Road to Recovery Blog

Muscle relaxers are commonly prescribed to relieve pain from back injuries, muscle spasms, or tension. And for many people, they provide real, short-term relief. But if you or someone you care about has started to wonder whether muscle relaxers are addictive, that’s an important question to ask.

The truth is, some muscle relaxers do have the potential for misuse and dependence, especially when taken long-term or not as prescribed. At Rockland Treatment Center, we often talk with individuals who never imagined they could become dependent on something prescribed by a doctor. If that’s you, know this: you’re not alone — and there’s a way forward.

How Muscle Relaxers Work

Muscle relaxers are medications that reduce muscle spasms by slowing down nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord. They don’t actually treat the root cause of the pain, but instead help calm the sensation while the body heals.

There are different types of muscle relaxers, but most fall into two categories:

• Centrally acting muscle relaxants (like cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol), which work on the brain and nervous system
• Benzodiazepines (like diazepam), which are typically used for anxiety but sometimes prescribed off-label for muscle relaxation

So, Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive?

Here’s where it gets nuanced. Some muscle relaxers are more addictive than others.

Carisoprodol (Soma)

This is one of the most commonly misused muscle relaxers. It can produce calming, even euphoric effects in high doses, and regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence.

Diazepam (Valium)

As a benzodiazepine, this drug has a well-known risk for addiction. Even when used for muscle pain, it can be habit-forming if not carefully managed.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

This is less likely to be addictive in the traditional sense, but it can still be misused, especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol or opioids.

The answer to whether these drugs are habit-forming really depends on the type of medication, how it’s used, and whether someone is already at risk for substance use issues.

Signs of Dependence or Misuse

It’s not always easy to tell when “use” crosses into “misuse,” especially with medications prescribed by a doctor. Some signs to watch for include:

• Taking more than prescribed or using the medication longer than intended
• Feeling anxious or irritable when the medication isn’t available
• Craving the drug or thinking about it frequently
• Mixing it with other substances to intensify the effects
• Needing more of the drug to feel the same relief (tolerance)

If you recognize any of these patterns, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means your body has adapted to the medication in a way that needs to be addressed safely.

Safe Use: What You Can Do

If you’re using a muscle relaxer and want to make sure you’re staying in the safe zone, here are a few key tips:

• Stick to short-term use. Most muscle relaxers are only meant to be taken for a few days or weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Avoid mixing with alcohol, opioids, or sedatives. This can be especially dangerous and increases the risk of overdose.
• Communicate openly with your doctor. If the medication isn’t helping or you’re feeling off, speak up. There may be other, safer options.

When It Becomes a Problem

If you’re worried that you or someone close to you might be misusing a muscle relaxer, know that support is available. At Rockland Treatment Center, we provide personalized, judgment-free care for individuals dealing with prescription drug dependence, including muscle relaxers.

Whether it’s your first time seeking help or you’ve been through treatment before, our team will work with you to:

• Safely taper off medications under medical supervision
• Address underlying pain, stress, or trauma that may have led to use
• Build new coping tools for lasting recovery

Let’s Talk About What Comes Next

Not everyone who takes a muscle relaxer becomes addicted, but for those who do, it’s not about weakness or willpower. These medications can change how the brain functions, and stepping away from them often takes more than just deciding to quit.

If you’re ready to regain control, Rockland Treatment Center is here. Reach out today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one find freedom from prescription drug dependence.