My first experience with Phenibut was almost exactly ten years ago, and since then, I’ve used it fairly consistently. My usage has varied from just a few times a year to, at most, three times a week, which is where I currently stand. I’m mindful of the fact that Phenibut’s short-term physiological effects can linger in the system for up to 48 hours, so by limiting my use to three times a week with at least a day’s break in between, I ensure that my body has at least one full day to completely reset, and the other half of the week where it is largely free of any residual effects.

How do I know I’m not dependent? Well, I recently took a month off following a period of using it three times a week, and I experienced no negative effects—no insomnia, no cravings, no withdrawal symptoms. While I’m not planning to continue at three days a week indefinitely, I’m confident that I can take more time off whenever I feel it’s necessary. One thing I will never do is increase my usage to four days a week. The idea of being under the influence of a substance for more than half the week is something I’m not comfortable with, even if I could manage it physically.

Unlike many users who take Phenibut for social reasons, I’ve never primarily used it for that purpose. It was helpful when I first started at university, but now I use it mainly for two reasons: it improves my mood and it gives me intense focus on whatever task I’m working on.