News|Articles|March 13, 2026

Data Show Significantly Higher Gabapentin Use in SUD Treatment Settings

Author(s)Gillian McGovern, Editor, Matthew S. Ellis, PhD, MPE

Although the rates of gabapentin use without a prescription were nearly double those of prescribed use, the trends are decreasing over time.

Gabapentin prescribing has increased in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment settings despite a lack of strong evidence for its utility, according to authors of research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Although rates of gabapentin use outside a prescription were nearly double those for prescribed use, this appears to be decreasing over time.¹