Though normally prescribed as a pain medication, gabapentin is sometimes used off-label for alcohol withdrawal and in alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment to reduce cravings and symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
In this article, you will learn:
- How gabapentin relieves AUD symptoms
- Efficacy in treatment of AUD
- Who gabapentin can benefit
- Risks and limitations
- Use as an adjunct to FDA-approved AUD medications
Nearby Alcohol Rehab Centers
Loading visitor information…
Key Facts
- Gabapentin calms the nervous system, reducing symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
- Gabapentin can reduce the need for benzothiazines, which is especially helpful for patients who do not tolerate benzodiazepines well.
- Gabapentin use is contraindicated for people with a history of severe withdrawal symptoms or seizures, for the elderly and pregnant women.
- After detox, gabapentin can be replaced with other drugs that are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder.
Gabapentin 101
What is Gabapentin and its FDA-approved uses?
Gabapentin is FDA-approved as an anti-convulsant medication and as a neuropathic pain medication used to treat symptoms caused by nerve damage.
It is not FDA-approved for alcohol withdrawal treatment, but is sometimes prescribed off-label because it calms the nervous system and reduces withdrawal and early recovery symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and insomnia.
When used to treat alcohol use disorder, gabapentin requires clinical oversight and screening to check for co-occurring disorders or medication interactions.
How it Works & Why Clinicians Consider It

During alcohol withdrawal, a rebound effect occurs in the brain as it rebalances the neurotransmitter chemicals GABA and glutamate.
Gabapentin helps return GABA and glutamate to their normal concentrations by increasing the available amount of GABA and reducing the amount of glutamate in the brain. This calms the nervous system and reduces cravings, anxiety, and insomnia.
Gabapentin is not a benzodiazepine medication, so it avoids the cross-tolerance risk associated with benzodiazepines and alcohol. It also has fewer side effects than benzodiazepines.
Does Gabapentin Help with Alcohol Withdrawal?
Evidence for Use in Mild-Moderate Withdrawal
Studies have shown that gabapentin can reduce CIWA-Ar scores. Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised scores quantify the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and complications. Lowering scores indicates success in addressing symptoms.
Gabapentin is suited for withdrawal management care in inpatient treatment settings as well as outpatient treatment settings with clinical monitoring.
Because gabapentin has similar effects to benzodiazepines, its use can lower the need for benzodiazepines to treat cravings, anxiety or sleep problems. Used as short-term treatment during early recovery, following detox, gabapentin can help maintain abstinence.
Risks and Limitations of Gabapentin in Severe or Complicated Cases
Gabapentin is not adequate for use as the only medication prescribed for high CIWA-Ar scoring patients with more severe symptoms and/or complications. It is also not adequate for patients with prior seizures or risk for DTs.
Red flags include:
- Uncontrolled vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure)
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Severe electrolyte issues
- Severe or complicated cases require moving to a higher level of treatment, using benzodiazepine-based therapy and inpatient management.
Where Gabapentin Fits vs. Benzodiazepines & Carbamazepine
Benzodiazepines are the first-choice option for moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome because they have been proven to be effective in treating severe complications.
Gabapentin is recommended for mild or moderate withdrawal when insomnia or anxiety exists or as an alternative or adjunct treatment when benzodiazepines are contraindicated.
Another anti-convulsant medication, carbamazepine, is also sometimes prescribed off label to treat AUD. Carbamazepine can be another alternative to benzodiazepines. It has less potential risk for dependence and respiratory depression than benzodiazepines, but has a greater risk for liver damage.
Side effects that are common with gabapentin and carbamazepine include drowsiness, dizziness and gastrointestinal issues.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate for Gabapentin?
Good Fit for People Who Have:
- Mild alcohol withdrawal syndrome
- Stable housing and transport
- Feasibility for daily outpatient check-ins
- Co-occurring insomnia or anxiety
- Plans to continue treatment for AUD symptom relief if beneficial
- Liver disease, where the use of benzodiazepines raises a concern
- Adequate kidney/renal function for dosing
Poor Fit and Red Flags:
- History of severe AWS, seizures or DTs
- Unstable medical or psychiatric status
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Significant renal impairment
- Older adults with fall risk
- Concurrent opioid/CNS depressant use
- History of gabapentin misuse or improper sharing
How Gabapentin is Used in Practice
Care setting & monitoring
- Gabapentin is usually provided during outpatient treatment with structured CIWA-Aror SAWS (Short Alcohol Withdrawal Scale) tracking and monitoring.
- Gabapentin use requires regular monitoring of vital signs and daily patient contact early on.
- Emergency room treatment is indicated if irregular heartbeat, confusion or signs of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions or paranoia) occur.
- A step-up in care from outpatient to inpatient is indicated if complications involving co-occurring conditions or symptoms of DTs arise.
Typical outpatient approach
- A short course of gabapentin treatment is given, often followed by brief tapering (3–7 days) to gradually reduce the dosage and prevent rebound symptoms.
- Patients should not self-escalate the tapering schedule.
- Gabapentin can provide adjunct treatment to symptom-triggered benzodiazepine treatment (where benzodiazepines are administered only when symptoms approach an increased level of intensity) or if breakthrough symptoms (re-emergence of previously controlled symptoms) occur.
- When taking gabapentin, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you, especially in relation to sedative effects.
Bridging from withdrawal to AUD treatment
- After detox and withdrawal, gabapentin use may be replaced by other drugs that are FDA-approved for AUD. It may be continued short-term if it is helping with cravings or insomnia.
- Counseling, often using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that addresses negative thoughts and beliefs leading to self-destructive behavior and motivational enhancement therapy that increases motivation and a commitment to action, helping patients overcome triggers and stressors that lead to alcohol use.
- 12-step and other peer support groups provide companionship and encouragement.
FDA-approved AUD meds include naltrexone, Acamprosate and disulfiram.
- Naltrexone reduces alcohol cravings and euphoria.
- Acamprosate helps reduce cravings, anxiety and insomnia.
- Disulfiram causes an adverse reaction to alcohol use and discourages drinking.
Safety & Legal Considerations

Common side effects & serious risks
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Loss of balance
- Edema
- GI upset
- Increased fall risk
- Respiratory depression when used with opioids, benzodiazepines and other sedatives
Gabapentin should be used with caution in elderly patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or obstructive sleep apnea.
Renal function should be monitored and adjusted, when necessary, to avoid toxic levels of gabapentin accumulating in the kidneys.
When discontinuing gabapentin, a gradual tapering schedule is used to avoid rebound symptoms.
Misuse, diversion, and state monitoring of gabapentin
- The potential for misuse of gabapentin is higher in users who have co-occurring opioid use disorder. Gabapentin may be misused to enhance the effects of opioids or to postpone withdrawal symptoms when opioids are not available.
- Gabapentin users sometimes participate in drug diversion activity, where they transfer their prescription medication to another person for illicit use.
- Some states track prescriptions of gabapentin using an electronic database system, orprescription drug monitoring program (PDMP).
- It is important for gabapentin users to get their prescriptions from a single prescriber. They should use secure storage, like a locking medicine box. They should never share their gabapentin medication with others.
Gabapentin FAQs
No. When gabapentin is used for alcohol withdrawal, it is prescribed off-label.
For severe or complicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome, benzodiazepine-based protocols are still recommended.
Gabapentin is generally compatible with naltrexone and acamprosate. A medical professional should coordinate the dosing and monitor you for additive sedation.
For best outcomes, gabapentin use should be accompanied by therapy and peer support.
Avoid mixing gabapentin with alcohol, opioids or sleep meds like benzodiazepines that also cause sedation, as risks for dangerous respiratory depression will increase.
Any combined use should only occur while under direct medical supervision.
Gabapentin use during withdrawal typically lasts for several days to a few weeks. Following detox, it may be continued short-term to treat insomnia and cravings during early recovery.
Gabapentin is often tapered gradually, using clinician guidance, to reduce rebound insomnia or anxiety.
Find Treatment Near You
Use the Rehab.com directory to find facilities that provide treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. You can filter by location, level of treatment (outpatient or inpatient), special programs offered, or insurance accepted. Or call to speak to someone for more help.
Not sure where to start? Call today to talk to someone about your treatment options and see if your insurance will cover rehab.
Top Rated Centers for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
| Name / Address / Rating | Description | Treatments / Payments / Programs | Review / Contact | Images | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avenues Recovery Center at Lake ArielAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Lake Ariel is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Lake Ariel, PA | Clients seeking treatment for alcohol addiction may be required to undergo detox first. As one of the best detox facilities in Pennsylvania, the process at Avenues Recovery Center ensures any abused substances are out of a client’s system and that they are in a healthy frame of mind when they enter residential treatment. Detox is overseen and | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (570) 354-6060 | I have been to my share of recovery centers and this place by far was the best . Staff was amazing 👏 the community was just unbelievable. Everyone cared about each other. I’m grateful for every one there . WOULDNT have asked for a better place . Thank you for everything ❤
Taylor
1 week ago
Amazing place. Great staff. Would recommend
Travis Murphy
1 week ago
EXCELLENT GROUP PROGRAMMING & INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING!!! If you’re serious about you’re recovery I highly recommend Avenues at Lake Ariel. Shout out to Val & Joe for the profound impact on the start of my recovery journey!
MELISSA BRANDT
3 weeks ago
|
5 5
|
1
Top 10 Rehab in AZ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.90 / 10 | Soberman’s Estate, located in Cave Creek, Arizona, is an alcohol and drug rehab center that provides addiction treatment services to adult men, professionals, and public figures. They are a discrete, luxury rehab for individuals aged 30 to 80 years old. This location caps their treatment center at ten men at a time. As one of leading inpatient re | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Soberman’s Estate was everything I needed for my recovery. The staff, the program, physical activity and culinary experience were top notch and essential. The program is well designed and worked better than I expected. The staff is remarkable – professional, considerate and genuinely caring. My time there and being removed from alcohol for five weeks was everything I needed to remove my craving for alcohol. Soberman has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I feel confident, secure and grateful for my new life. I have reconnected with my family and friends. Thank you Soberman.
George B.
7 months ago
Yes, very professional staff, treatment, therapist, chefs were good! even the home cook did the best she could, and loved the horses of Course! Saturday morning hiking was fun to explore the trails of the nearby mountain area!
John E Williams
7 months ago
I had a great experience overall and would recommend it to anyone wanted to jump start their sobriety!!
Kevin Crawford
7 months ago
|
5 5
| |
Baton Rouge, LA | St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center is an addiction rehabilitation facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The center opened in 1998 with the vision of offering affordable addiction treatment. They have a residential treatment program for men along with outpatient treatment services available to men and women. They view substance use disorder | Treatments Programs Payment Options | St Christopher was a wonderful experience for me to get sober, learn about Alcoholics Anonymous, and learn about the disease and about myself. The staff from the front office down were fantastic, before, during, and after treatment. I would recommend this place to anyone
Todd Landry
8 months ago
I have been a professional interventionist since 2010. I was introduced to this program in 2012. I have been referring there since then. My clients have always had a positive experience and the clinical and support staff are the most responsive and knowledgeable. They want what’s best for the client and the family and have long term options. They do very well young adult males and most recently I referred a 69 year old man first time treatment. It was a family member and he’s doing very well and committed to 90 days of treatment. I can’t thank the clinical staff and administrators enough for the program they have created. Please contact me if you would like to know more. Thank you STC!!!
asher levine
11 months ago
This is my first time doing IOP and I luv it Mike Ramos is the best my family even luvs him good person great attitude he as a way of wanting to do right and stay right and you can tell he is genuine about his job unlike miss star he as a way of teaching addiction were you understand it always keep Mike and his little dog brisket he’s a big part of Saint Christopher’s
Cedric Banks
1 year ago
|
5 5
| |
1
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | All In Solutions Detox in Simi Valley is one of the best ranked inpatient detox facilities in California providing safe, medically supervised care for individuals beginning their recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. As part of the All In Solutions Behavioral Health network, this facility serves as the first step in a full continuum of care. Cli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | I will recommend this facility to anyone who is in need of a care especially an addict. The staff here has excellent knowledge.
Shea
2 months ago
All in Solutions changed my life. The staff here is very friendly and heart warming. Jason my counselor guided me down a healthier, sober lifestyle. Silva is an angel and helped me along the way with my marriage. HepZ is an A++++++ and my buddy Conner helped me find my higher power. I would recommend All in Solutions to anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle and sobriety. Debbie and Anthony are Rockstars and run a wonderful facility.
Eric Boyer
2 months ago
This facility is awesome. The staff is so caring about everyone. I would definitely recommend All in solutions.
Deanna Flores
2 months ago
|
5 5
| |
Avenues Recovery Center at ClarksvilleAd This is an ad and Avenues Recovery Center at Clarksville is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Clarksville, IN | Avenues Recovery Center in Clarksville, Indiana, is an inpatient drug and alcohol detox and rehab center. They strive to provide individuals receiving treatment with a loving environment and attentive medical care. You’ll be away from toxic environments and triggers and have the opportunity to focus on developing life skills that will support you | Treatments Programs Payment Options | View Website (930) 203-1947 | This is definitely the best avenues i have been to (no shade indianapolis or fort wayne yall are awesome) but the staff here really does care and has made a huge impact for my recovery, the group facilitators are amazing and give you so much knowledge behind the disease of addiction and coping skills that you can utilize in your everyday life. The therapists here are great , personally my therapist Paige is the shit!! I’ve come so far with her help. Well, with everyone’s help! Its life or death for me and I chose life thanks to the amazing staff and ladies at avenues who loved me while I was learning to love myself. In a year, I hope to come back and work as a BHT. The case managers are the bomb , meeting with you within your first two days and getting your aftercare started! Shout-out to my case manager trent he’s awesome. Thank you avenues, I love you guys. And now I can say I love myself <3
Bri Joseph
1 month ago
I absolutely love this place
Shanna Niles
1 month ago
Avenues has been an amazing experience and has helped me in so many ways for my sobriety and has helped me with arranging aftercare as well
Katy Callis
1 month ago
|
4
|
1
Top 10 Rehab in TX
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.80 / 10 | Symetria – Hurst Outpatient Rehab and Suboxone Clinic in Hurst, Texas, is a private drug rehabilitation clinic for adults. One of the best outpatient rehab centers in Texas, Symetria offers various withdrawal medications to help clients get started with their recovery journey. You’ll also have access to treatments such as the intensive outp | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Symetria is unbelievably amazing!!! The Hurst staff is phenomenal!!! I can’t imagine that another location has a better staff. A special shout out to Deborah, Benjamin, and Samantha of course. You all are doing amazing, amazing, selfless work. You all are very special to so many!!!
Vernon Godsey III
6 months ago
Huge shout out to the team at symetria who make me feel like family I appreciate everything they do and huge shout out to Osagie for helping me! He is AWESOME!!! I love you symetria❤️❤️❤️
Chloe Roseman
7 months ago
BEST PLACE EVER. I have tried various other doctors/clinics and none of them even begin to compare to this one. The staff here is absolutely amazing. I can’t even make a single complaint. Dr Son is the best as well. He explains everything and you truly feel like he understands you. I can proudly say this, this place saved my life. If you or someone you know needs help getting off opiates do it right the first time and come here. You won’t be disappointed. If you are specifically struggling with fentanyl please don’t waste your time with other ways. I have tried 6 other methods from lazer therapy to having the earpiece to suboxone. Methadone is the key to our current fentanyl crisis. This clinic makes recovery possible again!
Mason
7 months ago
|
5 5
| |
1
Top 10 Rehab in FL
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.78 / 10 | All In Solutions Counseling Center is a mental health center and addiction treatment program in Boynton Beach, Florida. They provide a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program, medication-assisted treatment, and mental health care for adults with substance use disorder. All In Solutions Counseli | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Very helpful and honest team, we were able to address multiple areas of my addiction. The spiritual aspect was also very helpful with my recovery
clifford zwirecki
1 week ago
Great place and amazing staff
Robert Seiz
1 week ago
A great place with s staff that cares about all of their clients needs. If you are looking for help first pray the reach out to All in Solutions they are great guides on the trip of life.
barkley wyckoff
2 weeks ago
|
4
| |
3
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.76 / 10 | Located in Watsonville, California, Elevate Addiction Services provides alcohol and drug rehab services to men and women suffering from addiction. Their levels of care include detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. One of the best ranked Outpatient treatment centers in California, Elevate Addiction Services provides a wide continuum | Treatments Programs Payment Options | This place is not your ordinary rehab facility. They go beyond your standard rehabilitation and literally “Elevate” your life to a new level you didn’t think was ever possible before. The program is structured in a way that you desire to learn more and give more into the healing process. If you take the necessary steps and put your heart into the program you will come out with a newfound appreciation for life and all that surrounds you. Please take this step, as my husband did, to embrace your life and get the healing you deserve and owe yourself.
The Truth
1 month ago
I think this is a wonderful rehab, the facilities are beautiful, the food is amazing (I have never even had food this good at a restaurant), and above all they have really helped my husband. Obviously anyone that first goes to rehab isn’t happy with their situation but in just two short months he was a changed person. The work they have them do on themselves got him to finally see why drugs and alcohol are no way of life. He’s finally sober and actually enjoying it! This rehab helped him so much he actually chose to stay LONGER, and I am for once excited for what the future can bring.
Christine Hanson
1 month ago
My experience here throughout my last few months has completely changed my whole outlook on life. Before I got here I thought my life was going towards the end. My body was failing and mental state was terrible. Every part of the program touches on every aspect of the addicts life. Now that I have finished the program and started living daily life with all of the gains I got throughout the program, failure isn’t an option. I know I can truly be happy sober now. I finally gained back the love and support from my life partner and best friend I always knew was still there. My mom also believes in me again which is so important to me. The possibilities and happiness are endless now. Thank you Elevate.
Mike Wilcox
1 month ago
|
5 5
| |
2
Top 10 Rehab in NJ
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.74 / 10 | All In Solutions Counseling Center is a mental health and addiction clinic in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. They provide outpatient addiction treatment and mental health care. They offer options like an intensive outpatient program, a partial hospitalization program, and medication-assisted treatment. All In Solutions Cherry Hill Drug & Alcohol Reha | Treatments Programs Payment Options | My experience at All In Solutions was excellent. A special shout out to all the staff. especially the Techs who were flexible and met all my housing needs. Let me not forget to give a heartfelt shout out to the Administration Assistant, Erica. Her friendly smile and personality was something to look forward to every morning. A special thanks to Chris B, the wise Guru of AA’s Big Book. An extreme special thank you to the Alumni Coordinator, Lauren. for everything she did for me.
John Collins
2 months ago
To say All In Solutions of Cherry Hill, N.J. saved my life would be a GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT. As would be any attempt to express my gratitude to their staff with mere words. After 33 straight years of drug & alcohol abuse, I would have never imagined myself making it through even the 1st few days of a recovery program, much less become a man who swears by the life changing process that comes only by properly working a 12 step program. In fact, I’d have laughed at you if you tried to tell me that it could cure my life long ailment. God Bless the entire staff at A.I.S. for patiently taking taking their time to make sure that I actually not only got it right, but got it right this 1st time. It takes more than what is ethically & professionally required of you to have such a profound effect on someone like me. Much, much more. But each & every staff member regularly went well above & beyond their call of duty where my recovery is concerned. Thank you, ALL OF YOU & God Bless you. Please keep doing what you do.
Don Gendron
2 months ago
I felt that I got exactly what I needed out of this program. All the staff were helpful and nice. I learned a lot more than I expected to and all my needs were met. I highly recommend this facility for anyone who is struggling and needs that extra help with their recovery.
Jackson Wood
2 months ago
|
4
| |
2
Top 10 Rehab in CA
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center’s quality right now.
8.74 / 10 | Rise in Malibu is a secluded drug and alcohol rehab program in Malibu, California. They deliver Joint Commission accredited detox, inpatient treatment, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare services to adult clients. Their campus boasts luxury amenities and a seaside view. Detoxification at Rise Malibu takes place in its luxury residen | Treatments Programs Payment Options | Going to Rise was the best decision of my life. Allison was a godsend to me at a dark point in my life and was able to get me into Rise’s treatment program with short notice. The team there is unparalleled. I wish I could name everyone that were members of my treatment team at Rise, but a few shoutouts to Nam for driving my sad sack self to Rise, baking amazing bread, and being an amazing support from Day 1, Shari & Zach from nursing for the care, fun, pep talks, and compassion, Dr Mark for his wisdom and pragmatic approach that I really resonated with, and numerous others (the chefs are next-level good, Tessa, Luke, Saber, Destiny, Cesar, Cat, Michael, Terry, Adrian, etc).
Outside of the fantastic staff, I’ll add that the house is gorgeous, the groups are varied and enriching, there’s a good balance between free time & groups, the rooms are comfortable and spacious, and they do a great job of ensuring that you have access to outside appointments – for example, I was able to go to Passover services while at Rise without having to go through a lot of hoops/bureaucracy.
The amenities are fun and obviously appreciated, but the heart of this place is really why I would recommend it to a loved one or friend in a heartbeat.
Thank you so much, Rise team!!!
Hannah Lerner
1 month ago
I didn’t walk in expecting much, but this place really surprised me. Detox was handled professionally and the staff genuinely cared. Residential was structured and real—not just talk. I learned a lot and I’m leaving in a much better place.
Eviana Peterson
1 month ago
Rise really means a lot to me. I’ve been to the Malibu location twice, and both times the team made me feel genuinely cared for, supported, and understood during some of the hardest times in my life. Dr. Mark was awesome to work with, and I also want to thank Ron, Sherry, Nam, Tessa, Zack, and Ryan. You all made a bigger impact on me than you probably know. What makes Rise special is that it never just felt like treatment to me — it felt like family. I’ll always have love for the Malibu team and a lot of gratitude for everything they’ve done for me. Also give my compliments to the chefs
noah barclay
2 months ago
|
6 6
|






































































































