Also known as Oleptro or Desyrel, Trazodone is a drug meant for treating depression. Statistics show that about 20-25 million people aged 12 years and above are dependent on antidepressants. The sedating effects are what make Trazodone addictive to people who struggle with insomnia and depression. Like other antidepressants, Trazodone is prescribed to patients to restore the natural balance of the brain chemical serotonin. It helps improve one’s energy levels, appetite, and mood, and it suppresses depression and anxiety.
However, doctors are apprehensive about prescribing this drug to teenagers since it has negative effects. If abused repeatedly, it may result in physical dependency and withdrawal symptoms. Many people who abuse it tend to use other drugs and alcohol to enhance the side effects of this medication. Trazodone can be abused in various ways, including:
- Snorting or inhaling the pill ground into powder
- Mixing the crushed pill powder in alcohol
- Smoking it together with marijuana
Which People Are More Prone to Abusing Trazodone?
People who use antidepressant medication for six to eight weeks may develop a physical dependency on the said drug. Physical dependency is considered a sign of addiction to Trazodone. However, physical dependence alone cannot be used to diagnose addiction as it is typically accompanied by other signs. People who use the medication for medical purposes under a licensed physician’s supervision may develop a physical dependence that doesn’t qualify as addiction. Below are some of the people who are at significant risk of abusing the drug.
- People who have the highest potential of abusing Trazodone are those with a history of drug abuse.
- People ingesting prescription medication due to non-medical reasons have a high chance of substance use disorder; they might combine Trazodone with other drugs to double the side effects.
- People who were initially prescribed Trazodone for medical reasons but are taking it without a licensed physician’s supervision are likely to start abusing.
Symptoms and Signs of Trazodone Abuse Addiction
Here are some of the signs to help you know if you are addicted to Trazodone:
- Having severe withdrawal symptoms when going without the drug for a short time
- Taking Trazodone for reasons other than for its intended use
- Showing signs of other potentially dangerous conditions as a result of combining it with other drugs
- Experiencing health complications
- Disregarding primary obligations such as work and parental or spousal duties due to Trazodone use
- Continuing use of the drugs despite negative consequences, including getting fired or losing a spouse
- Finding a way to get more medication than required through purchasing it illegally or stealing
- Faking mental illness symptoms to get a medical prescription
- Having to see multiple doctors to get more than one prescription
People with Trazodone dependency need to seek professional help to avoid life-threatening side effects or usage of other drugs. Granite Recovery Centers provides patients with personalized treatment options to ensure positive and life-changing results in combating addiction. We offer top-notch mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. Our treatment programs can accommodate people with all levels of addictions and help them integrate back into society.
Some of the Common Side Effects of Abusing Trazodone
Any person who takes the drug for six to eight weeks is likely to be physically dependent on the drug. If it happens, the body tends to become used to operating the Trazodone in the system and may need to use it more to function normally. Here are some of the adverse side effects:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weight loss and lack of appetite
- Severe migraines
- Itchy eyes
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Hallucinations
- Extreme sweating and rush
- Lack of concentration
- Lack of proper balance while walking
Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms appear when you stop taking Trazodone, and the effects may be immediate. Quitting cold turkey is not advisable since it may result in some severe withdrawal symptoms. At Granite Recovery Centers, we use a drug detox program that incorporates lowering the drug dosage day-by-day until you are free from addiction. It helps in managing the symptoms and the discomfort of Trazodone withdrawal. The more someone abuses the drug, the more severe the symptoms. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency. With that said, here are some of the withdrawal symptoms you may experience from Trazodone:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Electrical jolt sensations to the brain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Severe disorientation
- Chest tightness
- Muscle pains
Factors That Influence the Withdrawal Timeline
The severity and the duration of the withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, so it may not be easy to provide a specific timeline. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms start to lessen within one or two weeks of not taking the drug. However, the symptoms may continue months after completing the detox program. Here are some of the factors that may determine the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms:
- Combination of other drugs or alcohol while abusing Trazodone
- One’s genetics and lifestyle
- How quickly a person stopped using the drug
- The size of the dose used regularly
- The duration that a person used Trazodone
Treatment Options for Trazodone Addiction
Before treating Trazodone addiction, medical professionals at our facility do a comprehensive assessment for every individual to develop a personalized treatment plan. Since most people abusing Trazodone are more likely to be using other substances, we work to identify the context of their drug abuse. Our professional team of clinical therapists and medical professionals will identify a reliable route of action to provide the most efficient plan. Below are some of the recommended treatment options.
Dual Diagnosis
This treatment program works for patients who are struggling with drug addiction and depression. It is recommended to treat both conditions simultaneously since most health providers believe that mental health conditions and Trazodone addiction have similar impacts. Clinical specialists recommend that patients seek a dual diagnosis to receive treatment for both conditions.
The program is effective since it addresses both conditions individually, considering how each state may impact your overall well-being. Some of the mental health disorders that require a Trazodone prescription include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even a necessary prescription could lead to abuse and addiction over time, so we focus on treating the mental health condition as well as the addiction. We incorporate various types of therapies during treatment, some of which include holistic addiction therapy, trauma therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Our 12-Step Program
Our program has two approaches to help patients deal with addictions, including medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy. Medical professionals use these approaches to help identify the root cause of Trazodone addiction. We then work with the patient to develop a curriculum that works well for them. The medication-assisted treatment approach handles Trazodone addiction by encouraging the use of modern-day pharmaceuticals to ease detox and reduce cravings. Our opioid treatment programs, for example, are known to integrate both behavioral therapy and medication to treat substance use disorder. Our 12-step curriculum combines group and individual clinical psychotherapies to help individuals feel supported and get the tools they need for lifelong sobriety.
Medical Drug Detoxification Program
We offer patients a selection of evidence-based programs specially designed to speed up their recovery journey. Our medical drug detox center helps people struggling with substance use disorder go through the detox process. We strive to educate you on what to expect during the detox process, in addition to providing safe and supervised detox options. Our facility is set up for sub-acute medical detoxification where clients get around-the-clock monitoring. We offer personalized care depending on the client’s history of substance use. During treatment, our staff provides evidence-based medicine to help people avoid life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Our staff helps ensure that every individual gets the care and treatment they need to become sober.
Outpatient Drug Rehab Program
This is a treatment option offering scheduled visits with medical providers rather than keeping a patient at the facility 24/7, making it more convenient and flexible. Outpatient drug rehab is ideal for people who have gone through a residential or inpatient treatment program. Patients can seek treatment and continue with their daily activities such as schooling and working. Some of the benefits of this program include affordability and more independence. Our facility even offers an intensive outpatient program meant for adults struggling with Trazodone addiction who have completed the primary treatment and wish to take advantage of our counseling services. We also provide a comprehensive schedule that includes holistic therapy, group and individual therapy, and goal setting. The main focus area is an individualized treatment plan based on every patient’s specific situation and needs.
Residential Drug Rehab Program
Our residential drug treatment program involves staying in our facility to monitor you 24/7 to ensure that you recover and get back on your feet. It’s ideal for someone with severe addiction who is visiting the facility for the first time. We provide you with several therapeutic programs, including yoga, gestalt, and individual group therapy. The detox program can last 3-10 days, depending on the drug’s withdrawal symptoms and your physical dependency. After that, you participate in therapy. We help patients in setting realistic future goals and prepare an aftercare program to help avoid a relapse. Patients can also visit with their family members on site since it can help with recovery.
Sober Living Program
We provide patients with safe housing to ensure that they overcome their Trazodone addiction with time. The sober living program is perfect for people in all recovery stages whether they have relapsed before or not. The program’s primary goal is to assist people in recovery and help them have an independent sober lifestyle. Some of the services we provide to patients through the program include personal monitoring, education planning, drug testing, and employment assistance. Through this program, we aim to offer patients a seamless transition into society.
Evidence-Based Treatment Programs
Evidence-based therapy sessions incorporate physio-therapeutic treatment that has been proven effective in treating mental health disorders and drug addiction. We also integrate the program with the 12-step curriculum to improve the chances of lasting sobriety. Patients can gain a deeper understanding of their pain and gain a personal skill to help them move beyond the issue. The program helps you deal with emotions that may trigger a relapse and instructs you on how to develop positive responses to such triggers. You can also learn coping skills that help in managing compulsive behavior.
Trauma therapy also incorporates group and individual sessions to help deal with any repressed trauma. During therapy sessions, patients often need to let go of self-destructive behavior. We also include grief and loss therapy to help patients with coping mechanisms in matters related to grief. Pain as a result of unprocessed grief can be a trigger for substance abuse.
We Can Help You Treat Addiction
Granite Recovery Centers provides various treatment options to help people struggling with substance use disorder live a sober life. Antidepressant medication such as Trazodone can become quickly addictive, especially if prescribed to individuals struggling with depression. We ensure to use individualized treatment at our rehab facility to help patients avoid relapsing into substance abuse. Our diverse treatment options help prevent Trazodone addiction from negatively impacting your life. Give us a call and book a consultation with us today.
