Originally designed to assist people struggling with epilepsy, Baclofen helps control muscle spasms. In addition, the drug offers minor pain relief by relaxing the muscles. It is a pain reliever that is also capable of providing a euphoric high, hence having the potential for addiction. Attempting to detox and recover from Baclofen addiction without professional help is difficult.
At Ambrosia Treatment Center in West Palm, Florida, we utilize the latest evidence-based treatments to help individuals overcome addiction. Our facility includes contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help people suffering from Baclofen addiction. These treatments have proven to be effective for our clients with substance abuse issues.
What is Baclofen?
Coming under the brand names of Kemstro®, Gablofen®, and Lioresal®, Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant that works very similarly to drugs like Gabapentin. These drugs block the nerve impulses that cause spasms and pain. It works like the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters which naturally occur in the brain sending nerve impulses to each other. Baclofen can block the activity of nerves within the part of the brain that controls the skeletal muscles and their contraction and relaxation. It does share characteristics of other narcotics such as Tramadol but is not part of this drug classification.
Baclofen can be taken orally or by injection and when taken by mouth, the gastrointestinal tract quickly absorbs it. In addition, it is also used to treat muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients, cerebral palsy, or those suffering from other spinal cord diseases. Although ts is still in an experimental phase, another ‘off-label’ usage for Baclofen is taking it to help in addiction treatment to other narcotics and controlled substances.
A prescribing doctor will typically begin with an initial dosage of 5mg of Baclofen, but may increase the dosage to 10mg tablets if necessary. However, Baclofen comes in 10mg and 20mg dosages and can be increased up to 100mg as needed. As with many drugs that create a calming sensation, there is an opportunity for dependence to develop.
Is Baclofen Addictive?
Baclofen is not highly addictive in and of itself; however people have misused it as it produces a relaxing, and even euphoric, feeling. When this misuse continues, you begin to develop a dependence on the drug. This means you need more of the substance to achieve the desired effect and you experience withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the drug. Dependence quickly leads to addiction, causing these symptoms to increase in severity and the craving for Baclofen to become extreme.
Those who feel they desperately need the effects of Baclofen to function normally or who are unable to quit taking it are suffering from an addiction to the substance and should seek help immediately.
Baclofen Addiction Side Effects
Before taking Baclofen it is very important to speak with a doctor about the safety of using it and what sort of drug interactions to be aware of. Some of the possible side effects when taking Baclofen include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty Breathing
- Seizures
- Changes to behavior or mood (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Confusion or Agitation
- Hallucinations
If you are using Baclofen whether by prescription or recreationally and experience any of these symptoms it is important to speak with a doctor or seek medication attention. Baclofen is commonly mixed with other drugs such as opioids, alcohol, or amphetamines to increase the high feeling these drugs cause. This greatly increases the chances of an overdose, however. If this happens, seek out medical attention right away.
Overcoming Baclofen addiction can be challenging, and it’s best to have professional support. At Ambrosia Treatment Center we are here to help you every step of the way on your journey to recovery.
How Can You Tell if You Are Addicted to Baclofen?
Baclofen addiction is not as easy to identify as addiction to other drugs such as opioids; however, there are still key indicators to look out for. A person dealing with Baclofen addiction could be experiencing any of the following:
- Lying about Baclofen use
- Attempting to get extra doses
- Neglecting social habits and responsibilities
- Spending large amounts of money on the drug
- Obsessive thoughts about the drug
- Failed attempts to quit or a refusal to quit
When attempting to quit using Baclofen there can be a number of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, confusion, convulsions, and even psychosis and tachycardia (an irregular heartbeat).
If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to Baclofen or is trying to quit, seeking professional help is the best way to successfully deal with it. You owe it to yourself to feel empowered to take control of your life again.
Baclofen Addiction Treatment Center in West Palm, FL
Get help for Baclofen addiction with top-rated compassionate care at one of our Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers near West Palm, Florida. Recover at our therapeutic, sun-filled, palm tree-lined, addiction rehabilitation centers. Ambrosia Treatment Center provides advanced addiction recovery treatment for all types of drug addictions. Ambrosia’s drug and alcohol rehab experts have been featured in the media hundreds of times including at CBS, NBC, CNN, Washington Post, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.
Visit our admissions process page today, or give us a call now at 888-492-1633 to get start your recovery. You’re in the right place to make real change.
