Baclofen is an antispasmodic agent, which is why it’s prescribed for certain types of muscle tightness and muscle stiffness called spasticity. It’s available in both a tablet and liquid form taken orally or an injectable form, which has the strongest effects. A person prescribed baclofen may begin misusing it over time to strengthen its effects.

How to Get Help for Baclofen Abuse

Engaging in physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can provide emotional support and coping strategies for managing anxiety during withdrawal. Outpatient treatment is considered the least intensive level of care.

• When abusing baclofen, either by consuming an excess amount of mixing it with alcohol or other substances, it can make someone feel euphoric when high.
• The medicine comes in the form of pills, injectables, and a pump.
• On the other hand, large doses are not as quickly absorbed, and they tend to have an 8.6-hour half-life.
• The oral forms comprise tablets, caplets, and capsules whose sizes vary according to their strength.
• Residential care will help you prepare for re-entry to work or school by offering support and instruction, as well as time and space for you to evaluate your choices.
• They are supplied as white or off-white colored tablets and capsules.

What Is Baclofen? Can It Treat Alcohol Addiction?

If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. If you suspect that someone you know has overdosed on baclofen, it’s important to remain calm and call 911. If they’re conscious, try and prevent them from taking any more drugs in the meantime. While we need effective alternatives to opioids, it is important to know that alternatives to opioids also have risks. That is unavoidable, because all medications carry potential benefits and consequences.

Detox

It is hypothesised that baclofen’s interaction with GABA-B receptors is what is responsible for its ability to null cravings for certain substances, including alcohol. Olivier Ameisen, a physician who suffered from AUD claimed in a 2005 paper that he was able to nullify the desire for alcohol with a 270mg daily dose of baclofen. Though his case study on himself seemed to prove the efficacy of baclofen for treating addiction, further studies have failed to designate exactly why it works. Aftercare is designed to support sober people who have already completed detox and rehab and are looking for continued support as they re-enter society as a sober individual. People who are recovering from baclofen addiction may find aftercare to be particularly helpful in warding off relapse and coping with high-risk situations or triggers in early recovery.

• Signs of overdose include muscle weakness, hypothermia, and a dangerously slow heart rate.
• Over time, the person abusing baclofen will need to take more and more drugs to experience the same sensation as the body begins to develop tolerance.
• This misuse can involve taking higher doses than prescribed, taking the medication more frequently than recommended, or using Baclofen without a legitimate medical need.
• This is a problem because it can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate crucial bodily functions.
• In another study, researchers noted tapering off cravings for nicotine in a patient diagnosed with primary nicotine dependence who does not have any psychiatric disorder.
• Before you come out of recovery, we will work on an aftercare plan for you to be more equipped to cope with triggers or impulses.

Start Your Recovery with Granite

Even though there’s lack of slang, the rise of the street price (value) indicates that the drug has entered the market for illegal drugs. Ultimately, your care plan should be customized to meet your needs. Don’t hesitate to speak with a provider and ask them about the proven methods they use and the best ways they could be applied based on your circumstances. The drug starts working within a few hours after entering the body as a pill or solution, and blood levels of the drug peak within 2 to 3 hours following use.

Baclofen for Anxiety or Depression Management

His family member also gave history that whenever he takes baclofen 80 mg and sometimes more than that dose his confidence increases becomes irritable and angry. He remains euphoric and sleeps less; remain restless most of the time. On understanding his change of behavior after abusing baclofen 80 mg they stopped baclofen but immediately the patient becomes depressed like before. It means the patient was having hypomanic switch on taking 80 mg of baclofen. Interestingly during his hypomanic phase he never took alcohol which is most probably for taking baclofen which is an anti-craving drug for alcohol. The medicine has been considered helpful in treating anxiety and depression in individuals suffering from alcoholism or substance abuse.

Baclofen Abuse and Addiction Treatment Options

The DEA categorizes substances based on their abuse potential and approved medical use. As per the Controlled Substance Act can baclofen be abused (CSA), there are Five drug schedules. If treatment for baclofen overdoses is administered immediately then full recovery is often possible within 72 hours. Baclofen is used to relieve discomfort caused by muscle pains, spasms, strains, cramping, and tightness.