Zoloft Addiction and Abuse

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Zoloft is an Anti-Depressant

Zoloft is an anti-depressant and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is the brand name of the product sertraline and is only available on prescription.

Used to treat depression, ADHD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, Zoloft is often advertised as a better option than related medications such as Prozac.

Zoloft for Major Depressive Disorders

Zoloft works by suppressing serotonin’s reabsorption in the brain, which leaves more serotonin available for mood control. Although it effectively treats major depressive disorders, it also comes with a warning label that suicidal thoughts and behaviors may increase among children, adolescents, and adults who use it. Before starting a prescription, it is also a good idea to ask your doctor, “How to wean off zoloft?”

Zoloft in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg Tablets

The substance is manufactured in tablet form and comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. It is intended to be taken once a day. While not labeled as addictive, Zoloft and other related anti-depressants are widely misused and maybe mentally addictive.

Slang for Zoloft

While there is not much slang explicitly used to refer to Zoloft, there are several common slang terms used to refer to anti-depressant medications. The following words can be called street names or slang for Zoloft:

• Happy pills
• Bottled smiles
• Wonder drug
• Miracle drug

Zoloft Abuse and Addiction

Zoloft is the seventh most used psychiatric drug in the US. Most people use it for therapeutic reasons, but since it is so readily available and easy to obtain, it is abused. The answer to the question, “Is Zoloft addictive?” is yes, for some.

Those who misuse Zoloft typically don’t do it to get high. Alternatively, it can be abused to deal with everyday problems. It is mentally addicting when they start relying on Zoloft as a fast fix to their everyday issues or feel like they can’t work correctly without it.

Abuse of Zoloft or some other anti-depressant drug can be hazardous and can cause significant medical and psychological problems. Long-term abuse of Zoloft can also cause severe addiction and severe withdrawal problems.

Side Effects of Zoloft Abuse

Some of the most usual and general side effects of Zoloft abuse include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Anorexia
• Abnormal bleeding
• Suicidal thoughts
• Fear and anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Serotonin Disorder (sometimes due to SSRI medication)
• Malignant neuroleptic syndrome (sometimes due to antipsychotic drugs)
• Upset stomach

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse and Addiction

An individual who has had issues with drug abuse in the past might be more likely to abuse Zoloft. If someone is misusing or mentally addicted to Zoloft, there might be some red flags. Signs and manifestations of Zoloft misuse and dependency also include:

• Using larger and more frequent doses than prescribed
• Using as a quick fix for daily problems
• Feeling unable to function normally without Zoloft.
• Taking someone else’s Zoloft prescription
• Faking symptoms to get another Zoloft prescription
• Seeing several doctors get more than one Zoloft prescription

Zoloft Detox And Withdrawal

Around a fifth of people who were prescribed SSRI medications, such as Zoloft, reported severe withdrawal symptoms as they tried to wean themselves from it. These withdrawal symptoms were an indication that the body is physically dependent on the medication, which also makes it very difficult to quit using it.

People who try to quit using Zoloft can experience some symptoms of withdrawal, such as:

• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Mood swings
• Weight changes
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Concentration problems
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Depression

If you are addicted to Zoloft, a detox plan will offer the help and support you need to effectively eliminate the substance and learn how to function without it regularly.

You must remain overnight during a medical detox program until you are physically and emotionally stable. A team of nurses, physicians, and addiction recovery professionals will treat the adverse signs of withdrawal and discuss any problems you face in the process. Detox from Zoloft with medical assistance can reduce your risk of relapse, enhance your comfort, and prepare you for rehab if you plan to continue your addiction treatment after detoxifying.

What is the Zoloft Withdrawal Timeline?

Zoloft withdrawal symptoms usually subside within a month, although some people may tend to experience withdrawal symptoms for more than 90 days (also known as post-acute withdrawal).

The frequency and duration of Zoloft withdrawal symptoms can differ on a case-by-case basis depending on how long you have used it, the dose, and other biological factors. There is no timetable for Zoloft withdrawal. Depending on the factors listed above, it can take a full week or longer for you to complete the Zoloft detox and the withdrawal symptoms to dissipate entirely.

Treatment for Zoloft Addiction

Once you have finished the Zoloft drug detox program, you can begin the recovery with a long-term rehabilitation plan. Continuing your drug therapy following detox will help you overcome your addiction-related psychological issues and recognize the critical causes of your addictive behavior.

According to the National Institute for drug abuse (NIDA), addiction treatment that lasts fewer than 90 days has limited effectiveness, particularly for those who wish to sustain long-term sobriety. Consequently, if your goal is to get clean and stay that way, you might want to look at enrolling in a 90-day drug recovery program after detox.

Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab for Zoloft Addiction

There are many different types of Zoloft addiction therapy treatments, and the option of the right form of treatment is vital for long-term recovery. When you are looking for a recovery plan, you might want to weigh the following considerations before choosing the plan:

• Your financial strength and program costs;
• Your coverage in health insurance
• The location of the rehabilitation center
• The type of care provided at the rehabilitation center
• The seriousness of your addiction and treatment requirement

The two primary categories of drug recovery programs are inpatient rehabilitation services and outpatient rehabilitation programs. Here’s what you should do if you’re interested in one or the other.

As a Client at a Residential Rehab Program, You Should Expect to:

• Live temporarily in group housing at the recovery facility until you complete the treatment plan
• Maintain a regular daily schedule
• Attend individual and group therapy sessions
• Participate in various forms of behavioral therapy, including family therapy
• Immediate access to on-site emergency and medical intervention

As a Client at an Outpatient Rehab Program, You Should Expect to:

• Stay at home until you complete your rehabilitation treatment
• Attend scheduled weekly meetings at a clinical location
• Complete program research and homework tasks on your own at home
• Continue tending to your daily duties at work, at school, or home, while also completing therapy
• Take part in individual therapy
• Have restricted access to health and medical services when participating in treatment
• While the inpatient and outpatient drug rehab are different, none of them is inherently better or more successful than the other. The right plan for you is the one that best suits your medical needs.

The rehabilitation program’s cost will also vary depending on the type of plan, its size, facilities, care programs, and contracts with insurance companies.

• Health insurance benefits
• HSA funds
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits
• Privately financed healthcare loans
• Personal loans from family members
• Treatment scholarships
• Out-of-pocket payments

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare programs are primarily designed to help recovery patients and rehabilitation programs. Most people use aftercare as a way to check-in daily with their sober peers. Otherwise, weekly aftercare meetings will provide a healthy, compassionate, and judgment-free environment where people in recovery can share the achievements and challenges of life in recovery.

Aftercare services can be highly helpful and encouraging for people at any point of recovery. If you, a colleague, or a loved one, is dealing with Zoloft addiction, you don’t have to be afraid to ask for support. Many people have been in your shoes and are willing to help and support you while seeking a life of sobriety and continued rehabilitation.

Zoloft Addiction Treatment at Resurgence

If you have never been to drug rehab, there are a few things you should expect. During recovery, you will be enrolled in evidence-based addiction treatment programs, attend informative seminars on addiction and practice parts of 12-step programs.

You will learn and adopt relapse prevention techniques, attend community, and individual therapy. These lessons will help you develop essential life skills while adhering to a structured daily schedule.

Our drug rehab programs are designed to help you get to your addiction’s root causes and learn how to sustain a sober lifestyle independently. Call us today to get started.