A prescription for addictive antidepressants is often the result of a diagnosis of depression. The medication is taken over an extended amount of time, and it can take weeks before patients begin to feel the full effect of the changes that antidepressants can produce. This may lead to abusing antidepressants, and in some cases, the result is a type of antidepressant addiction.

If you are concerned about a loved one and dependence on antidepressants, Better Addiction Care can help. We’ve worked with families that are seeking treatments for addiction to antidepressants. Whether you want to find a facility near you that is accepting new patients or are interested in some of the antidepressant detox centers within our nationwide recovery network, we’re here to work with you. We even strive to find cost-effective options at treatment centers that accept private insurance. 

 

Diving Into Antidepressants Addiction

When it comes to antidepressants, addiction is slightly different than with other prescription drugs. Some people find that they are dependent on the medication to function and become worried about this fact, thinking that they have an antidepressant addiction. This can be exacerbated by the fact that if you suddenly stop taking an antidepressant, withdrawal symptoms are possible. 

Generally, most people don’t build up a tolerance to antidepressant medications or get cravings for them, which are other signs of addiction. However, there is no doubt that people who abuse antidepressants by taking them improperly do have a serious problem that requires professional help. This includes patients who are exceeding the recommended dosage prescribed by a physician, as well as patients who are attempting to snort or inject the drug into the system to get a more intense result.

For people on antidepressants, addiction to other substances is a real danger, as inadequate treatment of their mental illness can lead people to substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis addiction counseling works to bring out the concerns surrounding the dependence while providing other methods for managing moods. Alternative rehab programs have been shown to be highly successful when patients commit to making a change.

 

How to Detox From Antidepressants

Like other types of medication, it is important that treatment for someone concerned about addiction to antidepressants be medically supervised by a highly trained staff. Under professional care, doses of the drug can be gradually reduced over a period of time to help the body adjust to being without the medication. This can help reduce any withdrawal symptoms and give patients time to find other means of dealing with their mental illness.

It can be scary to walk away from an antidepressant, especially if a loved one has become dependent on the medication. Customized antidepressant addiction treatment in a safe and comfortable environment can help put a patient’s mind at ease and make the transition a little easier. Luckily, our team is ready to help make the process smoother with our recovery resources. Getting on the path to a healthier and happier life is at your fingertips. 

 

Getting on the Road to a Better Life 

If you or a loved one are looking to turn their life around by finally kicking their antidepressant addiction, then the team at Better Addiction Care would love to be of help. Get in touch with our experts today and ask any questions you may have about addiction or its treatment. If you are interested in reading our team’s insights into substance abuse, be sure to take a look at some of our articles on the subject. It’s your life. Live it how you’ve always wanted to.

Sources

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3. Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2011). Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: A Common but Under-Recognized Clinical Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72(9), 1224-1228.
4. Cosci, F., & Fava, G. A. (2019). Stopping Antidepressant Treatment in Major Depression: Clinical Evidence and Recommendations. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 88(5), 263-272.
5. Goldberg, D. (2014). Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Recognition, Prevention and Management. CNS Drugs, 28(6), 513-520.
6. Fava, G. A., Gatti, A., Belaise, C., Guidi, J., Offidani, E., & Withdrawal Study Group. (2015). Withdrawal Symptoms after Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation: A Systematic Review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 84(2), 72-81.
7. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
8. Pae, C. U., Forbes, A., & Patkar, A. A. (2009). Aripiprazole as an Adjunct to Antidepressant Treatment: A Review of Clinical Trials. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(7), 1111-1122.
9. Rojas, L., & Gagnon, M. (2018). Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Prevention and Management. Canadian Family Physician, 64(11), 832-837.
10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/antidepressant-use-children-adolescents-and-adults