Gabapentinoids in penitentiaries: An abuse and addiction research

This study aims to examine the abuse and addiction of gabapentinoids in penal institutions.

Between September 2014 and November 2014, a total of 1,639 participants were administered an electronic questionnaire investigating the drug use and addiction. The questionnaire was requested to be asked and filled by the officers in charge for all voluntary convicts and prisoners in all penitentiaries throughout Turkey.

The rate of answering the questions varied between 20.5% and 100%. It was found that 2% of the participants used pregabalin and gabapentin simultaneously, while 25.2% of them used multiple drugs. The usage rate of pregabalin and gabapentin was higher in some penitentiaries, compared to the normal population. There was a significant positive correlation between the use of gabapentinoids and multiple drugs and alcohol and drug addiction, various withdrawal symptoms, the number of going to the infirmary, and the number of referral to the hospital (p<0.05).

Although gabapentinoids seem to be used in the treatment of addiction, and are proved effective treatment agents. With a definite diagnosis, appropriate follow-up, and timely completion of the treatment, it is necessary to strictly control their use due to the probability of abuse and addiction.