Antidepressants Addiction Treatment (Rehab and Detox)

Last Updated:

May 2nd, 2024

At Sanctuary Lodge, we understand that living with antidepressant addiction can feel like an unending battle. The condition can cause enormous harm to every aspect of your life, often intensifying the very problems the medication was supposed to help with. However, professional antidepressant addiction treatment can be a life-changing process. Sanctuary Lodge’s antidepressant rehab programmes are meticulously designed to help you overcome dependency, offering a three-phase treatment journey that addresses the causes, consequences and symptoms. This holistic approach lays the foundations for lasting sobriety and the chance at a whole new life.

Initial stage: Antidepressants detox

As with all forms of prescription drug addiction, chronic use or misuse of antidepressants disrupts the natural balance of the brain, leading to a strong physical dependence. Medical antidepressant detox is meticulously designed to break this physical dependence at a biological level. It involves carefully tapering off the drug under medical supervision, allowing the body to adjust and heal gradually. This process is essential in mitigating withdrawal symptoms and preparing you for the subsequent phases of treatment, setting the foundation for a comprehensive recovery journey.

Antidepressants withdrawal symptoms

During the withdrawal phase, you may encounter a spectrum of symptoms, the intensity and nature of which can vary significantly from one person to another. This diversity in experiences is influenced by factors such as the duration of your antidepressant use, dosage, and your individual health condition.

Potential antidepressants withdrawal symptoms include:

Mood swings and irritability
Anxiety and panic attacks
Insomnia or sleep disturbances
Flu-like symptoms including headaches, nausea and body aches
Dizziness and balance problems
Sensory disturbances, such as electric shock sensations
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Fatigue and lethargy
Concentration and memory issues

Understanding these antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and discussing them with your healthcare providers is an important part of preparation. It will prevent there from being any surprises when you begin antidepressant detox and minimise stress and discomfort.

How long does it take to detox from antidepressants?

The timeline for antidepressant withdrawal is as unique as the individual experiencing it, again influenced by various factors such as the specific medication, duration of use and your health. Generally, withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few days of discontinuing the medication and may last from a few weeks to several months.

The initial days may present acute antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, gradually subsiding over time. However, some individuals may experience a protracted withdrawal phase, with symptoms persisting at a milder level for an extended period. Professional support during this time is invaluable as it can provide medical supervision and strategies to manage both short- and long-term symptoms effectively.

Antidepressants detox at Sanctuary Lodge

Detoxing from antidepressants at home can be extremely dangerous as there is a greater chance of relapse and no on-hand medical assistance to address withdrawal complications. Sanctuary Lodge offers a comprehensive prescription drug detox designed to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible and give you the best possible foundations for your ongoing treatment journey.

Some of the key features of our antidepressant detox programme include:

Inpatient detox treatment

Staying as a resident at our inpatient detox centre ensures a secure and supportive environment where our medical team will be able to manage your antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and keep you comfortable and safe. It also means you will be away from daily stresses and potential triggers which could lead to your relapsing.

Medical evaluation and individual detox plan

Each individual’s detox needs are different, so upon arrival, you will be assessed to create a tailored antidepressant detox plan. This will ensure the safest and most effective path to recovery.

Medication to help with withdrawal symptoms

In some cases, appropriate medication may be administered to alleviate discomfort during antidepressant withdrawal. This can make the time pass easier and help you focus on your recovery goals and intentions.

Stage two: Antidepressants rehab

Antidepressants rehab is a transformative phase that extends beyond the physical detox, diving deep into the psychological aspects of antidepressants use. This phase involves a structured programme designed to address the emotional, cognitive and behavioural patterns tied to antidepressant use and equip you with the skills you need to stay sober long-term. This includes trigger and stress management, relationship skills and self-care techniques. The benefits of this comprehensive approach include both a reduced risk of relapse and an improved overall quality of life and well-being.

The benefits of antidepressants rehab at Sanctuary Lodge

Inpatient antidepressant rehab at Sanctuary Lodge offers numerous advantages, crafting a supportive pathway to recovery. These benefits include:

A recovery-focused environment

Our inpatient rehab setting provides a safe and nurturing space, free from the distractions and pressures of everyday life, allowing you to focus on your recovery fully.

Shielding from triggers

Trigger management is a crucial aspect of recovery, but in the early phases, it is best to avoid them altogether. By stepping away from your normal environment where antidepressants or potential triggers are present, you will be better able to concentrate on healing without facing immediate challenges to your sobriety.

Continuous professional support

We provide round-the-clock access to a team of experienced professionals who ensure that help is always available. Whether you need help managing withdrawal symptoms, emotional support or guidance through challenging moments, our compassionate team of recovery experts will be there for you.

A community of support

Engaging with staff and peers in recovery fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, creating a powerful network of encouragement and understanding. This can help you get through the rigours of antidepressant rehab and build lasting connections for life.

Rehab therapy at Sanctuary Lodge

All the prescription drug rehab programmes at Sanctuary Lodge blend evidence-based therapies with complementary, holistic approaches to offer a well-rounded recovery experience. Some of our most important antidepressant rehab therapies include:

Group therapy: In group therapy, you will share your journey with others who understand what you’re going through, providing a comforting sense of belonging. It’s a space filled with empathy and shared strength where you can find encouragement and a community ready to support you every step of the way.
One-to-one therapy: One-to-one therapy provides personal attention from an experienced therapist who will encourage you to dive deep into your personal journey. It will help uncover the root of your challenges and tailor strategies that fit your unique path to healing.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT combines mindfulness and CBT techniques to help you find emotional balance and resilience and improve your relationship skills. You will learn to embrace life’s ups and downs through practical skills, building a foundation for lasting recovery and a fulfilling, harmonious life.
Holistic therapies: Our holistic therapies, including art therapy, sound therapy and meditation, open creative and peaceful avenues for expressing yourself and finding inner calm. These practices will allow you to explore new dimensions of your recovery, fostering a deep sense of wellness and balance.
Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a journey of self-discovery, where you will uncover the powerful motivations within you that drive positive change. It is a process filled with affirmations of your strengths and capabilities, lighting the path to recovery with the spark of your inner motivation.

Together, these diverse therapies offer a holistic approach to recovery, addressing the full spectrum of your well-being – mind, body and spirit – and guiding you towards a brighter, healthier future.

Stage three: Antidepressants relapse prevention

Antidepressant relapse prevention is an essential component of the recovery journey, providing you with the strategies you need to maintain long-term sobriety. At Sanctuary Lodge, your recovery team will help you make a personal relapse prevention plan to make the transition from antidepressant rehab back to everyday life go more smoothly. This plan will likely include some of the following strategies:

Identifying and managing triggers

Understanding and mastering your triggers will help you take back control of your emotions and reactions. You will learn to spot the situations, challenges and people that may push you back towards old habits and give you the tools to navigate these moments without using antidepressants.

Building a supportive network

Imagine surrounding yourself with people who are rooting for you and understand your struggles. These people can provide a shoulder or word of encouragement exactly when you need it. This community can become a powerful source of strength and understanding, especially during difficult moments.

Healthy lifestyle changes

Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is about nourishing both your body and soul so that you no longer have to rely on antidepressants to cope with life’s challenges. Whether exercising, eating well or practising mindfulness techniques, these changes can help you feel more energised, balanced and ready to embrace each day with a positive spirit.

Engaging in aftercare

Sanctuary Lodge’s aftercare programme means you are never alone, even after the initial phases of your recovery journey. With a year of free weekly group therapy, you will have ongoing support and resources at your fingertips, ready to help you navigate the ups and downs of post-rehab life.

Begin antidepressants addiction treatment at Sanctuary Lodge

Consider Sanctuary Lodge, where compassionate care meets unparalleled expertise, for your recovery needs. Our comprehensive approach to antidepressants addiction treatment offers a pathway to a healthier, substance-free life. Contact us today to take the first step towards a brighter future.

FAQ’s

How long does antidepressants addiction treatment take?

The duration of antidepressant addiction treatment can vary significantly based on your circumstances, including the severity of your dependency, the type of antidepressant you have been using and personal health factors. Typically, the antidepressant detox phase can last from a few days to several weeks, while the subsequent rehab phase might extend from several weeks to a few months. Comprehensive treatment, including aftercare and relapse prevention strategies, is ongoing and depends on your input.