Antidepressants

Antidepressant Abuse Statistics

Antidepressants are thought to be non-addictive and non-habit-forming, but continuous usage might lead to dependency. Antidepressants are easy to obtain because they are commonly prescribed. When attempting to abuse an antidepressant, people will either break open capsules and inhale the medicine or take a considerably larger amount.

Some people misuse them by taking them in ways not prescribed by a doctor, such as taking too much or using them without a prescription. This is known as antidepressant abuse. In 2021, studies show that a growing number of people are misusing antidepressants. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 5.2 million people in the United States misused prescription stimulants, which includes antidepressants, in the past year. This is a concerning trend as antidepressant abuse can lead to serious health problems and even addiction.

The individual abusing the drug is attempting to achieve an intense euphoric reaction to a drug which is also known as a "high." Most antidepressants are not prescribed to adolescents because they frequently cause unpleasant reactions. Deeper depression and suicidal thoughts are the most common adverse effects among adolescents. Abusing an antidepressant can cause memory issues, erectile dysfunction, tremors, frequent urination, an increased risk of suicide, vivid dreams, and heart arrhythmia. Effexor, Cymbalta, Zoloft and Prozac, and Wellbutrin are some common antidepressant brand names.

Causes of Antidepressant Abuse

Even though antidepressants come under non-addictive, continuous usage, such as inhaling the drug, can result in dependency. "Self-medicating" or disregarding dosage instructions frequently occurs when a person believes that their antidepressant is not alleviating all of their depression issues or when they experience a triggering event in their lives, such as a death in the family which causes them to increase their drug intake levels.
Antidepressants can help lift a depressed person's spirits. People will attempt to abuse the substance in order to boost their mood even further. When this does not work, people will often continue using antidepressants and other illicit drugs, often times resulting in multiple addictions.

Antidepressant Abuse Signs and Symptoms

An antidepressant addict will exhibit signs and symptoms of addiction. These warning indicators will manifest themselves both psychologically and physically. Despite the fact that antidepressants do not make the person addicted, abuse causes unwanted withdrawal symptoms. When someone misuses antidepressants, they may exhibit signs and symptoms that indicate a problem. Some common signs of antidepressant abuse include taking more medication than prescribed, using someone else's medication, or using antidepressants without a prescription.

Other signs may include changes in behavior, the development of additional addictions and disorders, mood swings, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleep, or a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Physical symptoms can also occur, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or tremors. In more severe cases, an overdose can occur, leading to seizures, hallucinations, or even a coma. If you or someone you know exhibits these signs or symptoms, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional to prevent further harm.

Effects of Antidepressant Abuse

Although antidepressants do not make one addictive, a reliance can develop via continuous usage. Antidepressant addiction has several severe negative effects that come from sudden discontinuation. Addiction can have a negative impact on the user's physical health, psychological stability, and personal life. Antidepressant abuse can have negative effects on a person's physical and mental health. Misusing antidepressants can lead to a variety of health problems, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

It can also cause changes in appetite and weight, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleep, and increased anxiety or depression. In addition, long-term misuse of antidepressants can lead to drug addiction, which can be challenging to overcome. Overdose is also a risk, which can cause seizures, hallucinations, and even death. Misusing antidepressants can also have social consequences, such as strained relationships with family and friends and poor performance at school or work. If you or someone you know is misusing antidepressants, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional to prevent further harm.

Treatment for Antidepressant Abuse

Antidepressants are regarded to be non-addictive since the user does not need to keep increasing the dose to achieve the same effect, and the user does not experience cravings when the medication is discontinued. While attempting to discontinue antidepressant medication, a person may experience a variety of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms include memory issues, tremors, muddled thinking, urination, vivid dreams, panic attack, depression, sexual dysfunction, nausea, suicidal ideation, and heart arrhythmia.

Despite the fact that antidepressants are not addictive or habit-forming, an antidepressant addiction can develop with persistent misuse. You should undergo inpatient treatment for antidepressant addiction, outpatient treatment, intense therapy, and the support that leading rehab institutions provide. But, the first step in treating antidepressant addiction is to seek professional help from a healthcare provider. They can help develop a personalized treatment plan based on the individual's needs.

Treatment may include inpatient treatment, behavioral therapy, medication management, outpatient treatment, and support from friends and family. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals to identify and address the underlying issues that led to their addiction. Medications may be prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms or to address any underlying mental health conditions.

Support from friends and family is also critical in the recovery process. They can provide emotional support, encouragement, and help with day-to-day tasks. In severe cases, a medically supervised detox program may be necessary. It is important to remember that recovery is a process and may take time, but with proper treatment and support, it is possible to overcome antidepressant addiction and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.