Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. Various medications can be prescribed during the acute alcohol withdrawal process to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the chance of relapse during the early stages of addiction recovery. These include gabapentin. So, does gabapentin help with alcohol withdrawal?
Does Gabapentin Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?
Does gabapentin help with alcohol withdrawal? At times, gabapentin is used off-label to help people through alcohol withdrawal, cravings, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and anxiety. Although it is not the right fit for everyone, gabapentin can be an incredibly helpful medication for some people who are going through alcohol withdrawal. Like with other medications, it is prescribed when the benefits outweigh the risks. So, yes–while it is not used in every case, gabapentin can be used to treat alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Gabapentin can be used on its own or alongside other medications. The medications you are prescribed during the withdrawal process will differ based on the type and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms you experience. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Disturbed sleep.
- Anxiety.
- Tremors or shaking.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Seizures.
- Sweating.
- Tachycardia.
Some people also experience hallucinations and other additional symptoms. Around 2 percent of people experiencing alcohol withdrawal will experience Delirium Tremens (DT), the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal.
Choose Align Recovery Centers for Alcohol Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment
When you choose Align Recovery Centers for alcohol withdrawal and addiction treatment, you are making a positive decision with the potential to reshape your life forever. Here’s how our programs can help you or your loved one, from the acute alcohol withdrawal stage to the aftercare process and beyond.
Comprehensive Luxury Detox in California
Align Recovery Centers provides comprehensive luxury detox in California for individuals who are going through drug and alcohol withdrawal. Every client in detox for alcohol abuse will have different needs, especially considering that alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe. Here’s how we help:
- An individualized approach: Align Recovery will prescribe medications and other treatments that align with your needs during the withdrawal process. We offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), hydration, nutrition, and everything else you need to get through alcohol withdrawal safely and successfully.
- A comprehensive medical team: Align has a comprehensive medical team with highly experienced and compassionate staff members who will help you through the detox process.
- Monitoring technology: We utilize advanced monitoring technology that enables our team to continuously track your vitals without disturbing you throughout the night. That way, you will remain safe throughout the alcohol withdrawal process and get the rest you need.
Most clients require alcohol detox support for about 1-2 weeks. After that, pursuing therapy in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program is strongly recommended.
California Residential Treatment Centers
Like detox centers, not all California residential treatment centers are the same. Align Recovery’s 30-day inpatient rehab program is transformative, using a combination of evidence-based and holistic treatments catered to the needs of each individual client.
Days begin with breakfast at 8:00 AM, followed by group sessions starting at 9:00 AM. Some groups are lighthearted, whereas others are on the heavier side. You’ll also be assigned an individual therapist to work with for the duration of the program. Clients typically go on 3-5 outings per week, including wellness walks, 12-step meetings, and one fun outing, such as hiking, bowling, or mini golf.
Family involvement is highly encouraged if possible; our family program involves weekly Zoom meetings for family dynamics and mediated family therapy sessions (immediate and extended family are both welcome, assuming all wish to participate).
Partial Hospitalization Program
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Align Recovery operates on an outpatient basis. Rather than live on-site, PHP clients at Align attend therapy during the week and sleep at home or in sober housing. You are welcome to enter PHP directly after detox if you need an outpatient treatment option and are eligible for the program, but many clients step down to PHP following inpatient rehab to help ease their transition back into typical everyday life.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment in Northern California
We provide dual-diagnosis treatment in Northern California at all care levels. Dual-diagnosis treatment addresses co-occurring disorders, like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), comprehensively alongside drug and alcohol abuse. When applicable, this supports positive treatment outcomes, such as an increased likelihood of recovery from both disorders and an improved quality of life.
Call Align Recovery Centers for Help With Alcohol Withdrawal
Align Recovery Centers is a top-rated addiction and dual-diagnosis treatment center located in Northern California. Our team is here to help you through the alcohol withdrawal process and beyond. Call Align Recovery Centers for help with alcohol withdrawal today at 707) 659-0383. We are here to provide additional information about our programs, verify your insurance coverage, or answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication. It is most known for treating partial seizures, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and nerve pain. However, gabapentin can also be prescribed for other purposes, such as alcohol withdrawal, anxiety disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Is gabapentin FDA-approved for alcohol withdrawal?
No. While gabapentin is not FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, it is sometimes used off-label to address alcohol withdrawal syndromes.
What are the side effects of gabapentin?
Possible side effects of gabapentin include but are not limited to drowsiness (tiredness), headache, gastrointestinal distress (e.g., nausea), coordination or movement problems, memory loss, weight gain, and eye problems, like double vision and unusual eye movements. In some individuals, more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur.
Will everyone experience gabapentin side effects?
Not everyone who takes gabapentin will experience side effects. If you experience unfavorable side effects while taking gabapentin, let your provider know. They can adjust your medication(s) if needed.
What is another name for gabapentin?
In the United States, gabapentin is also sold under the brand name Neurontin.
Who is a good candidate for gabapentin during alcohol withdrawal?
Usually, gabapentin is used for clients enduring mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If an individual is experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, gabapentin may be prescribed alongside other treatments but is not recommended as monotherapy.
How long do you take gabapentin for alcohol withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal usually starts within 6-24 hours of your last drink, and symptoms often peak at around the 72-hour mark. The acute withdrawal stage is short-lived, often lasting for about two weeks. However, some people experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms that endure for months or more. How long you take gabapentin for depends on your unique needs.
Do you have to taper off of gabapentin?
Those who use gabapentin on an ongoing basis may need to taper off of the medication to avoid gabapentin withdrawal symptoms. Tapering protocols vary based on individual needs and involve gradually reducing your dose as directed by a medical professional.