Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons^™

A Qualitative Analysis Of Gabapentin Misuse And Diversion Among People Who Use Drugs In Appalachian Kentucky, Rachel Vickers Smith, Elaine M. Boland, April M. Young, Michelle R. Lofwall, Alexa Quiroz, Michele Staton, Jennifer R. Havens

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant and analgesic for postherpetic neuralgia, has been thought to have no abuse potential despite numerous published reports to the contrary. Gabapentin has been linked with impaired driving and opioid use, highlighting the need to more fully understand its risk profile. Thirty-three individuals reporting recent nonmedical use of gabapentin were recruited from two ongoing longitudinal studies of drug users in Appalachian Kentucky to participate in focus groups. Four sessions were held (two in the community and two in jail settings), during which participants responded to questions regarding their personal experiences with gabapentin misuse. Focus group participants were similar …