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"Gym Drug" could be addictive
LV Health Magazine
November 2004
ATHLETES AND WEIGHTLIFTERS may be at risk for developing severe drug addiction to the prescription drug Nubain. Dr. Michael Levy, founder and medical director of the Center for Addiction Medicine, says more people who spend considerable time at the gym use the drug for training purposes, only to form sever psychological or physical dependence.
"Nalbuphine hydrochloride, commonly marketed as the brand name Nubain, is and injectable synthetic analgesic available by prescription," Levy says. "We’re seeing more and more weightlifters and bodybuilders with an addiction to the drug, and most of them don’t realize the dangers when they take it."
Once a controlled substance, Nubain was removed from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedule of controlled substances in the 1970’s, arguing it had self-inhibiting and non-toxic characteristics and was therefore less attractive to addicts.
However, law enforcement authorities have begun to investigate physicians who prescribe Nubain for other than legitimate medical purposes. According to Levy, some bodybuilders see Nubain, or "Bain," as a way to alleviate the pain associated with heavy training and provides a mellowing effect.
"Bodybuilders use the drug because it masks pain and injury, allowing them to lift more weight and train longer," Levy says. "Unfortunately, a user’s tolerance for Nubain increases with use. Dosages must increase and be injected more frequently."
As injections become part of a routine, users develop a psychological dependence in which they cannot perform without Nubain. As part of the opiate family and closely related to drugs like heroine and morphine, the drug can also be physically addictive. Levy says treatments for Nubain addictions may include therapies used for other opioid addiction and may include detoxification.
"Some high profile bodybuilders have come forward with their addiction to Nubain, and shed some light on the seriousness of the issue," Levy says. "However, many athletes who use this drug don’t realize the dangers of chemical dependence, and may not realize they need help."
Established in 1995, the Center for Addiction Medicine is the only private medical practice in Southern Nevada specializing in addiction medicine. The center, located at 6000 W. Rochelle Ave., Suite 800, in Las Vegas, offers a full range of medical and therapeutic services to patients in the Las Vegas Valley.