Antidepressant Addiction Treatment in New York

A recent study from the University of Auckland indicated that about one fourth of the antidepressant users indicated some level of dependence on or addiction to their prescribed antidepressants. More than half of respondents in the survey reported some withdrawal effects when discontinuing antidepressants.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of addiction to antidepressants, finding the right help right away can reduce the impact of these addictive behaviors on other aspects of life. At Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery, we offer proven methods for addressing addiction and for beginning the healing process in a positive and practical way. If you are dealing with addiction to antidepressants in New York, we can help by treating both the addictive patterns and the underlying mood disorder to ensure the best outcomes for you or your loved one.

Understanding Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms in those affected:

A feeling of hopelessness, sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in activities previously found pleasurable
Changes in appetite that lead to weight loss or weight gain
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Low energy levels
Frequent insomnia, sleep disturbances or sleeping for longer than normal
Difficulty in concentrating or remembering important information
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

While occasional sadness or upset is a normal part of life, depression is diagnosed when these symptoms begin to affect everyday activities and persist for more than two weeks in a row. Depression can usually be managed with medication and other treatment options.

Prevalence of depression

The World Health Organization estimates that about five percent of all adults worldwide suffer from depression. Women are more likely to experience depression than men. About one in 10 women will experience some form of depression after giving birth. Younger adults and elderly people may be at higher risk of depression compared with the general adult population.

Impact of depression

If not treated effectively, depression can have a negative impact on many areas of the patient’s life, including relationships, work activities, physical health and progress in school:

Relationships can suffer because of the debilitating effects of depression. Family members, friends and loved ones may feel pushed aside or ignored by patients who are experiencing severe depression.
Work tasks and productivity also typically suffer during periods of severe depression.
Physical health effects of depression include a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. While the mechanism that causes these risks is not well understood, higher levels of inflammation and increases in stress hormones are commonly seen in patients with moderate to severe depression.
Schoolwork and extracurricular activities may not feel like priorities to patients who are experiencing depression.

For most patients, antidepressants and other treatment options can provide added help in managing these mood disorders. A variety of antidepressants are available for patients that can address chemical issues in the brain that could contribute to depressive episodes.

Types of Antidepressant Medications

Your physician or therapist may recommend antidepressant medications to treat the symptoms of depression. Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants include the following:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the concentration of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter found in the nerve cells of the brain. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of depression. By preventing nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, SSRIs can boost serotonin levels to treat depression effectively.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work in much the same way as SSRIs. They also limit the reuptake of norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter, which increases the concentration of serotonin and norepinephrine to reduce symptoms of depression.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) go one step beyond both SSRIs and SNRIs by increasing concentrations of norepinephrine and serotonin while blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from building up in the nerve cells of the brain.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were the first antidepressant medications developed. They prevent the reuptake and breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Atypical antidepressants include medications like trazodone, mirtazapine, bupropion and vortioxetine. These medications may be effective for patients who do not respond well to other antidepressant options.

Depression can be difficult to overcome. At Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery, we can help you through every stage of the recovery process in the New York area.

The Process of Antidepressant Addiction Treatment

The first step in the recovery process is to admit that you need help. If you or a loved one may be addicted or psychologically dependent on antidepressants, discussing your concerns with a qualified therapist or healthcare provider is the best way to resolve these issues and to protect yourself and your loved ones from the negative effects of addiction to antidepressants in New York.

1. Diagnosis and assessment

Most patients who are addicted to antidepressants exhibit a few key behaviors, which may include the following:

Psychological craving for or dependence on the antidepressant
Compulsive use of antidepressants, especially in higher-than-recommended doses
Lack of control when using antidepressants
Doctor shopping, which is the act of obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors to increase the accessibility of the antidepressants
A tolerance for the drug that requires higher doses to achieve the same effect
Severe or sudden mood swings

Some of the most common symptoms of antidepressant addiction are associated with withdrawal. These symptoms may include the following:

Anxiety and irritability
Sleep disorders, including insomnia and overly vivid dreams
Headache, dizziness and fatigue
Muscle aches and chills
Nausea
A recurrence of depression symptoms

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms of withdrawal, working with a care team at a trusted addiction treatment center is typically the best course of action to resolve these problems quickly and effectively.

2. Choosing the right medication

Your care provider may ask many questions about your medical history, your symptoms and any reported side effects of the antidepressants you use. Genetic testing may also be helpful in determining your overall risk for addiction and in identifying the appropriate course of action or medication to help you manage addiction to antidepressants.

3. Starting treatment

Once you have chosen an addiction treatment program, you will typically spend at least part of each week working with a therapist to address the underlying issues that contributed to your antidepressant addiction and your depression. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your ability to take time away from work, school or family, you may need an inpatient or outpatient addiction program to resolve your issues most efficiently.

4. Managing side effects

Working with a trusted addiction treatment team can allow you to manage side effects of treatment and withdrawal much more effectively. At Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery, we specialize in providing you with personalized care that suits your needs and addresses your issues in the most effective and positive way.

Finding the Right Program for Antidepressant Addiction

Choosing the right program for treating antidepressant addiction can be challenging. Consider your needs and the type of environment in which you feel most comfortable before making a decision about treatment for depression or for antidepressant addiction.

Types of providers

While hybrid programs are available, these four options are the most common types of depression and addiction treatment programs in New York:

Inpatient treatment requires patients to stay in the facility for most or all of the duration of treatment.
Outpatient treatment allows patients to come to the treatment facility for appointments and therapy and then to leave at the conclusion of their treatment session.
Residential treatment allows patients to remain in the therapeutic environment without the strict requirements involved in traditional inpatient treatment.
Partial hospitalization may be required for patients who require detox services due to substance abuse issues.

Selecting a provider

Choosing a provider for your antidepressant addiction issues requires a little research on your part. At Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery, we offer personalized treatment plans that are tailored to suit your needs. This

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Other treatment options can sometimes have good results if monitored and managed by a qualified healthcare provider:

Therapy and counseling can help to uncover the underlying causes of depression for some patients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the most commonly used therapeutic strategies for depression. Your therapist may recommend interpersonal therapy, group therapy or psychodynamic therapy to treat depression most effectively.
Lifestyle modifications may have a surprisingly significant effect on the symptoms of depression. These may include adopting a regular sleep schedule, choosing a healthier diet and engaging in exercise on a regular basis. Mindfulness exercises can also provide a framework for managing depression more effectively.
Alternative therapies may have some impact on patients with depression. It is important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider before beginning herbal supplements, acupuncture and other alternative medicine remedies.

Support Systems and Resources

You can also reach out to a variety of support groups and other resources when dealing with depression or addiction on your own behalf or for your loved ones:

Support groups and community resources can provide help for patients struggling with depression or antidepressant addiction. You may also be able to find groups online with whom you can share your experiences.
Family and friends are another great source of help and support during addiction recovery.
Emergency resources for mental health in the state of New York include the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Text Line and the New York City 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also dial 988 at any time to reach a crisis counselor.

Managing Addiction to Antidepressants

Dealing with depression can be a challenging process. Some of the most important things to keep in mind include the following:

Understanding depression: its causes and symptoms
How depression impacts you and others
Types of antidepressant medications
How antidepressant addiction treatment works
Finding the right addiction treatment program for you
Taking advantage of available support systems and resources

If you are suffering from depression or have developed a dependency on antidepressants, seeking professional help right away can prevent serious issues with your physical and emotional health. The friendly and caring professionals at Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery can provide you with services and solutions that are tailored specifically to meet your needs.

If you are currently experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis and need help from our team, call Mid Hudson Addiction Recovery today to touch base with our team. We are always here to help when you need us most.