A muscle relaxer is a type of prescription medication you can get from a health care provider. It’s used to treat symptoms like muscle spasms and pain in your back, neck, or other areas. Are muscle relaxers addictive like other pain medicines? The short answer is yes, but help is available. In this article, we’ll discuss the recent data around muscle relaxer use, how these medications work, and common signs of muscle relaxer addiction.
Recent data on illicit drug use
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides nationwide data on the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. Their reports classify misused muscle relaxers in the illicit drug category (under tranquilizers and sedatives) if they’re taken without prescription, in greater amounts, or longer than directed . Here are some key data points from the 2023 NSDUH survey to help people understand how common it might be::
- 70.5 million people used illicit drugs that year, including marijuana, hallucinogens, and misused prescription pain relievers.
- 4.7 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives overall.
- The highest percentage of people misusing these drugs was among ages 18 to 25.
- The lowest percentage misusing these drugs was among adolescents ages 12 to 17.
The survey also covers addiction recovery data. In 2023, 1.9 million adults didn’t seek treatment even though they thought they should. Among adults ages 18 and older who hadn’t received treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD), the results found that:
- 74.1% felt they should have been able to handle their addiction on their own.
- 65.6% weren’t ready to start a treatment program just yet.
- 60.1% weren’t ready to stop using.
The good news is that you don’t have to go through this alone. Effective treatment programs can help you recognize your own ability to reach recovery.
How do muscle relaxers work?
Most skeletal muscle relaxers affect the nervous system. Along with reducing muscle spasms, these drugs are also used to treat spasticity. Spasticity is a symptom in people with neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis (MS). But antispastic medications work a little differently, helping to improve muscle tightness. When you’re on a muscle relaxer, you may experience side effects like:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Decreased blood pressure
They essentially act as sedatives or nervous system depressants, and a wide range of drugs are on the market today. They’re usually prescribed short-term and after other methods have proven ineffective in treating a person’s symptoms.
Are muscle relaxers addictive?
Yes, you can get addicted to muscle relaxers (also called muscle relaxants). Some muscle relaxants are considered controlled substances. This includes carisoprodol (e.g., Soma, Vanadom) and diazepam (Valium). These particular drugs have addiction potential and may cause withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking them. It’s usually not recommended to take a muscle relaxer if you have a personal or family history of addiction.
If you sense that you might be developing a dependency on a muscle relaxer while in treatment, discuss your concerns with your provider. They may be able to prescribe you something less addictive.
Signs of muscle relaxant addiction
A prescription drug addiction is when someone repeatedly misuses a substance, causing impairment or distress. The reason is typically to alter their physical or mental state. In this case, muscle relaxers can produce feelings of euphoria and dissociation from everyday life. Their effects can also be intensified when mixed with another depressant like alcohol. While under the influence, you may notice symptoms like:
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Confusion or memory loss
- Lethargy
If you think you or someone you know might be experiencing an addiction to muscle relaxers, some of the signs to watch out for include:
- Increased tolerance — Requiring higher and higher doses to feel the same effects
- Prolonged use — Taking the drug for longer than prescribed or needed
- Inability to stop — Difficulty decreasing or stopping usage, even in unsafe situations
- Doctor shopping — Seeking multiple providers to access the drug
As people become more focused on obtaining and using your prescription drug of choice, other signs may arise. This could include social withdrawal, financial issues, and work problems (among other signs). You may also become more secretive to hide your addiction from others and lose interest in your favorite hobbies.
Reach your addiction recovery goals with Groups
If you think you’re experiencing an addiction to muscle relaxers, don’t wait to seek help. Groups is made up of a team of licensed professionals who provide group counseling, medication, and personalized support to help our members reach their recovery goals. We’re here to help you find your path, not just to recovery, but to the life you want.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
