Medically Monitored Detox 
Antidepressant Detoxification Options

The initial step on every journey of addiction recovery is admission to a medically assisted detoxification center. Those who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for any period of time almost always undergo some degree of withdrawal upon abrupt cessation of use. More often than not, the symptoms of withdrawal will lead a person back to substance use before the detoxification process is over. This is part of the reason why entering into an inpatient detox program is so important. At Immersion Recovery Center we provide a comprehensive detox program; one that focuses on more than a safe, pain-free drug and alcohol withdrawal. In addition to providing around the clock medical care, we actively prepare our clients for the next appropriate stage of their personal recovery journeys. During antidepressant detox, we conduct an individualized, in-depth evaluation, which helps us determine the length of our clients stay, what kind of medical intervention is necessary, and the next step for each client once they become physically stabilized.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from antidepressant dependence, detox is an important initial step, and we are available to help. At Immersion Recovery Center we effectively treat the physical and psychological symptoms associated with antidepressant withdrawal, making the entire detox process as comfortable as possible from start to finish. We utilize a combination of evidence-based medications, therapeutic practices and holistic treatment methods to provide the most integrated and effective care available. To learn more about our program of antidepressant detox or to learn more about our multi-staged addiction treatment program as a whole, contact us today.

What are Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat depressive disorders and a range of other mental health conditions, including social anxiety disorder, dysthymia and seasonal affective disorder. Someone suffering from depression will experience related symptoms because of a chemical imbalance in their brain; the neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood are somewhat out of whack, making it more difficult for them to naturally feel pleasure, happiness and satisfaction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13.2 percent of American adults were prescribed an antidepressant medication within the past 30 days. Prescription rates are generally higher among women than they are among men. The CDC also reports prescription rates and use increase with age, stating, “The percentage of antidepressant use increased with age, from 7.9 percent among adults aged 18–39 to 14.4 percent for those aged 40–59 to 19 percent for those aged 60 and over. A similar increase in the use of antidepressant medications by age was observed for men and women. Among men, use was lowest among those aged 18–39 (5.5 percent) and highest among those aged 60 and over (12.8 percent). Among women, use rose from 10.3 percent among those aged 18–39 to 24.3 percent among those aged 60 and over.”

When taken exactly as prescribed, antidepressant medications are often effective and safe to use. Because different types of antidepressants affect people differently, finding the most effective medication can be a process of trial and error. If a person takes a medication they do not need or if they consistently take an antidepressant medication at a higher dose than recommended, they are at risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped suddenly. Fortunately, there are professional detox options readily available to make the withdrawal process as safe and comfortable as possible. Contact Immersion Recovery Center to learn more.

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Different Types of Antidepressant Medication

There are several different types of antidepressant medication. These are:

  • SSRIs and SNRIs – This type of antidepressant medication is the most commonly prescribed. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by blocking reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, leading to mood stabilization. Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, two neurotransmitters that play an important role in stabilizing mood. This type of antidepressant is most commonly used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, mood disorders, and some anxiety disorders.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) – Tricyclic antidepressants are most commonly used to treat depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. This type of medication was among the first medications used for the treatment of depression, and it is used far less frequently now — predominantly because of associated side effects. However, TCAs might be effective for those who have had little luck with other antidepressant medications.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – This type of antidepressant medication works by inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase, a brain enzyme that works by breaking down “feel good” chemicals like serotonin. In most cases, an MAOI will only be utilized if a patient has not been receptive to an SSRI or SNRI. This is because this type of antidepressant typically results in more side effects.
  • Noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NASSAs) – This type of medication is more often used for the treatment of anxiety disorders than for the treatment of depression, though it can be effective in treating mild or moderate depressive disorders. Serious side effects can occur, including seizures and allergic reactions.

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Antidepressants & Effectively Treating Depression

The main goal of antidepressant medications is to treat symptoms associated with severe depressive disorders, like lack of motivation, an inability to get out of bed in the morning, or suicidal ideation. Antidepressants are rarely used for the treatment of mild depressive disorders because the side effects often outweigh the benefits. Whether or not antidepressants are effective depends highly on the unique needs of the individual.

Antidepressant drug addiction and antidepressant withdrawal

Some people benefit more from intensive psychotherapy; others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. People who struggle with dual diagnosis disorders, namely depression and substance use, often benefit from attending a multi-staged program of therapeutic recovery like that offered by Immersion Recovery Center. Contact us today to learn more.

Can Antidepressant Drugs Be Addictive?

The vast majority of medical and psychiatric professionals stand firmly by the belief that antidepressant medications cannot be addictive. However, there have been reports of antidepressant misuse, and if a person uses more than the recommended dose or stops the use of antidepressant medication suddenly, they are certainly at risk of withdrawal.

It is important to understand that antidepressant withdrawal can happen to anyone who is prescribed the medication, and if you experience withdrawal symptoms it in no way indicates the presence of a substance use disorder. In most cases, a person will need to taper off of an antidepressant medication slowly over the course of several weeks to avoid health-related complications. If you or someone you love has been using an antidepressant medication and has been simultaneously struggling with an underlying substance use disorder, medical detox always comes as a recommended first step on the road to recovery.

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Antidepressant Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

There are both physical and psychological symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal, though the psychological symptoms are typically more severe.

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The Physical Symptoms of Antidepressant Withdrawal

The most common physical symptoms of antidepressant detox include:

  • Tiredness and fatigue.
  • Flu-like symptoms, which might include low-grade fever, aches and pains and chills or night sweats.
  • Nausea and stomach upset.
  • Persistent headaches.

The Psychological Symptoms of Antidepressant Withdrawal

The most common psychological symptoms of antidepressant detox include:

  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks.
  • Depressed mood (which might be the symptoms of an underlying depressive disorder reemerging).
  • Insomnia and nightmares.
  • Mood swings, typically marked by irritability and agitation.

Antidepressant Withdrawal Timeline

How long does antidepressant detox last? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including:

  • Which type of antidepressant medication was being used.
  • The length of time the individual was taking the antidepressant.
  • Whether or not the person tapers off of the medication under the close care of a medical professional.
  • How severe the underlying depressive disorder is.
  • Whether or not the individual was simultaneously using any other chemical substances.
  • Whether or not the individual has any pre-existing health conditions.

As is the case with any other chemical substance, the duration of antidepressant detox can be significantly minimized if a person enters into an inpatient detox program. To learn more about the medical detox program provided by Immersion Recovery Center, reach out to us today.

Is Antidepressant Detox Always Necessary?

Even though the physical symptoms associated with antidepressant withdrawal are rarely severe, the psychological symptoms should be closely monitored in order to prevent complications. There are numerous benefits which go hand-in-hand with inpatient detox, including:

  • Clients have access to professional, around the clock medical care.
  • Clients are able to relax in comfortable, private bedrooms.
  • In addition to medical care, clients can take advantage of professional therapeutic care by way of individual, group and family therapy sessions.
  • Clients have 24/7 access to a fully stocked kitchen and daily, chef-prepared meals, including highly nutritious foods geared towards physical healing.
  • Clients work directly with a case manager who helps them develop a personalized aftercare plan, including an immediate transition into the next appropriate level of care.
  • If a potentially dangerous symptom develops, clients have access to medication assisted treatment options.
  • Clients are able to find effective alternatives to any antidepressant medications they might have been prescribed.

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Treatment Options for Antidepressant Withdrawal

The best treatment option for antidepressant withdrawal is tapering. Tapering refers to slowly reducing the dose of a medication over time, preventing the central nervous system from going into withdrawal and from the more severe and dangerous symptoms from developing.

Medications Used for Antidepressant Withdrawal

In some cases, another antidepressant medication might be utilized to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms. If you are making the switch from one antidepressant medication to another, your prescribing physician might introduce a small dose of the new antidepressant before you have fully weaned off of the other medication. If you are completely withdrawing from antidepressant medications as a whole and you have a personal history of mental illness or pre-existing health concerns, your doctor or detox team will develop a plan of action that meets all of your individualized clinical needs.

Long-Term Antidepressants Addiction Recovery

At Immersion Recovery Center we break our medical detox program down into three distinct stages: evaluation, stabilization and preparation. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes a detailed and in-depth addiction assessment, or evaluation. We ask a series of pertinent questions, including:

  • What type of substance/substances were being used, and for how long?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for an underlying mental or physical condition, such as a mental illness or chronic health concern?
  • Have you undergone treatment for a substance use disorder in the past?
  • How much of the antidepressant medication were you using on a daily basis/what dosage were you taking?

The questions we ask during the initial assessment help our clinical and medical team determine which detox methods are the most appropriate for each unique case. Next, we focus our attention on physical stabilization. Clients are able to relax in their private or semi-private bedrooms, and they have the opportunity to participate in group workshops and behavioral therapy sessions if they are feeling up to doing so. The physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal are treated as soon as they develop, seeing as our team of licensed medical professionals are available 24-hours a day. Our main priority is making the detox process as comfortable as possible. Once physical stabilization has been achieved, clients make a smooth transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care. In most cases, this means transitioning into a residential inpatient treatment center. At Immersion Recovery Center we offer a multi-staged program of recovery, which includes:

Long-term drug addiction recovery is always possible. With an individualized and effective treatment program in place, even the most severe cases of antidepressant dependence can be overcome. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

Immersion Recovery Center provides a licensed, individualized and integrated detox program to people of all ages who have been struggling with addictive disorders of all types and severities. We offer a step-down curriculum of clinical care, designed to help our clients make a smooth and seamless transition from medical detox into the next level of care and eventually back into independent living. We understand how difficult it might seem to choose the best drug and alcohol detox in Florida for your unique personal needs. Fortunately, we are available to help make the decision easier. The moment you contact us, either directly through our website or over the phone, you are put in touch with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors. They ask a short series of questions, ultimately helping you determine which level of care is the most appropriate for your unique case. If we believe our program is a good fit we conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and facilitate local travel to our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center. Contact us today to begin.

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