Also known as Neurontin, gabapentin is most commonly used to treat epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, nerve pain, and hot flashes. Gabapentin belongs to a class of drugs called GABA analogs or anticonvulsants, which appear to function like tranquilizers by reacting with the GABA neurotransmitter. Although it’s different from drugs of abuse, like benzos and opioids, gabapentin is known to produce withdrawal symptoms and psychoactive effects when misused. To experience these side effects, some people might start using the drug in ways it wasn’t meant to be used, such as through inhalation. But can you snort gabapentin?
Why Do People Snort Gabapentin?
When misused, gabapentin acts as a mild tranquilizer, producing a euphoric high similar to a marijuana high in some people. It also tends to create a sensation of calm and increased sociability and empathy for others. Common street names for gabapentin include morontin and gabbies, and it’s also commonly used with other substances – such as alcohol – to increase the side effects of gabapentin or the other substance.
Gabapentin may also be used by those attempting to mitigate withdrawals of substances like alcohol. However, because of its low potential for addiction, the rate of gabapentin abuse is fairly low compared to substances like opioids or alcohol. It does, however, produce physical dependence and withdrawals, which are markers of addiction.
The high produced by the drug can also lead to a sensation of euphoria, which users might find enticing. The process of treating people for gabapentin addiction might be more complex because the individual will most likely be addicted to another substance simultaneously and therefore require PHP treatment for several forms of drug use.
With that said, people snort gabapentin to increase it’s side effects and experience a more intense high or sense of intoxication. Snorting gabapentin is not an intended form of use. Gabapentin pills are meant to be taken orally, but people who want to abuse the drug via inhalation might crush the pills to create a snortable powder.
What Happens If You Snort Gabapentin?
To be clear, you cannot snort gabapentin. This is an unsafe form of use that’s not intended for this drug. Gabapentin pills are meant to be taken orally and as prescribed. However, to get high and increase the effects of the drug, some people might crush the pills and snort them.
One of the earliest signs of gabapentin addiction is using the drug in ways it’s not intended, which includes snorting. Users crush pills or tablets and inhale the residual powder into the nasal passages. Some common side effects of snorting gabapentin include:
- Restlessness
- Nosebleed
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Euphoria
- Violent behavior
- Unusual behavior
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Uncontrollable shaking or tremors
- Impaired memory
- Impaired motor function
- Muscle aches and pains
- Weight gain
- Fever
- Swollen hands and feet
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Lack of coordination
Sniffing gabapentin is also another way for someone who’s become tolerant to a certain dose of the drug to experience its effects again. Increased tolerance occurs with many drugs when they’re taken for long periods, including gabapentin. As a result, a person who takes the drug for recreational purposes might turn to other forms of administration, such as snorting, to get high.
In the end, this may only give way to physical dependence, which is characterized by highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Gabapentin withdrawals present themselves when a person who’s physically dependent on the drug dramatically reduces their dose or goes a certain length of time without taking it. Seizures and other dangerous symptoms commonly occur during the withdrawal period, which is why many people opt for medically monitored detox when they decide to quit a drug.
Help for Gabapentin Recreational Use
Gabapentin snorting is a common practice among recreational users, and while the drug is considered to be less addictive than opioids and stimulants, long-term abuse is shown to result in toxic delirium, intense cravings, and prolonged post-withdrawal. With that said, any form of drug abuse is dangerous, and the addictive nature of most drugs users would consider to be “worth” abusing are highly addictive.
For those who are struggling with gabapentin abuse and addiction, our Chicago drug and alcohol rehab offers various levels of care for substance abuse treatment that can help. Our addiction specialists work with patients in every step of their recovery to ensure that they’re receiving the physical and psychological care they need to get sober.
Banyan Treatment Center Chicago offers various forms of psychotherapy in addition to illicit and prescription drug addiction treatment to help people with all kinds of addictions overcome their struggles, get healthy, and find lasting sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help.
Call our drug rehab in Naperville, IL today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our addiction services.
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