Lyrica Addiction Treatment

Is Lyrica Addictive?

Yes. Lyrica is addictive. It can cause both physical and psychological dependence. That’s why you should take it only as directed by your physician and/or doctor.

But, if you find yourself in a cycle of using and can’t quit…what can you do?

Here, we review how to identify possible addiction – for yourself or a loved one. Then, we review addiction as a medical condition and its treatment. Finally, we open it up to your questions. We invite you to send us your questions in the comments section at the end of this page. In fact, we try to respond to all real life questions with a personal and prompt reply.

—–

Want to take back CONTROL?
Call us today at 1-877-224-8385.
We can help you live a drug-free life.

—–

How do you know you’ve got a problem?

Lyrica is a new drug first approved by the FDA in 2012. Lyrica’s main active ingredient is pregabalin. This substance works by slowing down brain impulses and affecting chemicals that control pain throughout the central nervous system.

Medically, Lyrica is considered a “psychoactive” drug. This means that it has the ability to be abused. Although it’s mainly manufactured to help people relieve pain during seizures, from injuries, as a result of migraine headaches, and post-operative pain…Lyrica is a Schedule V Controlled Substance because it carries a risk of physical dependence and drug abuse.

People usually abuse Lyrica for the sense of euphoria felt after the first few uses. However, if you take Lyrica for longer than prescribed, you risk developing tolerance and addiction. Teens are especially triggered to reach for this drug due to their need of experimentation. But they are not the only vulnerable category. Individuals with a history of previous substance abuse are also at a greater risk of abusing Lyrica. How do you know if a true drug problem has developed?

The following signs and symptoms indicate problem use of Lyrica:

• Crushing or breaking Lyrica pills
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Frequent requests for refills from your physician and/or doctor
• Increased irritability, when prescriptions for Lyrica is not available
• Neglecting work and family responsibilities
• Noticeable mood swings
• Stealing or borrowing Lyrica prescription from family members, friends, or co-workers
• Visiting multiple doctors for to get Lyrica

If you recognize these behavior in yourself and you feel like your life has been thrown off course due to Lyrica addiction, don’t panic. Recovery can get you back on track. Call 1-877-224-8385 to get more information. We provide confidential help for drug problems and are here day or night.

Are you in denial?

Denial is an instinctive defense mechanism that keeps us mentally safe, even when we’re aware that some behaviors do us harm. Early psychoanalysts identified and understood denial to be the “shutting out” of unbearable memories from consciousness. Sometime, the pain of reality is just to hard to bear.

But you don’t need to continue living a lie. It’s OK to seek help.

Lots of us share a tendency to hide certain negative traits about ourselves. Most people lie about their worst habits or characteristics. But there is no logical explanation or reason to believe that Lyrica is helping you:

• feel better
• deal with problems in life
• achieve your goals

…when in reality it’s not. In fact, Lyrica addiction slowly takes away your focus from enjoyable things in life and turns it towards obsessive drug seeking and compulsive using.

Why lose any more time justifying yourself when treatment is available? Addiction treatment can help you resolve all the issues that are hiding below the surface. Call us to find out more about the medical treatment options available to you at 1-877-224-8385. Compassionate listeners who understand addiction are waiting for your call.

The Best Treatment for Addiction

Q: What’s the best way to quit Lyrica?
A: Know what you want out of treatment. Then, find a program that meets your unique needs.

Individualized treatment plans include patients in the process of setting treatment goals. Being involved in the creation of your treatment plan increases your level of commitment, as well as the potential for a better outcome. Another benefit of an individualized treatment plan is that it is carefully monitored and adjusted as necessary to accommodate the progress you are making through recovery.

What are your options?

You can basically choose between an inpatient and outpatient program.

CHOICE 1: Inpatient (residential) treatment programs or intensive day treatment is useful for people who have severe problems and/or lack the social support to become drug-free outside of a controlled setting. Inpatient programs last a minimum of 28 days. Residential rehabs provide a safe, structured environments in which you are removed from stressful circumstances that fuel your urge to use. Residential programs are ideal if you’ve unsuccessfully attempted to overcome Lyrica addiction in the past. Most often, individuals who have attempted outpatient programs for Lyrica addiction without success do require residential care.

CHOICE 2: Outpatient (non-residential) treatment centers can work for those who need Lyrica addiction treatment, but can’t leave behind family, work and other obligations. Outpatient programs share many similarities with residential ones, only in a differently structured environment. Outpatient programs allow more freedom of movement. Treatment sessions are held during the day allowing people to return home afterwards. However, treatment outcomes have shown that people who stayed longer in a controlled environment may be more motivated to remain drug-free, as they have more time to work on their psychological attachment with their addiction, plus more time to build a healthy lifestyle.

What factors should you consider?

The decision about whether to attend an inpatient or outpatient program depends on the following factors:

Cost of treatment – Outpatient programs are cheaper than inpatient treatment because they do not provide housing as a service.

Readiness to commit to treatment – Outpatient programs do not provide medical detox, 24-7 constant supervision AND they require extra work and devotion since you are constantly exposed to environmental influencers such as: stress, work, and family obligations. If you fear you may give in to the temptation of abusing Lyrica in the early stages of treatment, than inpatient treatment is more recommended.

Support network – Inpatient treatment programs provide ongoing support also known as “aftercare”, plus they usually include family members in therapy.

The seriousness of your condition – If your drug problem has been present for a long time and you have several failed attempts to quit – than inpatient treatment may be necessary. Constant medical attention, structured program and psychological support are only some of the many benefits provided by inpatient rehabs that raise the chances of success.

If Lyrica addiction is taking a toll on you or a loved one…. the right time to seek help is NOW! Contact a treatment support representative at 1-877-224-8385 to learn about treatment options.

What happens when you call our hotline?

1-877-224-8385 is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service that offers you information on treatment.

You can talk openly with hotline staff about:

• the length of time you’ve been taking Lyrica
• doses and frequency of drug use
• whether or not you’re mixing Lyrica with other substances
• the presence of any mental health issues

After calling 1-877-224-8385 our compassionate staff will first listen to you. They want to understand where you’re at and how they can help. Then, the can offer guidance on your treatment options.

We know that discussing an addiction issue might feel intimidating and embarrassing. But don’t worry. Hotline staffers who answer the phone know how to listen. They understand what you are going through and will offer strategies and information about treatment services that can best help you.

During your discussion, feel free to talk about your personal circumstances in order to figure out which aspects of treatment programs would best suit you. Outpatient and residential treatment programs both offer life-changing benefits. Keep in mind that you should aim for the program that will best help you achieve long-term recovery.

What Are the Stages of Treatment?

FIRST, Assessment and Evaluation

Once you decide to enter treatment…what happens next? Rehab staff will sit down with you to fill in a questionnaire. This evaluation serves to gather extensive information about your drug history. The goal of the evaluation is to determine which of the several treatment interventions may best fit you. The 1-2 hour process will also prepare you for future treatment.

Addiction assessment usually incorporates a standardized, semi-structured interviews, which have proven to be the most efficient way to screen for addiction. Besides assessment and evaluation, intake procedure provides introduction to treatment modalities and explanations of the treatment process. You can also expect to be asked to provide blood or urine samples for drug screening and to go through a physical exam.

SECOND, Medical Detoxification

Medical detoxification is the procedure of safe drug (Lyrica) removal from the body. Medical detox also manages the acute physical symptoms of Lyrica withdrawal during and after cessation. However, medical detoxification is only the first stage of treatment and has a small part in the process of long-term sobriety. Addiction is a tricky disease that influences not only your body, but your mind and emotions as well. That’s why Lyrica detox is rarely sufficient to help you remain abstinent. In order to fully recover, you’ll have to work on the other underlying reasons behind your addiction.

MAIN STAGE, Therapy

Therapy includes all the services you receive from formally trained professional who use various psychological methods to address your addiction problem. Evidence-based addiction recovery treatments may include:

• Family therapy
• Individual and group therapy sessions
• Behavioral therapies
• Education on the addiction model

AFTER, Aftercare

Aftercare services include self-help groups such as N.A., individual counselling, or outpatient groups that will keep you reminded of all that things you’ve learned during your residential stay. The purpose of aftercare is to provide encouragement to continue a drug-free life. Furthermore, most aftercare meetings take place throughout the day and into the evening, making them easier to attend.

In a hurry to feel better? Ready to live the life that you deserve? Book a top rehab with a quick call 1-877-224-8385.

Fear of Lyrica Withdrawal: What’s the Withdrawal Process Like?

If you have been using Lyrica for a longer period and developed physical dependence on this drug, it’s likely that you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to discontinue. The severity of the symptoms can vary based on:

• the length of time you used Lyrica
• the doses
• your general health, age, and weight
• whether you were mixing Lyrica with other drugs, or not

But fear of withdrawal SHOULD NOT BE A BARRIER to treatment. MEdical detox can address and treat symptoms as they arise during withdrawal. In order to avoid more severe health complications it’s best to withdraw from Lyrica in a licensed detox clinic.

When you discontinue Lyrica, you can expect at least some of the following symptoms:

• agitation
• anxiety
• behavioral changes
• confusion
• cravings
• depression
• diarrhea
• headaches
• insomnia
• mood swings
• nausea

Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms include:

• dehydration
• heart problems
• seizures
• overdose
• suicidal thoughts

The physical impact of Lyrica addiction is often accompanied by several psychological changes that may persist even after Lyrica is removed from the body you should participate in a treatment program to manage them as well. This is another good reason to seek medical help. A licensed clinic will offer medical interventions AND emotional support. Why go through withdrawal alone? Detox staff can help you safely and compassionately get through withdrawal.

Call 1-877-224-8385 to talk about detox and follow up treatment.

Other Mental Health Issues

There were times when addiction treatment and mental health services were considered separate issues. Mental health professionals did not treat addiction, and addiction specialists didn’t pay attention to psychiatric disorders.

Today, things have changed.

Addiction researchers have found that many people diagnosed with mental health problems also use drugs. Their conclusion? Treatment programs need to provide integrated services to those who experience addiction AND:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Personality Disorders
• PTSD

Lyrica Addiction & Dual Diagnosis

Lyrica is often (ab)used as a coping mechanism by people with mental health disorders. In fact, many of the symptoms of drug problems:

• fatigue
• irritability
• self-isolation
• mood swings

…may mask the signs of an underlying psychological problem.

Dual diagnosis rehabs exist to help you reach long-term recovery by integrating treatment for Lyrica addiction and existing co-occurring mental health issues. Recovering addicts with mood disorders or emotional dysfunction are more prone to relapse because of their psychiatric symptoms. To learn more about ways to reduce the risk of relapse, CALL US AT 1-877-224-8385. We know Dual Diagnosis…and can help you find the treatment you need.

Luxury and Executive Treatment Centers

Are you a public figure or someone with a high business positions? This may cause you some difficulties entering a standard treatment for Lyrica addiction. For this reason, addiction professionals have created a set of services that will answer the specific needs of businesspeople, hard working professionals, and C-Suite executives.

Luxury rehab centers offer services that will help you work on your addiction issues while attending meetings and other work obligations. Executive addiction treatment programs are designed to fill the needs of professionals whose lives have been devastated by Lyrica abuse.

Q:What distinguishes a luxury and executive rehab program apart from other standard recovery plans?
A: These programs are tailored to meet the needs of hard working professionals who live and work under a pressure, demanding careers, have family conflicts and need to keep their professional identity confidential.

Luxury and executive rehab programs offer the following amenities:

• acupuncture and aromatherapy
• gourmet cuisine
• massage therapy
• yoga and spa treatments
• outdoor activities
• meditation and yoga classes

In recovery, many professionals find that they are able to create more meaningful lives and build stronger bonds with the people they love. If you feel that your Lyrica addiction has undermined your sense of purpose, an executive treatment program may offer the key to rediscovering your energy and vitality. Call us 1-877-224-8385 and start your treatment right away.

How to Help a Loved one with Lyrica Addiction

Family member play a significant part in the system of support. They can greatly contribute and help an addict along his recovery journey. Very few people seek help for addiction on their own and most often friends and family are the ones with the time and energy to intervene. If you have a loved one who’s addicted to Lyrica your first goal should be to help your addicted loved recognize the problem and seek help. Here’s how you can do that:

Look to a professional. Addiction is not a condition to be self-managed. Instead, it’s best to contact a professional with experience in the area of addiction. Call 1-877-224-8385 to be connected to an addiction recovery specialist. Finding someone who specializes in the area of this particular type of addiction will increase the chances of success. Along the way, you can educate yourself as much as you can about addiction and its physical effects on people’s health.

Show empathy and understanding. No one plans on becoming drug dependent. Still, there stigma and shame associated with addiction. Some individuals still think of addiction as a signs of weakness and moral failing. So, if you begin by trying to understand how your loved one thinks and feels, you’ll be surprised of the things you will hear from them.

Talk to them about getting help. When planning to approach a loved one, the best thing to do is plan in advance what you are going to say. During the conversation try to ask less and listen more. Outline your concerns and the changes you’ve observed. It’s also very important to carefully pick the place and the timing of the discussion when no one will interrupt you.

Be ready to face resistance. Sometimes addicts are aware of their problems, but still refuse to quit. Quitting requires energy commitment and time. Try to understand that for some addicts, the thought of living Lyrica-free life is scary. It may take several conversations to convince your addicted loved one to accept help and enter treatment.

Consider an intervention. If your attempts to talk to your loved one have proven unsuccessful, a structured intervention may help you. The CRAFT Model of intervention can specifically equip you in ways to approach a loved one. A successful intervention is followed by a referral to a recovery facility. The main goal of intervention is to get the person into treatment….but it can take weeks or months to learn how.

Ongoing Treatment and Relapse Prevention

Once you finish addiction treatment, recovery begins!

The true test starts when you return to your life and have to handle each problem that comes your way. For those who just left treatment, going through an aftercare program for addiction is just as important as the treatment itself. In fact, addiction professionals recommend that individuals participate in an aftercare program for one to several years after the initial treatment ends.

Aftercare activities can greatly increase the likelihood of remaining Lyrica-free. Engagement in aftercare teaches you healthy lifestyle, relapse prevention techniques, and all the necessary skills to thrive without falling back in to the hands of addiction. High quality aftercare programs include:

• Alumni meetings for encouragement
• Continued talk therapy
• Educational lectures on identifying triggers and handling relapse
• Sober living
• Support groups activities

Reach out to our recovery advisers at 1-877-224-8385. Calls are confidential. We are available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week about Lyrica treatment programs.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Misuse and abuse of pregabalin and gabapentin: cause for concern?

NCBI: Pregabalin abuse among opiate addicted patients

NIH: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

NIH: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)

SAMHSA: Treatments for Substance Use Disorders