Written by:

Nuno Albuquerque – Former UKAT Counsellor

Medically Reviewed by:

Last Updated:

January 27th, 2025

Antidepressant Addiction Treatment | Antidepressant Rehab and Detox

It is important to understand that while antidepressants can be incredibly helpful in treating mental health conditions, they can also come with potential risks. It’s estimated that nearly half of the people taking antidepressants will experience withdrawal symptoms after ceasing to use them, with some even experiencing severe symptoms for many months after. With this in mind, it’s crucial for users to be aware of the rehab treatment options that are available during this time. At Recovery Lighthouse, we provide an antidepressant rehab programme that ensures your safety and well-being throughout the entire process.

What is antidepressant rehab?

Prescription drug rehab, such as antidepressants rehab, focuses on helping individuals overcome their problems with antidepressants. This approach typically involves a combination of medical supervision, behavioural therapy and support groups to help individuals safely detox from antidepressants. It also encourages you to address the underlying issues that led to a reliance on antidepressants. The goal of antidepressant rehab is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to manage your antidepressants usage and aim for a full recovery.

Why is antidepressants rehab important?

Rehabilitation offers a structured treatment plan and support system to help individuals safely detox from the medication and learn coping mechanisms for managing their mental health without relying on antidepressants.

Here, we take a further insight into the importance of antidepressants rehab:

The withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to manage alone

During the drug detox stage of antidepressants in rehab, there are several risks that individuals may face. One of the main risks is withdrawal symptoms, which can present differently depending on the medication being used.

Symptoms can include;

Flu-like symptoms
Insomnia
Nausea
Imbalance
Sensory Disturbances
Hyperarousal (Anxiety, agitation, irritability)

Experiencing these types of withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and, at times, may feel overwhelming. This is why it’s essential to ensure you are getting the medical attention you need during this time.

There’s a chance of rebound effects

Another risk during detox is the possibility of a rebound effect, where the original symptoms that the medication was treating may return or worsen. This can be distressing for individuals and may cause them to want to resume taking the drug. A rehab programme can provide support and alternative therapies to manage these symptoms.

The chance of relapsing is higher without rehab

There is also the risk of relapse. Attempting to quit antidepressants on your own could open the door to the potential of relapse. Individuals may experience cravings or emotional triggers make them want to resume taking the medication. A comprehensive rehab programme can address these triggers and provide ongoing support to help individuals avoid relapse and achieve lasting recovery.

Do I need antidepressants rehab?

If you’re coming to the end of your prescribed course of antidepressants, or you have recently stopped taking them, it’s essential to take the time to assess how you are feeling.

Below, we have listed some questions you could ask yourself:

Do I feel like I can’t function without taking my medication?
Do I experience withdrawal symptoms when I miss a dose?
Have I tried to stop taking my medication in the past but found it too difficult?
Do I take more than the prescribed dosage of my medication?
Have I noticed any negative side effects from taking my medication?
Do I feel like my medication is the only thing that helps me feel happy or stable?
Have I sought out multiple doctors or prescriptions to obtain more medication?
Do I feel like my antidepressant use is interfering with my daily life or relationships?

If you are answering “yes” to one or more of these questions, it may be time to plan for antidepressant rehab. It’s essential to speak with your doctor further on these issues or consult our admissions team at Recovery Lighthouse.

What type of setting is considered the best for antidepressants rehab?

The best setting for antidepressants rehab depends on the individual’s needs and the severity of their condition. Two leading options for overcoming issues with antidepressants are outpatient and inpatient rehab. While outpatient rehab can be beneficial in some situations, inpatient rehab is generally considered the best option. Here are some reasons why:

Round-the-clock care: Inpatient rehab provides 24/7 medical and emotional support, ensuring that individuals receive immediate attention if they experience any complications during detox from antidepressants or throughout the treatment process.
Structured environment: Inpatient rehab offers a structured environment to help individuals establish a routine and develop healthy habits. This can include regular therapy sessions, group activities and educational programmes that can help individuals learn about antidepressants addiction and develop strategies to manage their symptoms.
Removal from triggers: Inpatient rehab removes individuals from their usual environment and places them in a safe and supportive environment, away from triggers that may lead to antidepressants usage. This can include avoiding negative social influences, stressors, or other situations that may contribute to the problem.
Focus on recovery: Inpatient rehab allows individuals to focus solely on their recovery, without distractions from work, school, or other responsibilities. This can be especially beneficial for those with severe issues with antidepressants, as it allows them to fully engage in the recovery process and develop new coping strategies without the pressures of daily life.

What process does Recovery Lighthouse follow for Antidepressants Rehab?

Recovery Lighthouse’s specialised antidepressants programme aims to give individuals the best possible chance to overcome their struggles with the drug. The programme begins with an initial health check-up, followed by three critical steps: detox, therapy and aftercare.

Antidepressants detox

Recovery Lighthouse provides a safe and medically supervised detoxification process for individuals struggling with antidepressant dependency. Here are some steps involved in the detox process:

Evaluation: Before beginning the antidepressants detox process, individuals undergo a thorough evaluation by a medical professional to assess their physical and mental health, history of substance use and any potential risks associated with detox.
Medical monitoring: During detox, individuals receive 24/7 medical monitoring to ensure their safety and comfort. This can involve administering medication to manage withdrawal symptoms or addressing any other medical concerns that arise.
Gradual tapering: Recovery Lighthouse commonly uses a gradual tapering approach to detox, which involves slowly reducing the dosage of antidepressant medication over time. This can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and minimise the risk of complications.

Therapy

Therapeutic approaches within antidepressants rehab equip individuals with essential resources and strategies to overcome their issues and sustain a drug-free lifestyle. Treatment includes evidence-based therapies such as;

Group therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Family therapy
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)
12-Step Programmes

Recovery Lighthouse also provides alternative treatment approaches through yoga and meditation.

Antidepressants aftercare programme

Recovery Lighthouse offers comprehensive aftercare services to help individuals maintain their recovery after completing antidepressant rehab. Our aftercare programme includes counselling as well as ongoing support. We also provide education and resources to help maintain healthy habits, such as exercise, good nutrition and self-care.

By providing ongoing support and guidance, Recovery Lighthouse helps individuals build a strong foundation for long-term recovery and a healthy, fulfilling life.

What advice can I follow to prevent antidepressants relapse?

If you are on the right track to finishing antidepressant rehab, or you have recently finished, we would like to congratulate you on reaching this stage of your journey. However, it’s vital to note that the journey doesn’t end when you walk through the exit doors of our rehab centre. There are many things you need to remember from your antidepressant rehab programme and apply them to real world situations. The more you focus on this, the less likely it is that you will relapse. We understand that this can still be a tricky situation to be in, so here are some tips to help prevent relapse after completing antidepressant rehab:

Attend aftercare support programmes: Participating in aftercare support programmes, such as therapy and support groups, can help you maintain your recovery and prevent reverting back to antidepressant medication.
Practice self-care: Caring for your body through exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep can boost serotonin levels leaving you with a good, natural replacement for antidepressant medication.
Avoid high-risk situations: Avoid situations that may increase the likelihood of relapse, such as being around individuals who are prescribed antidepressants. The temptation to steal or ask for their medication could prove to be a high-risk challenge and something that could be avoided. Many people who are taking antidepressants won’t publicly state it, meaning it could be worth asking family and friends to remove them when you visit their house, for example.
Reach out for support: If you are feeling tempted to use antidepressants again, reach out for support from a therapist, support group, or another trusted individual in your support system.

If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulties weaning off antidepressants and feel you could benefit from rehab or even talking through your symptoms, consider calling our helpful admissions team at Recovery Lighthouse.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the detox process last?

It is important to note that the detoxification timeline may vary significantly among individuals and depends on various factors, including:

Type of antidepressant medication
Duration of use
Dosage
Age
Metabolism
Overall health condition

Overall, it can take from several weeks to several months to completely detox from antidepressants.

What should I do if I suffer an antidepressant relapse?

If you experience a relapse, consult your doctor immediately to review your medication or treatment plan. Engage with a support group or therapist to address underlying triggers and maintain focus on recovery.

I have been treated for antidepressant addiction, what are alternate medications I can be prescribed?

Alternate medications depend on your specific needs. Non-addictive options like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or therapy-based interventions may be considered. Always consult your doctor before making changes.