Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a prescription medication often used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and sometimes anxiety. While it is not classified as a controlled substance at the federal level, gabapentin misuse has increased in recent years.
Some people take higher doses than prescribed or combine it with opioids or alcohol, which can raise the risk of dependence.
When gabapentin use begins to affect your health, mood, or daily life, professional treatment can help.
At Serenity Grove, a trusted residential addiction treatment center in Georgia, you can access medically supported detox and dual diagnosis care in a structured, supportive environment designed for lasting recovery.
What Is Gabapentin Addiction?
Gabapentin addiction happens when a person continues to use Neurontin prescribed to them (or someone else) in ways that are unsafe or outside of medical guidance.
While some people develop physical dependence on Gabapentin after long-term use, others may misuse gabapentin for its calming or sedating effects.
Signs of gabapentin addiction may include:
- Taking larger doses than prescribed
- Using gabapentin without a prescription
- Mixing gabapentin with opioids or alcohol
- Feeling unable to stop despite negative effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
Tolerance to Neurontin (gabapentin) can develop over time, meaning the same dose no longer feels effective. This may lead to increasing use, which raises the risk of addiction and health complications. To stop gabapentin use safely once addiction forms, addiction treatment may be necessary.
Why Medical Detox Is Important for Gabapentin Addiction
Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially after high doses or long-term use. For some individuals, symptoms can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or agitation
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Mood swings
- In rare cases, seizures
Because of these risks, detox should take place under medical supervision. In a professional setting, medical staff can monitor symptoms, taper medication safely, and provide supportive care. This helps reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of complications.
At Serenity Grove, medical detox is the first step in stabilizing the body before beginning deeper therapeutic work.
What Happens After Gabapentin Detox?
Detox addresses physical dependence, but recovery requires more than managing withdrawal. After detox, treatment focuses on the emotional, behavioral, and mental health factors connected to substance use.
Post-detox treatment often includes:
- Individual therapy to explore patterns of use and triggers
- Group therapy to build peer support and shared understanding
- Relapse prevention planning to identify warning signs
- Coping skills training to manage stress without substances
This phase of treatment helps you rebuild confidence, improve decision-making, and create healthier routines.
Gabapentin Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Neurontin (gabapentin) is sometimes prescribed for anxiety, mood symptoms, or nerve-related pain. However, when misuse develops, mental health can become more unstable.
Long-term gabapentin misuse may contribute to:
- Increased anxiety between doses
- Depression or low mood
- Irritability
- Emotional numbness
- Poor concentration
For people with existing mental health conditions, substance use can make symptoms worse. This is why dual diagnosis treatment is essential. Treating both substance use and mental health together improves long-term outcomes and reduces relapse risk.
Serenity Grove provides integrated care that addresses addiction and mental health at the same time, rather than treating them separately.
Levels of Care for Gabapentin Addiction Treatment
Treatment plans depend on the severity of use, medical history, and personal needs. Serenity Grove offers multiple levels of care to support recovery:
- Medical detox: Provides 24/7 monitoring and symptom management during withdrawal to ensure safety and comfort.
- Residential/Inpatient treatment: Offers a structured, supportive setting where individuals focus fully on recovery while receiving daily therapy and clinical care.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Addresses both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Aftercare planning: Prepares individuals for life after treatment with continued therapy referrals, relapse prevention strategies, and support group connections.
Each level of care is designed to build on the previous step, creating a clear path toward long-term recovery.
How Long Does Gabapentin Addiction Treatment Take?
There is no single timeline for addiction recovery. Treatment length varies based on:
- How long gabapentin has been used
- Dosage and frequency
- Whether other substances are involved
- Presence of mental health conditions
- Personal support systems
Detox may last several days to a week or more. Residential treatment often continues for several weeks. Recovery is a gradual process, and steady progress is more important than speed.
What Does Recovery From Gabapentin Addiction Look Like?
Recovery is more than stopping the medication. It involves building a healthier daily life.
In early recovery, individuals often focus on:
- Stabilizing sleep and energy levels
- Managing stress without medication
- Rebuilding relationships
- Creating consistent routines
Over time, recovery may include:
- Returning to work or school
- Practicing coping skills learned in therapy
- Attending support groups
- Continuing outpatient counseling
Recovery is not about perfection. It is about learning how to respond to challenges without returning to substance use.
When to Seek Help for Gabapentin Misuse
It may be time to seek professional treatment if:
- You feel anxious about running out of medication
- You combine gabapentin with other substances
- Your dose keeps increasing
- You have tried to stop but could not
- Your physical or mental health is getting worse
Early treatment can prevent more serious complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Learn More About Serenity Grove
Gabapentin Addiction Treatment in Georgia
Breaking free from gabapentin addiction can feel overwhelming, especially if mental health challenges are also present. But recovery is possible with the right support and structure.
At Serenity Grove in Georgia, you receive medically supervised detox, residential treatment, and dual diagnosis care in a calm, healing environment. Treatment focuses on safety, dignity, and personalized care at every stage of recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with gabapentin misuse, reach out today to learn how professional treatment can help you move toward stability and long-term healing.
Sources:
- Gabapentin Misuse, Abuse, and Diversion — National Library of Medicine (NIH)
- Gabapentin Withdrawal and Dependence — MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction — National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
