Natural Baclofen

[lukalee]

I should probably post in the other section, but I figured I would post here because there are a lot of BAC experts. My plan quit date is June 1st, and I need to complete my plan. I wasn't really considering meds until today, but I figured I need all the help I can get. I was just about to order BAC, but considering I don't do well with most meds, I thought that I would do some more research on natural remedies. I know that there is a lot out there for GABA-A, but what about something similar to BAC and GABA-B? Any words of wisdom would be appreciated!

[SoFlo1]

Natural Baclofen

Wikipedia shows the following list for GABA-B agonists like Bac:

Agonists
GABA
- Baclofen is a GABA analogue which acts as a selective agonist of GABAB receptors, and is used as a muscle relaxant. However, it can aggravate absence seizures, and so is not used in epilepsy.
- gamma-Hydroxybutyrate
- Phenibut
- 3-Aminopropylphosphinic acid
- CGP-35024: 3-Aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinic acid, CAS# 127729-35-5, 10x more potent than baclofen as GABAB agonist, but also GABAC antagonist
- CGP-44532

Source

None of them look "natural" if that's what you're looking for. Seems to me that these are pretty unique substances, there are platy that act on GABA-A, looks like only and handful the work on the receptor that seems to have the best outcomes for compulsive behavior, cocaine and alcohol.

Personally, I can't wait for my Bac to come in - ordered three weeks ago in anticipation of my quit and have white knuckling since then. L-glut, other sups, exercise and staying busy are what I have for now.

[beatle]

Natural Baclofen

What is "natural" and what is not?

Baclofen is an agonist (it mimics) of a natural substance that all mammals produce. It is a medication (or "drug") because it is synthesized and does not come directly from natural sources. Most supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc.) are also synthetic versions of what is found in nature.

[beatle]

Natural Baclofen

As I understand it, Baclofen mimics a natural substance that all mammals produce. It is a medication (or "drug") because it is synthesized and does not come directly from natural sources. Most supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc.) are also synthetic versions of what is found in nature.

Also note that baclofen is not addictive and mammals do not develop a tolerance to it.

[kslc2001]

Natural Baclofen

Hi there

Fairly new at this, but have been taking a lot of supplements that include one called GABA Calm. I seem to be doing really well with cutting down the booze and the cravings GABA is a neurotransmitter that is inhibitory, thus a calming effect and that (I think) is what Baclofen is mimicking

Try it, hope it works for you

[lukalee]

Natural Baclofen

Thanks all,
I know that all are synthetic because they are not being naturally produced in the body, but I know my body and its tolerance for most of the synthetics I put into it (I once broke out into a horrible rash from taking a Niacin). I am not opposed to BAC, but I know that with previous experiences, I would have to titrate up very slowly and it could potentially take months to hit the "switch". If all else fails and I can't have an AF June, I will be buying the Baclofen for a start in July. But, my plan is not to have to do that.
I have taken GABA in the past and did fairly well on it. Why I stopped? Who knows? But, I wonder if it would have the same type of affect at larger doses (like BAC). I did read on a site where someone was successful on it, and he or she was taking 3000 mg a day. There is also GABA tea. I have a few days to continue my research.

[Otter]

Natural Baclofen

Natural treatments for alcoholism at www.healthrecovery.com

lukalee;870597 wrote: Thanks all,
I know that all are synthetic because they are not being naturally produced in the body, but I know my body and its tolerance for most of the synthetics I put into it (I once broke out into a horrible rash from taking a Niacin). I am not opposed to BAC, but I know that with previous experiences, I would have to titrate up very slowly and it could potentially take months to hit the "switch". If all else fails and I can't have an AF June, I will be buying the Baclofen for a start in July. But, my plan is not to have to do that.
I have taken GABA in the past and did fairly well on it. Why I stopped? Who knows? But, I wonder if it would have the same type of affect at larger doses (like BAC). I did read on a site where someone was successful on it, and he or she was taking 3000 mg a day. There is also GABA tea. I have a few days to continue my research.

Hi lukalee

A few years ago I came across a book called "Seven Weeks to Sobriety" by Joan Larson. You can find information about it on a web site at Alcoholism Treatment Program, All Natural Health Supplements, Anxiety Cures It is a very good read and the treatment is entirely natural. The whole philosophy is based on causing no harm to the body and restoring health naturally. It is supposed to have a 75% success rate. We found it very helpful but it is hard to keep up the regime as it involves taking a huge number of pills. It is also very expensive and they recommend using only their products as store bought products are not so easily absorbed by the body. They use GABA and non-flush B3. Vitamin C in large doses is used to counter the effects of alcohol during detox. The problem I had with it apart from the cost is that it does not give advice about long term maintenance but otherwise it was well worth the effort. There were a lot of other benefits from taking that amount of vitamins and minerals such as good skin, nails etc. We still use vitamin therapy in addition to Baclofen.

[lukalee]

Natural Baclofen

Otter,
I don't know if you could consider it irony or not, but when I first came to this site, I followed the seven weeks to sobriety to a T and easily did 30 days, and then I let it fall away. Like you stated, following it was difficult and expensive. The cost is easily justified (the cost of booze correlates), but having to take a vast amount of vitamins every couple of hours is hard to hide, especially when they give you side effects. I can handle side effects , but when I am around others who have to deal with them...not so much. My goal is to figure out what works (or consolidate what did work) for me and build on it. At this point, I am going to go shopping tomorrow. So far my list consists of high quality B-6, 5HTP,GABA, mass Vitamin C, and I already have enough L-Glut to make it through the first week or two. But, from what I have read, combining B-6 and GABA (mass amounts) will give a greater chance for my own success with a minimal amount of SE. Only time will tell.

[Sunnyvalenting]

Natural Baclofen

I am on baclofen for almost 5 months with excellent results. I know of 4 others on it doing well also
good luck

[lukalee]

Natural Baclofen

I mean this with all respect....really, I do; I am glad to hear/read all aspects of everyone's recovery, and I am willing and able to learn anything I can on the subject......With no judgment from me, and I mean zero ( I am in no place to judge anyone), why would you be here posting for the first time after excellent results
on baclofen?

[Otter]

Natural Baclofen

Hi Lukalee

Good luck with Seven Days. I would recommend it to anyone even if they are taking Baclofen. There are a lot of bodily systems that are messed up by alcohol and need help to recover. My wife wound up looking younger that her younger sister.

[Greg]

Natural Baclofen

Dr Ameisen says that GHB is a natural substance in the brain, and he thinks that baclofen can make up for a deficiency of GHB in some peoples' brains. He writes that both baclofen and GHB can reduce cravings in alcoholics whereas other sedatives like benzodiazepines don't reduce these cravings.

GHB has been used therapeutically in Italy for alcohol dependence and it is marketed as Xyrem in the US for narcolepsy (a sleeping disorder), aswell as being a street drug of course. Both baclofen and GHB act as GABA-B agonists.

Edit: I have seen references to what some people call a 'GHB receptor' in the brain. Dr Ameisen notes that GHB can cause dependence, whereas baclofen hadn't been reported as causing dependence, even though both are GABA-B agonists. Anyone reading this would be better off sticking with baclofen if it works for them, rather than trying GHB, even though it is a natural substance! Most people trying GHB probably rely on illegal sources, which can be a major cause of problems with the drug.

[Guest]

Natural Baclofen

I used GHB as a recreational drug for a short time before it became classified in this country. I used it as a party drug and was drinking a lot at the time, as well as a sleeping agent for shift work. Trouble was because I was always looking for an escape I would often use it til I passed out and did start to look forward to it in the same way as I did AL. I stopped using it when it went underground and indeed most if not all dealers would not touch it with a bargepole.

Gaba and L-Glut I used 10 years when training hard for a competition. During this time I was limiting my AL intake as part of a strict diet so cannot comment on it properly. Although I did give myself 1 week off dieting during which I went out every night and got plastered several times and when the competition was finished I did the same and in fact went right off the scale even though I did continue with the supps for part of this time. Also tried GABA at various points in recent years to assist with my AF free attempts but my drive to continue drinking was simply too much.

Just my experiences I thought I might share.

[beatle]

Natural Baclofen

I've said this over and over all over the boards here:

"Seven Weeks to Sobriety" is a bible for me in terms of explaining what the body of an alcoholic needs, why, and how it works. I recommend this book and program to every alcoholic who truly wants to understand their physiology and nutritional needs. It didn't help me stay sober, however, although I followed it exactly (for seven weeks). But the knowledge and understanding I gained through it was, and continues to be, an indispensable part of my recovery. Medication and the Seven Weeks approach are by no means mutually exclusive.

[tm1210]

Natural Baclofen

I know a few people who use GHB and just don't get the urge to drink. Saying that they never really had a problem with alcohol. Very addictive if you let it get out of control though. Have dabbled with the thought of making some a few times but know I'd like it too much.