Comment · Fri, February 14, 2014 · Ceretropic
Addicted to Phenibut
Original post in this thread
DrMantisMD · 18 points
I've been struggling with phenibut addiction for some time now. I started taking it a couple years ago recreationally at 2g doses when I went out with friends. It was a lot of fun and helped me open up around others. I slowly started taking more throughout the week disregarding the 'horror stories' I had read because I never felt much of a hangover or any withdrawal when I stopped. I wish I hadn't been so stupid.
I since then have been taking it almost every day for a couple years. I quit a couple times when I ran out and the withdrawal has been getting progressively worse. At the height of my addiction I wasn't really measuring doses but roughly took about 12 or more grams. I would nod out while working and luckily never had any accidents.
For a while I thought I had it under control, only taking 2g a day, but again I started taking more and I'm at 6g/day and really wanna get off it. I'm currently going to school and don't want to quit cold turkey because I still need to get things done and need sleep. That is probably my biggest issue. Could anybody give me some tips on quitting?
What they were answering
_julain · 4 points
I've never been addicted, so I'm not 100% sure my advice will help but I'll throw it in anyway:
Step 1 is lowering your dose every day. Try to cut back 200-400mg a day. You'll have trouble sleeping and issues with anxiety.
For the anxiety:
Grab some tianeptine. It won't hit the GABA receptors, but it can definitely reduce the horrible feeling you'll be going through.
If you really need, have a few beers every now and then. Ethanol hits the same receptors as phenibut.
Etizolam/other benzos hit a different GABA receptor and are equally addictive, but if you cycle it in maybe once or twice a week for two weeks that might help with sleep.
Grab some Kratom. It's addictive too, but it can absolutely help you with anxiety and getting to sleep.
Chamomile tea is believed to have some GABA modulating properties. Drink lots of that.
Good luck buddy!
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Ohhh, no. Kratom is not advisable. He already shows addictive tendencies. Adding in an opiate might open up a whole new can of worms!
I'd say use L-theanine to naturally modulate the GABA system, and use memantine to protect neurons from any over-excitability that may happen due to glutamatergic rebound.