Mixing any kind of drug with alcohol has its potential health and addiction risks and can even lead to death. In other words, combining alcohol with any drug is a real danger. Even a non-narcotic mixture of antidepressants and alcohol runs the risk of fatal side effects if you take more than prescribed. The combination of baclofen and alcohol is one of many addictive and harmful mixtures. This blog is designed to provide information and warnings about this risky addiction.
Baclofen: What Is It?
Baclofen is a prescription drug medical professionals prescribe to treat muscle spasms that occur as a result of spinal cord injuries and/or disease and multiple sclerosis. The most common brand names for baclofen are Lioresal and Gablofen.
This drug works as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is commonly used as a skeletal muscle relaxant to treat medical conditions like spasticity. In more recent times, some European studies have discovered that baclofen can be a powerful withdrawal medication given to individuals going through alcohol addiction detox.
When people think of prescription pill addiction, what typically comes to mind are prescription drugs like painkillers or opioids. But individuals commonly consider a muscle relaxer like baclofen to be safe.
Baclofen is not a narcotic and it does not act on the opioid receptors in the brain like other prescription pain medication. However, medical professionals may sometimes prescribe it to treat severe pain. But, when combined, baclofen and alcohol, the chances of dependency and/or addiction increase greatly.
The Baclofen And Alcohol Combo: Why Do People Mix Them?
Baclofen is known to be effective on alcohol withdrawal symptoms because it reduces cravings the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. So, some individuals will choose to take baclofen while still drinking alcohol.
Baclofen and alcohol are both depressants, which means they lower the neurotransmission levels within the brain. This causes feelings of sedation and relaxation. Most people who develop addictions to baclofen and alcohol express that they like both the depressant effects that alcohol provides and the relief from muscle spasms through taking baclofen.
The Baclofen And Alcohol Combo: The Side Effects And Risks
When you combine baclofen and alcohol these depressants can cause a troubling effect in the individual upon consumption. The alcohol will enhance the side effects of the baclofen.
Some of the side effects of combining baclofen and alcohol include but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Erratic behavior
- Impaired motor control
- Higher risk for overdose
- Memory loss and/or problems
- Sleepiness and/or feeling drowsy
- Feelings of aggravation and/or agitation
- Slowed and/or difficulty breathing
When someone begins experiencing these side effects from combining baclofen and alcohol, it is considered a “pharmacodynamic interaction” within the medical community. By definition, this means that alcohol heightens the effects of the baclofen within the central nervous system. These interactions can be dangerous and can also lead to addiction or even fatality.
The Baclofen And Alcohol Combo: Medical Detoxification (Detox)
Whether or not you will have withdrawal symptoms or if you need medical detox from baclofen and alcohol consumption depends on the length of use or abuse. Everyone reacts differently to various types of drugs and combinations.
Also, with the increase in popularity of prescription drug addiction and the long-lasting prominence of alcoholism, no one really knows how their bodies will react to other prescription drugs and/or substances like alcohol, even simple things such as a daily vitamin.
Medical detox programs exist to help individuals who have physical additions to various types of substances, including baclofen and alcohol. These programs help by reducing painful withdrawal symptoms during the initial detox.
The Baclofen And Alcohol Combo: What Happens After Detox?
Once people complete a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) detox program, they will either continue with inpatient or an outpatient addiction treatment program. These programs are designed to help those who are facing an addiction to baclofen and alcohol.
Addiction treatment has expanded in the last century to be able to address all individuals in every aspect of their addiction process. Individuals can benefit from unique therapies and treatments that focus specifically on their personal challenges, experiences, and concerns.
There are various types of inpatient and outpatient treatments available. This is necessary since addiction treatment typically works to meet the individual’s needs, depending on their experiences with substance misuse.
Residential Treatment Programs for Addiction
Residential treatment programs provide continuous access to medical, clinical, and psychiatric care in addition to various holistic treatment services and amenities. These addiction treatment programs typically offer many different forms of treatments and therapies.
Inpatient residential treatment program therapies include but are not limited to:
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Trauma Therapy (including EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Relapse Prevention
- Motivational Interviewing
- Wellness Groups
- Family Therapy
Inpatient treatment programs also offer plenty of great amenities! These amenities help to keep individuals comfortable and engaged throughout the addiction treatment process. Residential treatment programs typically involve daily access to holistic treatments, which include:
- Biosound beds
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic therapy
- Far infrared saunas
- Amino acid hydration therapy
Outpatient Treatment Programs for Addiction
Some individuals respond well to outpatient addiction treatment programs rather than residential treatment programs. Often, those individuals tend to have a less severe addiction or they may be in the earlier stages of their addiction. As a result, they may benefit more from continuing their regular routines like work and family obligations. This type of treatment works well for those who are ready to modify and change their behaviors and habits.
Some outpatient programs for an addiction to baclofen and alcohol include but are not limited to:
- Executive Treatment Program – This type of addiction treatment program designed for baclofen and alcohol allows an individual to remain living at their own home. This program works to allow the individual to continue work, school, and other activities and family responsibilities outside of our treatment facility hours. This type of outpatient addiction treatment program is less intensive than our inpatient residential treatment program whilst still offering all the same addiction treatments.
- Recovery Management Program – This type of addiction treatment program for baclofen and alcohol offers outpatient treatment for a full twelve (12) months after completing either a detox program or an inpatient program. It offers a support specialist available 24/7. It also offers individual therapy on a weekly basis for the first ninety (90) days then the sessions continue on a bi-monthly basis.
Will Your Health Insurance Cover Treatment?
The response is usually, yes! However, most health insurance companies request health insurance policyholders to select from an authorized medical provider list. Also, there are often some associated costs with this type of addiction treatment program including addiction detox, like cost-share or co-pay insurance programs.
It is always important to get familiar with what kind of health care insurance policy you have or what exactly is covered or NOT covered. This is imperative, so contact your insurance agent immediately to assist you in determining what you can afford.
Typically, detox centers and programs have professional staff members who are able to help you deal with health insurance companies. They can answer questions about your healthcare coverage promptly and skillfully assist you with getting the approvals you will require for effective treatment.
Coastal Detox: Helping You Detox From Baclofen And Alcohol
If you need medical detox from an addiction to the combination of baclofen and alcohol or any other substances, you can contact Coastal Detox today. Located in sunny and beautiful Stuart, Florida.
Their drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs consist of skilled, medical professionals that are intent on helping you detox safely and comfortably from any and ALL substances including baclofen and alcohol. If further addiction rehabilitation is necessary, they will assist you in finding the best kind of drug and/or alcohol addiction treatment program. The team will provide you with a chance at lasting sobriety and an overall improvement in your mental health!
Seeking assistance in getting clean from substances like baclofen and alcohol, will be hard and oftentimes even frightening. But you must not be afraid to reach out and seek help! It is difficult enough to deal with abuse and/or addiction. You should not have to handle the pain of detox or have to withdraw from addiction to baclofen and alcohol alone. For more information on how Coastal Detox can help you detox from baclofen and alcohol addiction and/or other abusive substances, please contact us toda