Phenibut Treatment
Phenibut is a prescription drug in countries like Russia. It’s long been used in certain places around the world to treat anxiety, insomnia and PTSD. In the U.S. and Europe, phenibut is largely unregulated, however. Phenibut is marketed as a supplement, and it can be purchased online. Marketers will often describe it as a nootropic, indicating it has cognitive benefits. The effects of phenibut stem from the fact that it activates GABA receptors in the brain. It’s a synthetic version of GABA, which is a calming, inhibitory neurotransmitter. Unlike a GABA supplement, phenibut can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is how it’s able to be so effective. At low doses, someone may experience euphoria, sociability, increased concentration and relaxation. At higher doses, phenibut can cause drowsiness and sedation.
The risk of phenibut addiction is fairly low, but the potential for physical and psychological dependence is high. There are risks that come from the use of phenibut since it is unregulated, as well. Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant, and people use it to self-medicate serious psychological conditions. Some people also combine it with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids because it is a potentiator for depressants. Potentiators are substances that heighten the effects of other substances. Phenibut treatment may be required for some people.
Phenibut Treatment Centers
Some people can use phenibut and then decide to stop taking it on their own. However, addiction is possible. This is true of any substance that affects neurotransmitters in the brain and potentially alters how the brain functions. Phenibut treatment centers may be the right choice for someone who feels they have an addiction, who is a chronic, who takes phenibut frequently, or someone who has complicating conditions that go along with their phenibut use. For example, someone with underlying mental health concerns or someone who misuses multiple drugs or supplements may need to look at professional phenibut treatment programs. Phenibut treatment programs often take a holistic approach and address the reasons someone might have started using phenibut in the first place.
For someone who feels they are misusing phenibut, addicted to it, or even more commonly, dependent on it, there are some certain considerations to keep in mind. First, phenibut rehab and phenibut addiction treatment should put a significant focus on treating co-occurring mental health disorders. Phenibut is so often used as a way to self-medicate conditions including anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders and depression. A phenibut rehab program has to assess mental health conditions and develop strategies for treating them. Phenibut withdrawal can also be very uncomfortable. Medical detox can be necessary during phenibut rehab. Many phenibut rehab programs will also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, as a way to help patients change their thinking and how they respond to stress.
Signs It’s Time To Research Phenibut Rehab Facilities
The following are some signs someone’s use has gone from recreational to something that could signal misuse or an addiction problem requiring phenibut addiction treatment.
- Continuing to use phenibut even when there are negative physical or psychological side effects
- The development of a tolerance requiring larger doses of phenibut to achieve the same effects
- Trying unsuccessfully to stop using phenibut
- Using phenibut becomes a preoccupation or priority
- Performance in other areas of one’s life start to suffer
- Relationships suffer because of phenibut
- Using phenibut with other substances, like alcohol or opioids
Phenibut Rehab Options
As with other addictions, if someone is looking for phenibut rehab options, there are some general program types to consider. The first is outpatient rehab. Outpatient rehab may be good for someone with a mild phenibut addiction. Outpatient phenibut rehab is also good for a person who doesn’t have underlying mental health conditions or simultaneous addictions. During outpatient phenibut rehab, a person has the opportunity to participate in intensive therapy but to continue their daily life.
Some people are better suited to inpatient, residential rehab treatments, however. During inpatient rehab, people live at a facility, and they are removed from their daily environment to focus entirely on recovery. Inpatient facilities are good for a person who has previously tried other treatment programs, who has multiple addictions, who is a chronic, long-term phenibut taker, or someone who has complicating physical or mental health concerns. Since phenibut causes physical dependence, a medical detox may also need to be part of a rehab program. During a medical phenibut detox, patients are monitored and given the necessary medical treatments to keep them safe and comfortable as the drug leaves their system.
To learn more about the power of addiction treatment and what rehab options are available, contact The Recovery Village today.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.