Did you know some medications can quiet cravings? The story of gabapentin and cannabis

When people think of addiction treatment, they think of willpower or rehab. Medications rarely enter the conversation. That is a shame, because for several substances, medications can turn down the volume on cravings and give recovery a real chance.

Take cannabis. Heavy daily use can bring irritability, anxiety, insomnia and strong cravings when someone tries to stop. Gabapentin, a medication first used for seizures and nerve pain, was studied in cannabis dependent adults. In a randomized controlled trial, gabapentin reduced cannabis use, eased withdrawal and improved executive function compared with placebo.

How might it help? Gabapentin calms overactive signaling in the brain, which may soften the restlessness and poor sleep that drive people back to use. It is not a high, not a substitute, and not for everyone. It can cause dizziness and sleepiness, and stopping suddenly after regular use can be rough, so any trial should be supervised.

The bigger point: craving is brain chemistry, not weak character. If you have tried to cut back on cannabis and keep getting pulled back by withdrawal, talk to a clinician about whether a medication supported plan makes sense. There are options beyond white knuckling it.

Anthony

Sources: Mason BJ et al., Neuropsychopharmacology (2012), proof of concept randomized controlled study of gabapentin in cannabis dependent adults, effects on cannabis use, withdrawal and executive function.