug use problem. Detox is usually the first step into the treatment of drug use disorder. Over time, you slowly wean yourself off drugs so that the body can get used to drug-free to operate normally. When you have stabilized, you will be assessed by a care specialist so you can proceed to the next level of therapy.

Inpatient Care:

Call 24/7 to have a discussion with one of our treatment professionals the call is completely free. Admission Line and explanation of convenient private phone and free prescreening. Some brand name versions of baclofen include Gablofen, Lioresal, and Kemstro. Lioresal is the most well-known brand name version of baclofen.

How To Help Someone With a Baclofen Use Disorder

In Australia and parts of Europe, doctors already prescribe baclofen to treat AUD. While the United States is still behind on this particular treatment, LifeBac is trying to change that. There are many support services available to you before, during, and aftercare. We offer an alumni program to help you after you leave our program; 12-step services are perfect additions to every recovery plan.

• Other medications used for anxiety treatment may require increasing amounts to continue building tolerance and might become a problem in the long run.
• Both of these methods can help people as they seek liberty from substance dependence.
• In truth, individuals who use baclofen for a while may develop a tolerance for it.
• As a result, baclofen helps people suffering from addiction manage their withdrawal symptoms.
• The peak concentration of baclofen in the bloodstream occurs 1-3 hours after taking the medication orally.
• Scientists got a success rate of 68.2%, but only 43 patients were tested in the study.
• People who take baclofen may mix it with alcohol to heighten their euphoric and calming effects.

As a result, baclofen helps people suffering from addiction manage their withdrawal symptoms. Although the person takes baclofen for opiate withdrawals, baclofen withdrawals may start if the individual stops. The person may experience other negative symptoms and may be more likely to relapse. Some people take it for alcohol withdrawals or to manage dependence on another substance, which can create a complicated problem when baclofen abuse exists. Since there are so many complexities and risks, professional treatment is essential.

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic drug that helps alleviate muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain. Doctors may prescribe it to help treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other diseases and injuries of the central nervous system. A 2016 case study notes that reports of baclofen dependence and abuse are rare. However, abruptly reducing is baclofen habit forming or discontinuing baclofen may result in withdrawal, especially if a person has been taking the drug for more than 2 months. As such, doctors recommend tapering the dose off gradually over 2–4 weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms. An acute dose of 20 mg of baclofen can decrease the palatability of cigarettes.10 The patient might have substituted his cigarette with baclofen resulting in massive overdose of the drug.

We are dedicated to admitting and serving all residents and patients equally, regardless of race, color, or national origin. Our facilities ensure everyone receives fair access to compassionate, comprehensive, and top-quality care. Baclofen withdrawal syndrome in an alcohol-dependent patient. There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone reacts differently to medication.

Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service. In another study, researchers noted tapering off cravings for nicotine in a patient diagnosed with primary nicotine dependence who does not have any psychiatric disorder. The patient was prescribed to take Lioresal, which he eventually abused. Based on the report, the patient said he experienced an unusual sense of pleasure and well-being whenever he took Lioresal.

This is because the FDA requires the drug to pass several tests before it reaches the market. The journey from invention to market typically takes more than a decade. Unlike gabapentin, baclofen is not controlled throughout the US. Drugs in this class work by blocking signals from nerves to muscle fibers. By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorize California Behavioral Health. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from California Behavioral Health.

They teach people how to cope with triggers or situations and avoid others. Prolonged misuse can lead to addiction, which is what happens when a person is unable to stop taking a substance even though the individual is aware of the harm it causes. To overcome addiction successfully, a person needs professional treatment.

When it comes to the side effects baclofen use may produce, it is important for individuals to be aware of the ways in which this drug may affect them. It may also cause confusion, physical weakness, or discomfort in the stomach. In severe cases, baclofen use can lead to seizures or breathing problems.