Is Phenibut Addictive?

You might be aware of a drug known as phenibut. But is phenibut addictive?

Developed in Russia, where it is still commonly used as a prescription drug for anxiety, insomnia and other conditions, phenibut has actually been around since the 1960s.

Its use is becoming more widespread in the West though and it is widely available online, where it is often marketed as a nootropic or ‘smart drug’. It is also bought by people looking to self-medicate for anxiety and other issues.

Because it is so readily available, there is a belief among many users that it must be safe. There are a number of risks associated with the drug, however, and it should be approached with caution.

But is phenibut addictive? We’ll look at the evidence…

What Is Phenibut?

Phenibut is a neuropsychotropic drug, meaning it works on the brain and nervous system, affecting mood, cognition and behaviour. It works primarily on GABA neurotransmitters.

It has been widely used in Russia since the 1960s and is still used as a prescription drug for anxiety, insomnia and some other conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stuttering and vestibular disorders (which affect the inner ear and balance).

It is licenced for use in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Latvia, but in recent years, it has become widely available online. People use it for the nootropic or cognitive-enhancing effects and to self-medicate conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. It is also used recreationally for its relaxing and mood-altering effects.

When it comes to its legal status, there is no specific phenibut UK ban, but it does exist in a grey area. It is not licenced for use and selling phenibut is prohibited under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, which bans the supply of any substance intended for human consumption that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect.

This means it cannot be legally sold, but possessing it is not technically prohibited.

Is Phenibut Addictive?

Despite its ‘grey area’ legal status, there is growing evidence that phenibut can be addictive, producing both physical and psychological dependence. Numerous cases have now been recorded of phenibut dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Repeated use of the drug can result in the user building up a tolerance, meaning they need to use more and more for the same effect. At the same time, as their bodies and brains become accustomed to the substance, they can develop a dependency. When the drug is withdrawn, this can result in a range of phenibut withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe.

Signs of Phenibut Dependence

Phenibut dependence can sometimes creep up on the user, often without them realising that there is a problem or denying the extent of it until it has a grip and is very difficult to deal with.

Some signs that you may be developing a phenibut addiction or dependence could include:

• Using the drug more frequently or at higher doses
• Needing to use more for the same effect
• Inability to stop or cut down if you try
• Making excuses not to cut down
• Becoming secretive or defensive about using phenibut
• Anxiety and restlessness if you don’t use the drug
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Mood swings/irritability
• Withdrawal symptoms, like those listed below, occur when you do not take the drug

If you recognise one or more of these signs, it may be time to address your use of phenibut and perhaps seek professional help.

Phenibut Withdrawal & Risks

Phenibut withdrawal can have a wide range of symptoms that can also vary in severity. In general, they are likely to be worse for long-term and heavy users of the drug, but they can also vary from individual to individual.

Phenibut withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Agitation
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Depersonalisation (a lack of sense of ‘self’)
• Cognitive issues
• Palpitations
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Muscle tremors

There may also be rarer serious issues such hallucinations and at least one recorded case in Nottingham involving psychosis.

One relatively common withdrawal effect of phenibut is ‘rebound anxiety’. People often use the drug to self-medicate anxiety symptoms and it may mitigate the effects for a while. Anxiety will often return during withdrawal though and it may be worse and more intense than the original symptoms the user was attempting to address.

Self-medication is rarely a good idea and can be dangerous. It is always best to see a medical professional for anxiety and other mental health issues.

It’s also worth noting that, due to the potential severity of phenibut withdrawal symptoms, sudden self-detox can also be dangerous. Again, it is always best to undergo supervised detox after consulting a professional.

Why People Start Using Phenibut

There are many reasons why people may start using pehnibut. Some people use it recreationally for its relaxing properties, but others will seek it out for the nootropic or cognitive performance claims associated with the drug.

Others may be self-medicating for a range of issues, including anxiety and insomnia. The relatively easy availability of the drug and the grey area of its legal status may convince some users that it is a safe and legally endorsed product, which is certainly not the case. Even in Russia and other countries where it is legitimately available, it tends to be a prescription medication that should only be used in certain circumstances and under medical guidance.

Getting Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

Due to the potentially dangerous nature of withdrawal symptoms, it’s always recommended that you get phenibut detox help if you are looking to quit the drug. You may also need help to break free of the psychological dependence.

The process will be similar to treatment for prescription drugs, which are also a growing problem. Following a supervised detox, the psychological aspects of addiction and root causes of drug misuse can be addressed through a holistic programme of therapies, which may include evidence-backed techniques like counselling, group therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Relapse prevention sessions and aftercare programmes can help you maintain your recovery moving forward.

If you are worried about your own phenibut use or that of a loved one, contact us today to find out how Step One Recovery can help.