9 Signs Your Loved One Is Struggling with Baclofen Abuse

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. The cost of a sober living home will vary depending on its location, amenities, rooming options, and recovery support services offered.

Treatment for Baclofen Abuse

It is particularly effective for conditions like certain spinal disorders and diseases affecting the spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Similar risks are present for individuals with liver disorders such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. In patients with compromised liver or kidney function, Baclofen may accumulate in the body, potentially leading to toxicity or overdose. ” This is a valid question and a concern that recovery centers should certainly address. It’s important for those who are suffering from addiction to find hope at addiction treatment centers that have their best interest in mind.

Although it also relieves pain related to muscle stiffness, it does so differently than opioid analgesics or narcotic painkillers. When Lioresal is abused, some common adverse health effects may be experienced, especially when dosage has been abruptly increased. Although cases of Baclofen abuse are rarely reported, it is advised to start with a Baclofen 10 mg or 5 mg dose a few times a day, gradually increasing it over time when necessary. Patients who start taking the medication should be aware of Baclofen side effects and interactions.

  • When someone abuses baclofen in high doses, it is possible that they will build a tolerance to the drug’s effects and eventually develop a physical dependence on it.
  • Once the body has been stabilized, you are ready to move to the next phase of treatment.
  • It is also dangerous because it could cause baclofen to interact with other substances.
  • High doses of baclofen are often needed to treat both addiction and medical issues.
  • Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help.

Recovery Connection

So rare, that there aren’t very many statistics regarding the abuse of it. Even still, some people do abuse baclofen recreationally to get a narcotic-like high. When it is taken in extremely high doses, baclofen can cause drowsiness and a feeling of being high. In recent years, medical professionals have also been prescribing baclofen for “off-label” purposes. This means that, while the FDA has approved baclofen for treating the above conditions, it’s also prescribed to treat conditions not yet approved by the FDA.

It’s important to note that the more severe side effects baclofen addiction of baclofen are not as likely to occur as the moderate symptoms. Still, individuals should also consult medical professional advice when it comes to using any sort of medication, including baclofen. This will ensure that people are using it safely and effectively without danger of severe and serious effects.

Baclofen as a treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUD)

Treatment is supportive and can include medications to control seizures and muscle stiffness. In severe withdrawal, your doctor may give a low dose of baclofen. Tolerance can drive individuals to take higher doses or use baclofen more frequently to feel the effects they’re used to.

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants

Lioresal is known to be prescribed for prolonged intake if used for treating addiction or for spasticity management. When the drug is used for several months, it is not surprising that a patient may become psychologically dependent. When patients try to taper off Lioresal, the development of Baclofen withdrawal syndrome can be expected.

Several treatment levels are available, depending on the severity of your addiction. Understanding your options is important to make sure you get the help you need for successful addiction recovery. United Recovery Project employs a professional team to make sure that you get the right treatment to overcome your substance use disorder and regain your freedom.

People Often Ask, Is Baclofen Addictive?

If you are currently dealing with the impact of addiction and you’re not sure how to overcome these challenges, you may benefit from our addiction treatment services. You may need to consider enrolling in an inpatient or residential program. In this type of treatment program, you will be able to live in a drug- and alcohol-free environment, away from any negative influences that may exist at home. This medication works to relieve pain and it operates as muscle relaxers. Baclofen also helps to improve the overall movement of muscles as it combats spasms.

Without the help and supervision of professionals, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to overcome addiction. Effective treatment requires successful detox, followed by continuing therapy. When people try to detox on their own, the effects can be dangerous.

Addiction Treatment that Just Works

Other people that could develop more side effects to baclofen include the elderly, and people with impaired renal function. If you have galactose intolerance, active peptic ulceration, or porphyria, do not take baclofen. If you have severe psychiatric disorders, seizure disorders, sphincter hypertonia, liver disease, or diabetes mellitus, take baclofen with extreme caution. Baclofen may also not be right for you if you are already receiving antihypertensive therapy.

With the euphoric effects that it can cause and the high levels of misuse that it has, of course, it is. If you cannot stop taking baclofen without experiencing withdrawals, then it means that you have developed a dependence on it. People with a history of strokes could develop more side effects to baclofen than the average person.

Recovery Resource Center has gathered together the ultimate information to move you forward in your recovery. If the person is having a seizure, protect them from self-harm by laying them down in a safe area and cushioning their head. Severe and persistent drowsiness is a direct result of central nervous system depression. As the body is sedated by excessive baclofen, it can become harder to stay awake. Otherwise known as low blood pressure, this can cause a person to become dizzy and faint.

It’s available in both a tablet and liquid form taken orally or an injectable form, which has the strongest effects. If you or someone you know is misusing baclofen, it’s important to understand the side effects, dangers, and treatment options for baclofen use disorder. At United Recovery Project, our holistic approach to addiction treatment centers around addressing and healing the underlying issues at the root of addiction. Baclofen can be used intrathecally to treat conditions caused by spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and other spinal diseases. Baclofen activates GABA receptors, which inhibit nerve activity and soothe the nervous system. Prolonged use of baclofen downregulates these receptors, leading the body to depend on the medication to sustain normal nerve function.

The medicine has been considered helpful in treating anxiety and depression in individuals suffering from alcoholism or substance abuse. Studies have shown the success of Baclofen for anxiety in lowering the anxiety level in drug addicts. This effect, in turn, reduces their cravings to indulge in addictive behavior. It helps patients feel relaxed and calm, thus providing relief from anxiety, stress, and depression. Baclofen for anxiety is an off-label use, so getting professional medical assistance from a doctor is crucial.