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Phenibut Addiction

10 Minutes

Edited & medically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team

Fact checked

CONTENTS

Phenibut dependence is becoming more popular, mainly because it is available over the counter as a dietary supplement in some regions. Phenibut was initially used for the treatment of insomnia, but recently it has been overused and abused for producing a calming and euphoric state, and therefore, people have become addicted to it. If used daily, it leads to the development of tolerance and it becomes almost impossible to quit.

Phenibut is a depressant of the central nervous system that was first introduced in the 1960s in Russia. At first, it was developed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and some other disorders. Unlike other prescription drugs for anxiety, Phenibut is known to mimic a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Phenibut acts on the GABA receptors which help to calm the brain and body, and that is why this product is helpful for stress and anxiety.

Phenibut is not yet legal for use as a drug in many countries including the United States where it is sold as a dietary supplement. Some people take it for fun or to cure themselves, especially when they are stressed or when they have anxiety disorders.

Does Phenibut Get You High

At high doses, Phenibut can cause euphoria or sedation. This is because it enhances the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain that in turn makes the user feel calm, relaxed, and at times even happy. Users of Phenibut, especially when they use it in large amounts, say that they become more sociable, calm, or happy, which can mimic the effects of being high.

However, the effects can be different depending on the dose of the drug. A small amount of the drug causes mild relaxation while large quantities may cause sedation and feelings of happiness. The potential for a high also raises the likelihood of abuse because people will begin to take more of the substance to get the same effect.

Phenibut is highly addictive, and this depends on the frequency of use or the amount of Phenibut taken. It works by gradually changing the brain’s response to the drug and thereby creating tolerance. When tolerance increases, the users require high amounts of Phenibut to produce the same impact that was produced by a small amount of the drug. This can easily lead to one becoming dependent.

Some signs of Phenibut addiction include:

A higher level of the drug in the body produces the same effect that was previously produced by a smaller amount of the drug.
Phenibut use or the need to get Phenibut becomes an obsessive interest.
The failure to control or completely abstain from using despite the wish to do so.
Withdrawal effects when not using Phenibut, include anxiety, insomnia, or irritability.

Phenibut Abuse And Dependence

Phenibut misuse is the improper use of the drug in any way, including taking large amounts or using it more often than directed by a doctor. Phenibut addicts may take it for its sedative properties, to treat their anxiety disorders, or to get high. In the long run, this results in physical as well as psychological dependence.

Phenibut use makes the body and the mind rely on the substance to perform its normal activities. They are likely to have some withdrawal symptoms that are not very comfortable and make it more difficult for one to quit the drug. This is because a user gets into a cycle of dependence which is very difficult to break and may lead to several health complications.

How Phenibut Abuse Leads To Addiction

The use of Phenibut is usually initiated to reduce anxiety, improve mood, or increase the ability to socialize. At first, people may take a small amount and gradually, as the body develops tolerance, they have to take more of it or take it more often. This is a process that can easily lead to dependency since the body and the brain will need the drug to function properly.

The cycle of abuse typically follows this pattern:

Initial use: A user starts using Phenibut to have a calming effect or to manage anxiety on their own.

Tolerance: Gradually, the brain changes in response to the drug and needs a higher dose to achieve the same results.

Dependence: The user develops a dependence on Phenibut gets to a point where they cannot operate without it, and gets withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop taking it.

Addiction: At this stage, the individual finds himself or herself in a situation where he or she requires more Phenibut even knowing the negative consequences. They may be unable to stop, even if they wish to stop.

Phenibut Withdrawal: A Difficult Process

After a while, people who use Phenibut get addicted and it is very hard to stop using it because of the withdrawal effects. These symptoms can be both physical and psychological and are usually unpleasant enough that the user will continue to take the drug to keep the symptoms at bay.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Severe anxiety: Relapse occurs when the anxiety that the person was treating comes back with even more force.

Insomnia: Withdrawal also causes many people to have difficulty falling asleep, and this means that the process is even more uncomfortable.

Depression: When the brain is no longer able to produce Phenibut, users experience low mood and hopelessness as the brain tries to cope.

Physical symptoms: Shaking, sweating, vomiting, and headaches are among the many symptoms of withdrawal.

The intensity of withdrawal can vary with the duration of Phenibut use and the dosage that was being used. In extreme cases, withdrawal may need to be monitored by a doctor to prevent harm to the person in question.

Phenibut use can cause many side effects, and some of them may appear even at low doses. These side effects can be mild to severe and will depend on the amount of the drug taken and how often it is used.

Common side effects include:

Drowsiness: Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant and as such it can make the user feel very tired or even sleepy.

Nausea: Most people complain of nausea, particularly when they consume large quantities of the drug.

Dizziness: Side effects may include dizziness and poor coordination since the drug has a sedative effect.

Headaches: Some people may develop headaches when the drug’s effects are wearing off.

Irritability or mood swings: While Phenibut is intended to help decrease anxiety levels, this drug can sometimes lead to mood swings.

Memory and cognitive issues: Long-term use of Phenibut may cause problems with attention, memory, and thinking processes.

Long-Term Phenibut Dangers

When Phenibut is taken frequently and for a long time, the side effects become worse. Long-term use is associated with several adverse physical and psychological effects because the body becomes more tolerant of the drug.

Some of the long-term dangers include:

Physical dependence: In the long run, the body becomes tolerant to Phenibut and one cannot do without it, and this results in withdrawal symptoms.

Liver and kidney damage: Phenibut users should be aware that long-term use of this drug can cause stress on the liver and kidneys, which may result in organ failure.

Mental health deterioration: Surprisingly, even though Phenibut is used to alleviate anxiety or depression, it can lead to the development of anxiety and depression disorders in the long run and make the user experience more anxiety or depression when not taking the drug.

Cognitive impairment: Long-term usage can cause the brain to be unable to work properly, which results in memory loss and poor concentration.

Phenibut and alcohol should not be taken together at all as it is very hazardous. Both substances are neuro-depressants, which means that they have a depressing effect on the central nervous system. When taken together, the two can complement each other and pose a high risk to the health of the user.

Some potential interactions include:

Extreme sedation: Phenibut like alcohol makes you sleepy and if you take Phenibut with alcohol you may fall asleep and not wake up at all.

Breathing problems: The depressant effects can slow down the respiratory system, meaning that it may be difficult to breathe. In severe cases, this leads to respiratory failure and, therefore, death.

Blackouts: The two substances when taken together cause memory wipeout, this is, users cannot recall events that occurred while under the influence of the two substances.

Phenibut Hangover: What To Expect

The after-effects of Phenibut, especially when taken with alcohol, include a hangover the following day. This hangover can feel like the one after overindulging in alcohol but with extra symptoms.

Common symptoms of a Phenibut hangover include:

Severe fatigue: The majority of users complain of feeling very weary and fatigued the following day and may even feel this way for several hours or even days.

Headache and nausea: Like the effects of alcohol withdrawal, a Phenibut user may experience headaches and nausea after the drug has been metabolized.

Anxiety or irritability: The drug is expected to have a soothing effect on the body, however, the body may experience a counter effect with increased anxiety and irritability.

Mental fog: Users of Phenibut have complained of having difficulty concentrating or even having a fuzzy mind after taking the drug.

Why People Snort Phenibut

Phenibut is usually taken in the form of a pill or as a powder, but some people have chosen to snort it to get a faster or stronger high. Inhaled substances can go straight into the user’s bloodstream through nasal tissue which may make for a quicker high or buzz. Those who snort Phenibut may be in a quest of a more intense high or they may have developed tolerance to the normal Phenibut oral intake.

Snorting can also be a part of the process of increasing drug abuse. The more the user takes Phenibut, the more he or she may become desensitized to it and may try different ways of using it, including snorting it.

The Dangers Of Snorting Phenibut

Phenibut when snorted poses dangers that are not present in the case of when the drug is taken orally. The first possible adverse effect is the damage to the nasal passages. Phenibut powder can irritate the sensitive tissues inside the nose, leading to:

Nasal irritation and inflammation: The mucosa of the nasal cavity can become irritated and this leads to pain, inflammation, and nasal congestion.

Nosebleeds: Phenibut is known to cause nosebleeds when used consistently due to the damage it does to the blood vessels in the nasal cavity.

Risk of infection: The infected nasal passages are more vulnerable to other infections and can affect other parts of the respiratory system.

Moreover, when Phenibut is taken through the nasal cavity, one is likely to experience side effects within a short time and with high intensity including dizziness, confusion, and sleepiness. This fast delivery system also poses a high risk of overdosage since users may injure themselves by taking large amounts over time or at once.

Treatment Options For Phenibut Addiction

Phenibut recovery is usually challenging because of the drug’s addictive potential and severe withdrawal signs. Treatment is possible and the most effective treatment plan is often a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.

Medical Detox: Phenibut withdrawal management is usually a primary process when patients are admitted to rehabilitation centers to treat Phenibut dependence. During a detoxification process, medical personnel can assist in the control of withdrawal symptoms so that the whole process is as comfortable as possible. Sometimes, doctors may give the patient drugs to help with withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.

Inpatient Rehabilitation: Some people require strict and intensive treatment and this is where an inpatient rehab program comes in handy. These programs provide a very specific setting for the patient to be able to address their recovery and not be around the triggers that may be associated with Phenibut use. Inpatient rehab may involve medication, counseling, and group meetings.

Outpatient Treatment: There are other forms of treatment such as outpatient programs for persons who do have not very severe addiction or for those who require a certain level of flexibility as they are allowed to work and other responsibilities. Outpatient treatment could include sessions of counseling, group therapy, or behavior therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is also used in substance use disorder treatment to assist clients to alter their thinking and behavior to avoid substance use. It can be useful for people to learn ways of managing stress and anxiety so they don’t use Phenibut or other substances to do so.

Support Groups: Other self-help groups such as the 12-step programs or other recovery-based groups are also very effective. These groups give people the sense of belonging and responsibility to report back to the community and find out how other people overcame the same challenges.

Support for Overcoming Phenibut Dependence

Besides the above-mentioned formal treatments, the support of friends and family greatly increases the possibility of Phenibut addiction recovery. People who are struggling with addiction should surround themselves with their family, friends, and community because they can help them stick to the recovery plan.

Some ways to build a strong support system include:

Family and Friends: Sometimes, a word of encouragement and support from family and friends can make a lot of difference]. Family and friends of Phenibut addicts must gain an understanding of Phenibut addiction to be beneficial to them.

Counseling and Therapy: Besides, individual therapy, family therapy is also effective if the relationships have been affected by addiction.

Lifestyle Changes: Some of the changes that can help in long-term recovery include dietary changes, and taking regular exercise, and stress management through activities such as meditation or yoga. It is hoped that the use of these habits will assist in decreasing the desire to return to drug use and increase the overall health of the body and mind.

Aftercare Programs: Phenibut addiction treatment is a lifelong process. Outpatient services that follow up on a patient after they have sought treatment can reduce the chances of relapse through follow-up counseling and group meetings among others.

Coming off Phenibut is not easy, but with help from doctors, therapists, and friends, it is doable. Some people have been able to quit the habit and live a better life free from drug or alcohol dependence.

1. Web MD. Phenibut – Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1184/phenibut

2. Wikipedia. Phenibut. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenibut

3. BMJ Case Reports. Phenibut dependence (Full Text). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235421998_Phenibut_dependence

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Develop A Phenibut Addiction?

The duration of time it takes to build an addiction to Phenibut is different for different individuals due to the differences in the dosage, the frequency of the use, and the individual’s chances of addiction. Others may build up a physical dependence within a few weeks of using the drug regularly, particularly if they are using large amounts. Phenibut has a calming effect and that is why, people may try to take more and more of it until they develop tolerance and dependence. The rate of addiction is usually proportional to the rate of tolerance.

Can Phenibut Be Used Safely Without The Risk Of Addiction?

Phenibut may only be addictive to some people, and only if they abuse it or take it too often or in large quantities. The drug has sedative effects, which can lead to dependence on the drug as a way to handle stress or anxiety or to overcome social situations. Safe use would be characterized by minimal and occasional use, preferably with a doctor’s guidance. However, since Phenibut is not FDA approved and it affects the brain it can cause tolerance and dependence, the difference between the safe use of the drug and the abuse is not well defined.

Is Phenibut Withdrawal Dangerous, And Can It Cause Complications?

Phenibut withdrawal can be dangerous and should not be rushed, even in cases of long-term or high-dose use. Symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and insomnia are common when withdrawing and can lead to dangerous effects including hallucinations or seizures. These symptoms are the same as those seen in withdrawal from other CNS depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. For those who are highly dependent, it is suggested to undergo a medical withdrawal because it is safer and less risky.

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