Many people struggle to find a sense of meaning, self-love, and acceptance in life, and some turn to substances in search of relief. While this may offer temporary comfort, it often leads to deeper challenges. Recently, more people have begun turning to Lyrica for solace. This has raised an important question: “Is Lyrica an opioid?” The answer is no, but that does not mean Lyrica is without risks. In fact, the medication carries the potential for serious side effects, including dependence and misuse.
Is Lyrica an Opioid?
As previously mentioned, Lyrica is not an opioid. However, it does act in a similar fashion. So, what exactly is Lyrica? First, Lyrica is the brand name for the drug, pregabalin. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Pregabalin, by Doctors Cross, Viswanath, and Sherman, “Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address neuropathic pain linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, and postherpetic neuralgia, as well as fibromyalgia, pregabalin stands as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy. Off-label applications include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and chronic pain conditions not sanctioned by the FDA.”
The reality is that these off-label applications now make up over 90% of the prescribed use of Lyrica. It is often used to treat nerve pain as well as anxiety. The pain aspect is why many people confuse Lyrica with an opioid. However, there are also other reasons why Lyrica is mistaken for an opioid, and these reasons primarily present in the form of similar side effects, including dependence on the substance.
The Signs and Symptoms of Lyrica Misuse
Lyrica, like any other medication, should only be used under the supervision of a professional. However, many people are now using Lyrica outside of a prescription, or misusing the substance beyond their recommended dose. This misuse can lead to some very apparent signs and symptoms, which are important to look out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Appearing intoxicated (similar to alcohol intoxication)
- Feeling dizzy and disoriented
- Excessive fatigue and lethargy
- Blurred vision
- Trouble putting thoughts together
- Struggling with memory
- Struggles with sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Wanting to take more and more Lyrica
- Feeling suicidal
Many people consider substances like Lyrica to be wholly safe because they are prescribed. However, this is simply not the case, especially if the prescription is not being followed. Addiction can also happen even if a prescription is being followed. This is why being open and honest with your prescribing doctor is critical. They can help make changes if a dangerous dependence becomes apparent.
Recovering From a Lyrica Addiction
The good news is that, like other substance addictions, addiction to Lyrica is highly treatable. It is also treated in a similar way to other addictions. First, it is important to safely detox from Lyrica. This is often not as severe as detoxing from opioids and usually involves the doctor slowly tapering you off the substance. However, it is also important to let your doctor know about other substances you are using (including alcohol), which may make the detox process more involved.
Treating an addiction to Lyrica often includes utilizing some type of psychotherapy. This is because psychotherapy works to get at the underlying issues that are causing an individual to misuse the substance in the first place. These are often underlying emotions that have gone untreated. There may even be past traumas that have to be addressed. Some of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for treating addiction are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies both address those previously mentioned underlying issues, but also offer solutions for changing the negative behaviors associated with them.
A multi-angled approach is often the best way to treat addiction. This means using other modalities in addition to evidence-based psychotherapies. These modalities may include experiential therapies like art therapy and nature immersion therapy, as well as holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. Working with others in recovery groups (such as 12-Step recovery programs) has also been shown to be highly effective in helping people recover from addiction to substances like Lyrica.
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, our primary purpose is to help you recover by any means necessary. We also focus on long-term success over short-term “fixes.” Recovery is not a “one-and-done” process. That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You can get out from under Lyrica addiction. You can do this! We can help.
Lyrica (pregabalin) is not classified as an opioid, but it does function similarly in the body. Lyrica misuse can also lead to dependence and many negative mental, emotional, and physical side effects. The good news is that there are many effective ways to recover from a Lyrica addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
