Here is what you need to know about soma abuse.
Soma Abuse
Carisoprodol is a musculoskeletal relaxer that is often used to treat painful muscular or skeletal conditions including back pain, joint pain, and severe arthritis. The most common form of carisoprodol used for medical purposes in the United States today is in pill form under the brand name “Soma.” Because of its sedative properties, it is often misused, abused, diverted from legitimate medical uses for recreational use, and is considered addictive and deadly in the event of an overdose.
Carisoprodol/Soma Abuse Side Effects:
- Paralysis (numbness or loss of feeling in extremities)
- Weakness
- Lack of motor control
- Loss of consciousness
- Blacking out
- Fainting
- Increased heartbeat
- Seizures and convulsions
- Loss of vision
- Agitation
- Confusion
Carisoprodol “Soma” Withdrawal Symptoms
Again, because soma is a GABA drug, the symptoms of soma withdrawal are quite similar to opioid and alcohol withdrawal symptoms and include:
- Altered cognitive function
- Confusion
- Increased anxiety
- Increased depression
- Mood Swings
- Tremor
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Insomnia
- Muscle Cramps or Pains
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Heart palpitations
Carisoprodol and opioids are very closely related, because they share common action mechanisms and risks for dependence, overdose and withdrawal. Not only have we seen an increase in individuals abusing soma since the opioid epidemic has arisen, but we have also seen many chronic pain sufferers that have been switched to carisoprodol from opioid medications to treat their chronic pain.
The risk of soma abuse, overdose and addiction to carisoprodol is very real, and those that have found themselves dependent on soma will need addiction treatment for soma dependence to treat the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addition.
Physical chemical dependence and addiction is very possible with carisoprodol. The risk of addiction and dependence to soma is based in the way the drug works in the brain, acting on the GABA receptors of the brain, just like opiods, heroin, and alcohol. Once the individual has become dependent on the drug, withdrawals can occur if they discontinue use of the drug without tapering or quit cold turkey.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
