Surreal illustration of addiction and recovery path with gabapentin.

Gabapentin and Substance Use: Unmasking the Truth About Misuse and Treatment

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is gabapentin the answer to treating substance use disorders, or a hidden risk? Belgian study reveals surprising insights into gabapentin use and its potential for abuse."

Gabapentin, a medication primarily licensed in the European Union for neuropathic pain and epilepsy, has also found its way into the treatment landscape for substance use disorders. While it holds promise for some, concerns linger about its potential for misuse, particularly among individuals already grappling with addiction.

The burning question is: Are individuals in treatment for substance use disorders at a higher risk of misusing gabapentin? Do they exceed recommended dosages in their pursuit of relief or altered states? A recent study in Belgium sought to shed light on this issue, providing valuable insights into the utilization patterns of gabapentin within this specific population.

This article delves into the findings of that Belgian study, dissecting its methodology, results, and conclusions to provide a comprehensive understanding of gabapentin's role in substance use disorder treatment. We will explore whether the study found evidence of widespread misuse, and what the implications are for prescribing practices and patient safety.

Decoding the Belgian Gabapentin Study: Methodology and Key Findings

Surreal illustration of addiction and recovery path with gabapentin.

The Belgian study, a cross-sectional analysis spanning from 2011 to 2014, meticulously examined data from two key sources: the Treatment Demand Indicator (TDI) database and the InterMutualistic Agency (IMA) database. By linking these datasets at the individual level, researchers were able to track gabapentin purchases among individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders.

Crucially, the study compared gabapentin utilization patterns between those in specialized treatment for substance use disorders and a control group from the general population, matched for age, sex, and place of residence. This rigorous matching process helped to control for potential confounding variables and isolate the specific impact of substance use disorder treatment on gabapentin use.

Key methodological aspects included:

Selection of subjects based on their first registration in the TDI database between 2011 and 2014, without exclusions based on nationality or age.
Linkage with the IMA database to gather information on health service and medication use.
Matching each subject with four comparators from the general population who were not in specialized treatment, based on age, sex, and place of residence.
Quantification of gabapentin amounts between consecutive purchases as a proxy for potential abuse, defined as exceeding the maximum approved dose of 3600 mg/day.

The results revealed that 2.7% of patients in treatment for substance use disorders had purchased gabapentin at least once, compared to just 0.7% in the comparison group. While this indicates a higher prevalence of gabapentin use among those in treatment, further analysis revealed a more nuanced picture. A significant portion of patients in both groups had only purchased gabapentin once or twice, and only about 10% had purchased it in a timeframe suggestive of potential abuse.

The Verdict: Gabapentin Abuse in Belgium, a Limited Concern?

Despite the increased likelihood of gabapentin use among individuals in substance abuse treatment, the Belgian study found no evidence of widespread, regular abuse exceeding approved dosage. The data suggests that gabapentin procurements occur primarily through legitimate channels like pharmacies and hospitals, not through illicit means like online purchases or local drug dealers.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s13690-018-0254-8, Alternate LINK

Title: Utilization Of Gabapentin By People In Treatment For Substance Use Disorders In Belgium (2011–2014): A Cross-Sectional Study

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Archives of Public Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Luk Van Baelen, Karin De Ridder, Jérôme Antoine, Lies Gremeaux

Published: 2018-03-19

Everything You Need To Know

How did the Belgian study track and analyze gabapentin use among individuals in treatment for substance use disorders?

The Belgian study, a cross-sectional analysis from 2011 to 2014, linked the Treatment Demand Indicator (TDI) database with the InterMutualistic Agency (IMA) database. This allowed researchers to track gabapentin purchases among those in treatment for substance use disorders. They compared gabapentin utilization patterns between this group and a matched control group from the general population, considering age, sex, and place of residence. Potential abuse was quantified by assessing gabapentin amounts between purchases, defining it as exceeding 3600 mg/day.

What did the Belgian study reveal about the prevalence of gabapentin use and potential abuse among individuals in substance use disorder treatment compared to the general population?

The Belgian study revealed that 2.7% of patients in treatment for substance use disorders had purchased gabapentin at least once, compared to 0.7% in the comparison group. However, this didn't translate to widespread abuse. A significant portion of patients in both groups only purchased gabapentin once or twice, and only about 10% showed purchase patterns suggestive of potential abuse, defined as exceeding the maximum approved dose of 3600 mg/day.

According to the Belgian study, how are individuals in treatment for substance use disorders primarily obtaining gabapentin?

The Belgian study suggests that, within the studied population and timeframe, gabapentin procurements occur primarily through legitimate channels like pharmacies and hospitals. The study did not find evidence to support the widespread procurement of gabapentin through illicit means like online purchases or local drug dealers, indicating controlled access to the medication.

What limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings of the Belgian study regarding gabapentin and substance use?

While the Belgian study offers valuable insights into gabapentin use in Belgium, it doesn't cover specific patient demographics or pre-existing conditions. Factors like co-occurring mental health disorders or specific types of substance use disorders could influence gabapentin misuse potential. The study's focus on purchase data also means it doesn't capture instances where gabapentin might be obtained or misused through other means, such as sharing prescriptions. Future research could explore these factors to provide a more complete understanding.

How might the results of the Belgian study influence gabapentin prescribing practices and patient safety measures in substance use disorder treatment?

The findings of the Belgian study may influence prescribing practices by highlighting the importance of careful monitoring of gabapentin prescriptions, especially for individuals in treatment for substance use disorders. Clinicians might implement stricter guidelines, such as more frequent check-ups or urine drug screenings, to detect potential misuse early on. These results underscore the need for open communication between doctors and patients regarding the risks and benefits of gabapentin, and the importance of exploring alternative pain management strategies whenever possible to minimize the risk of misuse.