On this episode, Jared Miller and Dr. Terry Sellers discuss the complicated reality of medication management in addiction recovery, with a focus on the dangerous rise of gabapentin or Lyrica co-prescribed with opioids. They talk about how these combinations can increase the risk of overdose and relapse, and the need for informed prescribing and patient education.
The medical uses and history of gabapentinHow gabapentin interacts with mu-opiate receptors and its potential for abuseTrends in opioid prescriptions and co-prescription of gabapentinThe dangers of combining gabapentin with opioids and benzodiazepinesThe impact of long-term opioid use on age and dependencyThe importance of intention when using medications in recoveryAddressing the role of physicians and prescribers in addiction managementStrategies for responsible medication use and moral inventories in recoveryThe significance of community and support in mental health and substance recovery00:00 - Introduction and overview of episode focus on prescription medications in recovery
02:00 - Discussing the emotional and physical effects of sleep medication
02:59 - The background and initial FDA approval of gabapentin for nerve pain
04:53 - Trends in detox and treatment centers' approaches and resources
05:23 - Gender-specific treatment approaches and their significance
06:21 - Rise-up supplements for brain health and their benefits
07:42 - The importance of fueling the brain and supplementing nutrition
09:28 - Personal reflections on playing golf and gratitude for recovery milestones
10:24 - The impact of sports and competition on mental health
11:17 - Updates on personal life, family, and upcoming plans
12:42 - New treatment centers and mental health initiatives
14:03 - The rise in mental health issues and co-occurring disorders in recovery
14:54 - The risks of psychotic episodes in treatment groups
15:25 - Medication misuse and the importance of trust in treatment
16:21 - Why active psychosis should exclude someone from substance abuse treatment
17:19 - Pharmacology of gabapentin, including receptor activity
17:49 - FDA-approved uses of gabapentin and its off-label misuse
19:44 - Dosage recommendations and the pharmacological ceiling of gabapentin
20:12 - Data on decreasing opioid prescriptions and increasing co-prescriptions with gabapentin
22:03 - The risks of co-prescribing opioids and gabapentin
23:29 - Analysis of prescription trends and their implications for relapse
24:22 - Dangerous interactions between gabapentin and opioids
25:41 - The rising co-prescription rates and overdose concerns
26:10 - The dangerous combination of gabapentin and opioids leading to respiratory depression
27:40 - The physical and psychological dependency concerns with prescribed opioids
29:07 - Responsible use and the importance of dosing within FDA guidelines
30:28 - The role of doctor responsibility and prescribing practices
32:49 - How social and medical systems may contribute to medication misuse
33:46 - Recognizing therapeutic intent versus misuse
35:40 - The importance of self-awareness and a moral inventory
36:38 - Managing pain responsibly and the risk of hyperalgesia
38:36 - The consequences of long-term opioid use and the increased risk with age
39:46 - The importance of community and proper prescribing in preventing overdose
41:10 - The clinical significance of prescription length and dependency risk
43:01 - The myth of hooks in opiates and the realities of dependence
44:58 - Dependency statistics and the impact on older adults
46:52 - The dangers of combining benzodiazepines and opioids
48:14 - The global age trend and the rising average age of prescription users
50:26 - The importance of moral inventory and intentional medication use
52:20 - The influence of stimulant medications like Adderall
55:41 - Summary of gabapentin's danger and misuse in recovery
56:08 - Encouragement to empower oneself through knowledge and accountability
58:16 - Physician responsibilities and the importance of medical oversight
59:44 - The cultural shift and the need for better medical education on addiction
61:12 - Personal stories emphasizing the importance of prescriber accountability
62:37 - The role of self-awareness, honesty, and spiritual inventory in recovery
64:02 - Balancing medication use with intention and responsibility
65:23 - Final thoughts on responsible medication management and community support
66:22 - The sobering reality of deterioration due to substance use
68:42 - Closing remarks, trusted resources, and importance of ongoing support.