According to the American Addiction Centers, which cites phenibut overdoses as far back as 2013, phenibut has a sedative effect. It calms users down. But because tolerance builds up quickly, users must increase their dose to continue to get that feeling of calm. However, high doses of phenibut can also lead to intoxication.
A 2019 study published by Cureus, pointed to several cases of people using phenibut with other substances such as drugs and alcohol.
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.
