Addiction to Lyrica is quite common, so the answer as to whether you can become addicted is definitely a resounding “yes”. Lyrica is a prescription drug that is mainly prescribed to treat disorders that cause nerve pain, such as fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also prescribed to control seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, and is used off-label for anxiety disorders. Lyrica is favored by drug-seeking individuals who use other substances to feel calmer and more relaxed or sleepy. The pharmaceutical name of Lyrica is Pregabalin. Pregabalin forces the reactions of the central nervous system to slow down, thus reducing nerve responses that cause seizures and discomfort from nerve pain. Lyrica goes by a few names on the street including:
- Budweiser’s
- Gabbie’s
- G’s
- Bud light’s
Many people who take Lyrica to get high explain that it causes intense euphoria. It can be compared to other substances such as benzodiazepines, like Valium, Xanax, and others, as well as alcohol. When Lyrica is taken in higher doses than prescribed, it causes people to feel very disorientated, like they are drunk, and to feel high.
Combining Lyrica with Other Drugs
There are numerous instances of people combining Lyrica with other drugs or alcohol to increase the effects of each. Lyrica is a popular ingredient in many drug cocktails. The danger of taking Lyrica along with other substances is that the risk for accidental overdose is extreme. Overall, Lyrica abuse can have a very negative effect on an individual’s overall health and well-being. When Lyrica is combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, the CNS gets overloaded and will cause respiratory failure, heart attacks, seizures, coma, and death. Since Lyrica can only be obtained from a doctor, many people become addicted to it even though they have a legitimate medical condition to take it. The signs of Lyrica abuse and addiction will mirror other prescription drug addictions. When a person is addicted to a prescription drug that they get from their doctor, these individuals will gradually begin to ‘doctor shop.’ Doctor shopping is a behavior that prescription drug addicts do to keep their supply of the prescription on hand. Doctor shopping is when a person sees more than one doctor get extra pills.
Overcome Lyrica Dependence
Although there are prescription drug monitoring systems in all fifty states, doctor shoppers can find loopholes and receive numerous prescriptions for Lyrica from other doctors in other states and even countries. When someone is addicted to Lyrica, they will experience Lyrica withdrawal symptoms. The detox symptoms that Lyrica addiction causes can become life-threatening. Detoxing from Lyrica can cause seizures and other emergencies to occur. The most significant danger is when a person uses too much Lyrica in an attempt to feel better and overdose. Signs that someone is addicted to Lyrica can include:
- Seeing more than one doctor to get Lyrica
- Lying about how much Lyrica they are using
- Obsession with having and using Lyrica
- Stealing other people prescriptions for Lyrica
- Mixing Lyrica with alcohol or other drugs to enhance its effects
Lyrica Addiction Help
The treatment programs that are available for someone that is addicted to Lyrica are now more than ever focused on cross-addiction. Although some people are addicted to Lyrica itself, most people who use Lyrica addictively are combining it with other substances. The best answer on how to help someone who is using Lyrica addictively is first to support them and suggest they might need help. This is best done by asking why they like using Lyrica. By first asking a person why they like a drug helps them feel more accepted, and they will be more willing to discuss why it is harming them. Once a conversation is had with your loved one on why they want to use Lyrica, the next step is to offer them professional help at a substance abuse treatment center that specializes in cross addictions and Lyrica addiction. If you are struggling with using Lyrica, there is a program that will show you how to end your addiction to Lyrica for good. The addiction treatment programs at Evoke Wellness at Miramar, which are best for Lyrica addiction rely on advanced treatment methods that will surround you with professional therapeutic support along with others who are recovering from addiction. Call 866.931.9312 to speak to our team about treatment options.
