Antidepressant Addiction

Antidepressants are prescription medicines used to treat clinical depression. Clinical depression is characterised by feelings of sadness or generally feeling down persistently for a period of weeks or months rather than just a few hours or days, which everyone experiences from time to time. Clinical depression stops an individual from finding any joy in life and can negatively impact day-to-day thinking, general motivation, and even eating and sleeping.

Antidepressants treat the symptoms of depression by boosting the activity of brain chemicals such as the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and serotonin, which regulate mood and emotion. There are various types of antidepressants, including:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Each type works slightly differently and may be chosen based on the specific symptoms and needs of the individual. Antidepressants can be highly effective but may also come with side effects, and a healthcare professional should always monitor their use.

As with other addictions, there are a number of factors which can increase the risk of becoming addicted to antidepressants. These factors appear in different combinations in each individual but may include:

While there is little comprehensive data about antidepressant addiction rates in the UK, there were 8.6 million users of antidepressants in England in 2022/2023. These prescription rates are considered by many in the medical profession to be far too high, with many people solely relying on antidepressants to cope with depression symptoms. Strong prescription guidelines and complementary therapy are crucial for reducing the number of people taking antidepressants and also to reduce the chances of widespread addiction.

Antidepressant addiction can cause extensive issues to health, professional lives and personal relationships. Some of the most dangerous side effects of antidepressant addiction include:

Worsened mental health

Instead of alleviating symptoms, misuse of antidepressants can exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Over time, individuals may find that their mood and overall mental state deteriorate, making it harder to cope with daily life.

Emotional blunting

Chronic misuse of antidepressants can lead to emotional numbness or blunting, where individuals feel disconnected from their emotions. This can affect personal relationships and reduce the quality of life as the ability to experience joy and sadness diminishes.

Cognitive impairment

Long-term antidepressant abuse can impair cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and decision-making abilities. This can significantly impact professional performance and cause issues at work and home.

Sleep disorders

Misuse of antidepressants can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive drowsiness. Poor sleep can further contribute to mental health problems and affect overall well-being.

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts

In some cases, antidepressant abuse and addiction can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Gastrointestinal issues

Chronic use of antidepressants can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting and constipation. These physical side effects can cause significant discomfort and health complications.

Sexual dysfunction

Long-term antidepressant use can result in sexual side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and difficulty achieving orgasm, which can strain intimate relationships.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal condition which results from dangerously high levels of serotonin in your brain. It can occur when antidepressants are combined with other serotonin boosters such as St John’s Wort. Serotonin syndrome is uncommon, but if the following side effects are experienced, a medical professional should be consulted immediately:

• Confusion or agitation
• Muscle twitching
• Sweating or Shivering
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• High body temperature

UKAT London Clinic provides bespoke antidepressant addiction treatment, which caters to each client’s personal circumstances and needs. Our clients can be assured of full discretion and all the time needed to ensure their journey to recovery is successful.

Our drug addiction treatment plans incorporate three main phases:

1. Antidepressant detox

Antidepressant use should never be stopped suddenly, so we first support the client through a medically supervised detox. This helps minimise the risk of serious antidepressant addiction withdrawal symptoms.

2. Antidepressant rehab treatment

When designing our client’s bespoke rehab treatment programmes, our team takes into account all health, personal and professional factors to ensure they get everything they need from therapy. Our holistic approach to recovery includes both traditional therapies and contemporary cognitive treatments, ensuring our clients have the best prospect of a full recovery.

3. Aftercare

Recovery from antidepressant addiction can be a lifelong journey. UKAT London Clinic provides our clients with a long-term relapse prevention plan, including ongoing therapy. This ensures continued emotional support and helps ensure the client can pursue continued success and happiness in all areas of their lives.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with antidepressant addiction, recognising the problem and seeking help is the most important step. UKAT London Clinic understands that you have professional and personal commitments which can make finding the time for treatment seem impossible. We specialise in designing bespoke recovery programmes to fit your recovery needs and your busy schedule. Contact us today to find out more.