Lead: Use of gabapentin with or without a prescription in substance use treatment settings: A national analysis of urine drug testing data, 2016–2023Lead: Use of gabapentin with or without a prescription in substance use treatment settings: A national analysis of urine drug testing data, 2016–2023
This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Explore the increasing use of gabapentin in substance use treatment and innovative care models like low-threshold care and peer navigator interventions.
8:07•18 Feb 2026
Rethinking Addiction Treatment: Gabapentin's Role and Beyond
Episode Overview
- Gabapentin prescriptions have risen significantly for off-label uses in SUD treatment.
- Non-medical use of gabapentin is nearly double that of prescribed use.
- Low-threshold care models show promise for improving patient reach.
- Peer navigator interventions need further research for effectiveness.
- Real-time drug surveillance is crucial for non-medical drug users.
“"Gabapentin prescribing significantly increased despite a lack of strong evidence bases for its utility."”
Ever wondered what it takes to tackle addiction with innovative treatments? This episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' offers a deep dive into the intriguing use of gabapentin in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment settings. You'll learn how gabapentin prescriptions have been on the rise, often used off-label to manage withdrawal symptoms and comorbidities, despite a shaky evidence base.
The episode highlights a comprehensive study that analysed trends in gabapentin use, revealing a significant increase in prescriptions but also a concerning rise in non-medical use. The discussion doesn't stop there. The episode also explores the effectiveness of low-threshold care (LTC) models for opioid use disorders, showcasing how these approaches, which focus on risk reduction and accessibility, are transforming patient care.
And if you're curious about peer navigator interventions, the podcast covers a fascinating study on their impact on opioid-related adverse events in emergency departments. For those interested in the broader implications of drug use, the episode sheds light on the prevalence of illicit drug detection among people who inject drugs and aren't engaged in medical care.
With insights into the ongoing challenges of opioid withdrawal and its pro-inflammatory effects, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone invested in addiction medicine. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in the latest developments in addiction treatment, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. Are you ready to rethink how addiction treatment can evolve?
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