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The study discusses the possibility of increased substance abuse being used to ease the negative effects of increased phenibut tolerance. This means that it’s possible people are using drugs and alcohol to help them cope with tolerance buildup from long-term phenibut use.

This is echoed by the American Addiction Centers, who warn on their site, “It’s also possible the effects of alcohol, narcotic drugs, and tranquilizers can be enhanced; the combination increases the risk of an overdose on these substances.”

Cole, who was previously arrested in 2018 and booked on drug charges, could be vulnerable to the addictive qualities of phenibut in the Sleepwalker shots he is accused of stealing.

It’s possible Cole, among others, is a victim of an addictive substance sold as an energy shot and a dietary supplement. The product doesn’t contain any warning about the possibility of addiction to phenibut or risks associated with substance abuse.

Who is responsible?

Companies have recently been held accountable for selling addictive products. Purdue Pharma LP, maker of OxyContin, for example, has been negotiating settlements to address lawsuits for its part in fueling the opioid crisis. Reuters reports an estimated $10 billion dollars is on the table.

If Big Pharma can be sued for fueling the opioid crisis, then companies like Red Dawn and its distributors may be held accountable for selling energy drinks to the public that have substances such as phenibut in them.

Red Dawn included phenibut in their energy shots in violation of FDA guidelines governing supplements. They also failed to adequately warn their consumers of the risk of addiction linked with phenibut.

This is part of a larger issue of businesses profiting off the vulnerability of their customers. With Big Pharma under fire, will the supplement industry be facing litigation next? It could be argued that consumers like Cole are in need of rehabilitation services rather than jail. Like Purdue, Red Dawn, could be held liable for selling unwitting customers products that have phenibut in them.

The American Addiction Centers recommend seeking medical help with phenibut weening, or if you’re experiencing withdrawals. Phenibut withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Low appetite
• Agitation
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Cognitive difficulties
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting