Relaxation or Reliance? The Truth About Muscle Relaxer Addiction

You were only supposed to take them for a few days — just long enough to get through that pulled back muscle or the lingering pain after surgery. Initially, the relief was a welcome break, helping you sleep better at night and move more easily during the day. But somewhere along the way, the line blurred. One pill turned into two. You started relying on them to wind down after work or push through stressful days. 

Now you find yourself wondering: can you get addicted to muscle relaxers?

What sort of addiction signs should you look out for, and what treatment options are available for someone who struggles with muscle relaxant abuse? Read on to learn more about muscle relaxant addiction and what you can do to help treat prescription drug abuse for yourself or a loved one.

Table of Contents

• What are Muscle Relaxers?
• Can You Get Addicted to Muscle Relaxers?
• What Are the Signs of Addiction to Muscle Relaxers?
• Commonly Asked Questions About Taking Muscle Relaxers
• Clear Steps Recovery: Offering an Individualized Pathway To Healing From Drug Addiction

What are Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxers are a category of high-powered prescription medications designed to provide relief from muscle spasms and muscle pain. These strong medications are only available by prescription and are usually prescribed for short-term treatment. 

Muscle relaxers affect the function of muscles. They work by depressing the central nervous system (CNS). This depression prevents your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain, as well as lessening the severity of muscle spasms caused by nerve malfunction. 

The most common kind of muscle relaxers work on the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for movement, but there are also muscle relaxers that focus on smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is responsible for the muscles you don't have control over in your stomach, circulatory system, etc. 

When people refer to muscle relaxers, they are usually talking about the kind that work on skeletal muscles responsible for movement.

What Are the Different Kinds of Muscle Relaxers? 

“Muscle relaxer” is an umbrella term referring to several different groups of prescription medications, all of which are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Different kinds of muscle relaxers include: 

• Carisoprodol: This kind of muscle relaxer is a strong central nervous system depressant, often prescribed for short periods along with rest and physical therapy for muscle strain. It has a high addictive potential and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. 
  
  • Brand Name: Soma
• Metaxalone: Metaxalone is another central nervous system depressant prescribed for intense, short-term muscle and bone pain. It is also an anti-inflammatory, good for speeding recovery and suppressing nerve pain. 
  
  • Brand Name: Skelaxin
• Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are the most commonly known muscle relaxer group, both for their clinical effectiveness and their potential for abuse. Benzos are useful CNS depressants and are often used to combat the side effects of alcohol withdrawal. However, benzos are dangerous when abused and were involved in over 10,000 overdose deaths in 2023. 
  
  • Brand Names: Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Restoril, and Dalmane 
• Cyclobenzaprine: This muscle relaxant is not considered a controlled substance and is designed for short-term use to treat muscle spasms and pain common in cerebral palsy and other spinal diseases. It is recommended not to use Cyclobenzaprine longer than three weeks. 
  
  • Brand Names: Amrix, Fexmid, Flexeril
• Baclofen: This muscle relaxer is commonly used to treat spinal cord illnesses that impact muscle movement, such as multiple sclerosis or ALS. Baclofen can cause problems with long-term use, such as dependency, seizures, and liver disease. 
  
  • Brand Names: Gablofen, Lioresal
• Tizanidine: This short-term muscle relaxer works by temporarily releasing muscle tone. It is effective in treating spastic disorders of the skeletal muscle that cause pain. It is not a scheduled drug, but it does have the potential for abuse.‍
  
  • Brand Names: Zanaflex and Ontralfy

Can You Get Addicted to Muscle Relaxers?

Yes, addiction to muscle relaxers is possible. For some people, muscle relaxers cause a feeling of euphoria or extreme relaxation. 

Abuse can be dangerous, especially when combined with other substances such as alcohol or opiates. Mixing these CNS depressant substances is the #1 cause of muscle-relaxant-related overdose. That is why it is so important to seek treatment for muscle relaxer abuse.

What Are the Signs of Addiction to Muscle Relaxers?

Concerned that you or a loved one is abusing muscle relaxers? Here are some signs to look out for:

• Physical signs: Increased tolerance to the drug, drug cravings, shallow breathing, dilated pupils, lack of steadiness on the feet, depleted muscle tone ‍
• Psychological signs: Euphoria or “high” while using the drug, changes in mood, irritability, excessive sleeping, and mental health issues

Commonly Asked Questions About Taking Muscle Relaxers

What Are the Potential Risks of Taking Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxers are generally considered safe as long as they are taken under the supervision of a doctor and not in combination with anything else. 

Muscle relaxers become dangerous when they are taken for recreational use, and/or with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opiates. 

This can lead to overdose and death as both of these drugs are CNS depressants. Mixing alcohol and opiates can cause the nervous system to fail basic functions like heartbeat or breathing. 

If you have developed a substance dependence on muscle relaxers, there is no shame in seeking help. Reach out to Clear Steps Recovery to learn more about our rehab and sober living services. 

Can You Get Addicted to Muscle Relaxers if You Only Take Them Short-Term? 

Yes, unfortunately, the potential for substance-abuse disorder has more to do with how the drug makes you feel than the length of use. Even short-term use can cause substance-use disorder in individuals with addiction tendencies. 

If you or a family member has a history of substance-use disorder, be sure to tell your doctor before being prescribed any medication. They will try to find non-habit-forming alternatives to lower the risk of drug dependency. 

Why Are Some Muscle Relaxers More Addictive Than Others? 

Why do some people get addicted to muscle relaxers, while others don’t? 

The science is unclear, but it is believed that if a muscle relaxer causes a state of euphoria in a patient, that patient is more likely to develop a substance use disorder. No one knows why some people experience a “high” while taking muscle relaxers, but it is believed to be related to genetic makeup.

If you have a personal or family history of substance use disorder, be sure to tell your doctor so they can suggest non-habit-forming alternatives. 

What Are the Symptoms of Muscle Relaxer Withdrawal?

Symptoms of muscle relaxer withdrawal can include: 

• Increase in muscle spasms
• Increase in muscle pain 
• Dizziness 
• Headache 
• Anxiety and restlessness

If you suspect you or your loved one is suffering from substance-use disorder, consider reaching out to a certified substance-use treatment center. 

Remember, there is no shame in asking for help; prescription drug use disorder is a common problem. Studies show that 12% of Americans struggle with addiction to prescription drugs. Beat the statistics and check out Clear Steps Recovery for a chance at a brighter tomorrow. 

How Long Do Muscle Relaxers Stay in Your System? 

How long any drug stays in your system is dependent on several factors, including metabolism, body fat composition, age, genetics, water intake, overall health, and more. 

Ask your doctor for more information about how long your prescription will stay in your system.

Clear Steps Recovery: Offering an Individualized Pathway To Healing From Drug Addiction

Can you get addicted to muscle relaxers? The short answer is: yes. Like many prescription drugs, muscle relaxers can cause a euphoric state. This can become addictive, especially when combined with other substances. 

It is also dangerous. Muscle relaxers are serious drugs that should only be taken as prescribed by a medical professional. Misuse and mixing with other drugs can lead to overdose and death. 

If you or a loved one feels they are addicted to muscle relaxers, there is hope. Reach out to Clear Steps Recovery for prescription drug treatment today. We specialize in treating all types of substance-use disorders, and we have the medical and emotional support you need to detox from prescription drugs safely. Stop letting substance use rule your life — reach out to Clear Steps Recovery, and create a better tomorrow.