Marijuana, often considered a “harmless” recreational substance, and gabapentin, a drug used for seizures and nerve pain, are sometimes combined by people seeking relief from physical or emotional pain or just a stronger high. But are gabapentin and marijuana safe together? What are the effects of drugs on mental health? And what other options exist for people looking for healing from depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder?
At Sana at Stowe, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals struggling with marijuana and gabapentin addiction or misuse. Our expert clinical team helps clients understand how these substances affect the brain and body—especially when used together—and provides personalized treatment plans that address both the physical dependence and the emotional roots of substance use. Through holistic therapies, medical support, and deep emotional work, we guide clients toward lasting recovery in a serene, supportive environment.
What Is Gabapentin?
According to the Mayo Clinic, gabapentin is a drug used to control seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. It can also be used to manage nerve pain after shingles. Used properly and under a doctor’s care, gabapentin can help alleviate harmful symptoms and improve quality of life for some individuals.
However, this drug is also susceptible to abuse. Gabapentin and marijuana are increasingly being combined recreationally to “treat” everything from depression and anxiety to insomnia. Gabapentin has the ability to intensify highs from recreational drugs, so it is being sought out for those effects rather than the healing work for which it was made.
Not only is taking a prescription drug without a prescription never advised, but gabapentin and marijuana together exacerbate each other’s side effects, leading to potentially dangerous consequences. Gabapentin, for example, can increase sleepiness on its own. Combined with marijuana, a person could put themselves in an unsafe situation without realizing it, such as driving a car.
The Effects of Marijuana
Often touted as a harmless drug, marijuana is far from that. You may be wondering, “Can you get addicted to weed? Why is weed bad for your mental health?” The answers to both questions may surprise you.
In short, yes, even without the compounding effects of combining gabapentin and marijuana, the risk for dependency on and addiction to marijuana is high. This is due to a combination of factors, including the increased potency of contemporary marijuana and its growing social acceptance. If “everyone is doing it,” then it may be harder to see where the path to addiction starts.
Weed can also exacerbate or even cause certain mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and, in rare cases, psychosis.
If you feel that your or a loved one’s weed usage has tipped into the darkness of addiction, you may be wondering about weed detox symptoms, and how long does it take to detox from weed. Detox timelines vary depending on many factors, but can take up to 4 weeks, and may include symptoms such as:
- Irritability and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Intense cravings for marijuana
- Sweating and chills
Some of these symptoms can, unfortunately, be worsened by combining marijuana and gabapentin.
However, once detox from one or both substances is complete, a new journey to health and long-term recovery awaits.
Dangers of Combining Gabapentin and Marijuana
Mixing marijuana and gabapentin can amplify side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairment. While both substances may be used for pain or anxiety, combining them can increase the risk of sedation and reduced motor coordination, especially in individuals with existing mental health concerns. Caution and medical supervision are advised.
Potential effects of mixing marijuana and gabapentin:
- Increased drowsiness and sedation
- Impaired concentration and memory
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Slowed reaction time
- Heightened confusion or disorientation
- Risk of falls or accidents
Hope for Those Struggling with Gabapentin and Marijuana
A central question for those seeking to break free from substance use disorder of any kind is what is the root of the addiction. Did the mental health struggles cause the addiction, or vice versa, or are they so inextricably linked as to seem hopeless?
This is where evidence-based treatment such as trauma-informed therapy comes in. Addiction–whether to marijuana alone or to gabapentin and marijuana–does not happen in a vacuum. Substance use disorder often stems from a desire for relief from anxiety, pain, and other difficult symptoms. There are safer and more effective strategies rooted in a trauma-informed approach. Self-medication is often a response to underlying distress, potentially stemming from past trauma, and can have devastating consequences on individuals’ physical and mental health. Thankfully, other, sustainable, proven marijuana addiction treatment and prescription drug addiction treatment programs exist, incorporating everything from talk therapy to groups to a more holistic approach to mental health that may include trauma-informed yoga or art therapy.
Begin Your Journey to Recovery at Sana at Stowe
Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Vermont, Sana at Stowe offers evidence-based therapies for those who want to break free from dependence on gabapentin and marijuana. Our aim is to offer a pathway towards finding “safe ground” through understanding the roots of discomfort and utilizing trauma-sensitive interventions.
After experiencing one of our treatment programs, a former patient said, “Sana has given me my life back. All of the therapy sessions, group sessions, yoga, wellness, acupuncture and food helped me in my recovery. I feel wonderful and strong–going home to be sober and happy.” Another former patient put it this way: “I cannot express my gratitude for my experience here at Sana. Every single person here is an exceptional gift and asset to the mission you have created in addressing substance use disorders.”
If you or a loved one feel you may have developed an unhealthy dependence on gabapentin and marijuana, but you aren’t sure, consider taking our drug use screening test for some insight. You may consider starting with one of our shorter retreats for depression and anxiety. These wellness retreats can jumpstart your recovery process.
Do not continue the destructive cycle of mental illness and self-medication. Reach out to Sana at Stowe today to join the thousands of others who have found rest and healing for their bodies and souls. Give us a call at (802) 575-7819.
