Additionally, some individuals may develop a dependency due to its pain-relieving properties, even though it is not classified as a narcotic. Over time, the brain may rely on these effects, prompting individuals to exceed their prescribed dosage. While baclofen is not chemically considered an addictive substance, some individuals may become psychologically dependent on it or addicted to the feelings it produces. If misused, baclofen can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. There is a higher risk of addiction for those with a history of substance abuse.

While in an individual therapy session, a person can discuss his or her needs, feelings, emotions, experiences, challenges, and more with a therapist. This one-on-one setting allows people to freely express themselves without fear of judgment. It also enables people to receive individualized and personalized care and guidance. The overall effect is the depression of activity in the brain and spinal cord, which may be responsible for relieving muscle stiffness and tightness. As a depressant, it causes euphoric effects, reduces stress, and can reduce pain sensations.

Common Baclofen Withdrawal Symptoms

Medical professionals did find, however, that baclofen was helpful in minimizing spasticity. You should always seek help from experienced professionals only because detox without medical supervision can be fatal. Limited data exists on the effects of its use in pregnant women.

Baclofen itself is not considered highly addictive when used as prescribed. However, it can lead to physical dependence with long-term use, and some individuals may develop a psychological addiction. The risk of addiction is generally low when baclofen is taken under medical supervision, but it’s not zero.

Is Baclofen Hard on the Body?

Baclofen can affect people in different ways, and the severity of the side effects will depend on how much of the drug was taken. Taking baclofen along with alcohol, is a very risky combination. It can intensify negative effects on your body such as dizziness or acute nausea.

For example, a person taking baclofen for opiate withdrawals may no longer feel the effects and may take opiates again. In 2012, NCBI published research on the effects of using the drug for alcoholism, and positive results were found. The research results show that between 3 to 24 months, over 80% of patients that came in at high risk of alcoholism, reduced their risk to the low or moderate level. There were multiple studies conducted in Germany that yielded different results in treating alcoholism. Whether you are looking to receive addiction treatment for baclofen or some other substance or mental health issue, Discovery Institute is here to help.

Insurance Coverage for Addiction Treatment

Addiction Resource team has compiled an extensive list of the top drug rehabilitation facilities around the country. Click on the state you are interested in, and you’ll get a list of the best centers in the area, along with their levels of care, working hours, and contact information. Baclofen is thought to affect the central nervous system as it has a calming and relaxing effect when used regularly. However, it is a muscle relaxer, which is a completely different drug class.

Baclofen is used off-label to help with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can be intense and potentially life-threatening. Researchers believe baclofen may be promising in reducing cravings and alleviating alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but more research is needed. However, prolonged use of baclofen can cause physical dependence, which may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Baclofen is a GABA-B agonist used to treat muscle spasms and belongs to a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. Baclofen may have a low risk of addiction, but it is still possible to develop a dependency.

Physical Dependence with Baclofen

Outpatient treatment involves visiting the facility as recommended by a professional for therapy. A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.

  • Researchers believe baclofen may be promising in reducing cravings and alleviating alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but more research is needed.
  • Different factors, such as weight, age, and health status, can affect how someone reacts to Baclofen.
  • People with a history of strokes could develop more side effects to baclofen than the average person.
  • It is used to reduce anxiety as that is one of the main reasons patients resist alcohol addiction.
  • This is because the FDA requires the drug to pass several tests before it reaches the market.

Short-term Effects

It may also cause confusion, physical weakness, or discomfort in the stomach. In severe cases, baclofen use can lead to seizures or breathing problems. The experimental use of baclofen is swiftly catching on and becoming more and more of a topic of discussion. So, it only seems fitting that, since using this medication for addiction treatment is still in the experimental stage, people would wonder about its qualities and characteristics. Learning about whether or not baclofen is addictive and gaining more information about baclofen withdrawal can be helpful for those who are wondering about this treatment method. Baclofen is used to reduce cravings in alcohol abuse and heavy smoking.

If you are nursing an infant, talk to your doctor before taking this drug. If you are using the oral solution (Ozobax), measure your dose using a device. Ask your pharmacist for the device if you do not get one with the medication.

Although the number of cases with Baclofen abuse is growing, it is not on the list of controlled substances. Even though Lioresal is a prescription drug, and it is prohibited from buying without one, some patients are trying to get it from unofficial street sources. It cannot be stressed enough that Baclofen must only be taken with a doctor’s prescription and bought only via authorized sellers.

People who suffer from baclofen addiction may need help from a rehabilitation centre to safely detox and recover. A course of treatment is needed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. It may include medical is baclofen habit forming supervision, behavioural therapy, and slow dose reduction.

Brands in the US include Lioresal, Kemstro, Ozobax, and Gablofen. Yes, taking too much baclofen can lead to overdose, causing severe respiratory depression, confusion, seizures, or coma. It works by affecting GABA receptors in the brain, reducing muscle spasticity. Using multiple types of therapy to treat each person’s unique needs, therapists help them learn the keys to break the cycle of addiction. Therapy can also help people overcome past trauma or cope with the effects of it. Many people who have a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder.

You might think treatment may not be necessary because baclofen abuse is not as dangerous as opioid addiction. However, treatment is essential to not only live a drug-free life but also to reduce the risk of overdose and death. The risk of severe withdrawal is high if you have used the injectable form.