Is Baclofen Addictive? What You Should Know

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How Do I Recognize Signs of Baclofen Overdose?

To avoid the unpleasant effects of withdrawal and to achieve the same results, people turn to baclofen abuse by taking it more often than needed or in larger doses. The risk of severe withdrawal is high if you have used the injectable form. Treatment is supportive and can include medications to control seizures and muscle stiffness.

Baclofen Addiction and Abuse

Many of these have gone on to live their lives free of substances. During this time, the user will be presented with a range of treatment options. This can include medication to help with withdrawal and an individualized program based on lifestyle changes and therapies.

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Doctors might also give baclofen to help manage epilepsy or to treat withdrawal when used off-label in addiction recovery programs. In these cases, baclofen is meant to reduce dependence on other drugs. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that physicians may prescribe to treat muscle stiffness, tightness, or spasticity. They may prescribe it to people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or other diseases that affect the muscles. When professionals use baclofen for addiction treatment, they typically prescribe it to treat withdrawal or to attempt to reduce dependence on another drug. Although the person takes baclofen for opiate withdrawals, baclofen withdrawals may start if the individual stops.

Doctors who prescribe Baclofen also believe that it might be a better choice. Zinnia Health has rehab programs in several states, making it easy to find a baclofen detox center near you. If you are prescribed baclofen by your doctor, you can discuss slowly weaning off from home. However, if you are abusing baclofen or mixing it with any other substances, it is vital that you let your doctor know before attempting an at-home detox. In most cases, baclofen withdrawal lasts anywhere from one to two weeks, which is how long your detox program will last. Unfortunately, many people with drug or alcohol addiction are in denial that they have a problem in the first place.

Baclofen and its Use in Addiction Treatment

The peak concentration of baclofen in the bloodstream occurs one to three hours after taking the medication orally, while the half-life is three to four hours in the plasma. In addition to treating neurological disorders, baclofen is also prescribed to those suffering from spinal injuries. Long-term residential treatment provides structured care in the therapeutic community or a sober living home.

Professionals will normally recommend a tapering approach, where the user slowly reduces the dose under supervision. This can help reduce the severe withdrawal can you get addicted to baclofen symptoms that can come with a baclofen detox. Often, the user will need additional medication to help the body cope with the changes it experiences through a detoxification program. Taking higher doses of baclofen or any habit-forming substance can lead to dependence. This is what happens when a person depends on the substance, and the individual experiences withdrawal if the drug is suddenly stopped.

Those who suffer from substance use disorders should never attempt to end substance use without help. It’s both important and even necessary for individuals to seek assistance from others. This certainly remains true in cases of baclofen dependence and addiction.

Lioresal For Alcoholism

Like alcohol and benzodiazepines, addicts should not stop taking baclofen suddenly. Therefore, detoxing should always be done under medical supervision. After detox, you can then attend our very effective residential or intensive outpatient treatment program. If you are suffering from a mental illness on top of your addiction, we also offer dual diagnosis treatment. We even provide numerous different forms of individual therapy and group therapy. If you are suffering from a baclofen addiction, you should consider entering our prescription drug detox program.

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. The result didn’t show a dramatic effect but a slight improvement. Using multiple therapy styles can address each person’s unique circumstances. The goal is to empower you with tools to avoid relapse and handle life stress without returning to baclofen or other drugs.

Tolerance can build quickly, and sudden discontinuation might lead to baclofen withdrawal symptoms like muscle stiffness and low blood pressure. 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. People with chronic illnesses or persistent muscle pain are particularly at risk of tolerance—and possibly, misuse. If you have noticed baclofen withdrawal symptoms after taking the drug for some time, you’ll likely need professional help to detox safely.

Treatment for Baclofen Abuse

Withdrawal can be extremely unpleasant and even dangerous without medical help. When someone abuses baclofen—either by taking too much or mixing it with other drugs—they may feel a euphoria akin to mild intoxication or the effects of marijuana. Some people combine baclofen with opioids, alcohol, or amphetamines to boost or change their high.

• People who take Baclofen to get high are usually looking for a way to relax.
• People with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injury and disease are primary candidates for the use of baclofen.
• The treatment aims to resocialize addicted individuals and helps them reintegrate into society with minimal problems.
• The journey from invention to market typically takes more than a decade.

Baclofen overdose

However, in larger doses, Baclofen dependence or addiction is possible, just like with other drugs. The results indicated that treatment retention was much higher in the group of patients receiving Kemstro. These individuals experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms, and reported less use of alcohol too.

Baclofen is not a controlled substance, narcotic, opioid drug or benzodiazepine. However, Baclofen is quite a bit like Soma in that it is a muscle relaxer. Still, Lioresal reviews tell us that most patients prefer this drug over Soma.

You’re supposed to take oral forms of baclofen around 3 times a day. When you start taking baclofen, you should do so in small doses at first and then gradually increase to larger doses. When you are stopping taking baclofen, do so in small increments over a period of 1-2 weeks. According to the Electronic Medicines Compendium, you should increase and decrease your dosage of baclofen gradually over time. The action of gradually increasing and decreasing your dosage of medications is called tapering. Not tapering your baclofen dosage could lead to severe side effects.