Mental health medications, while extremely useful, can be highly addictive. The prescriptions often help to target areas of the brain that control moods. As the chemicals in these areas interact with the medication, it may enhance the chances of becoming addicted to the drug. More intense medications, like Seroquel, especially carry this risk. After becoming addicted, enrolling in a Seroquel addiction treatment program may be the most critical step to recovery.
If you or a loved one has become addicted to Seroquel, there is no shame in getting help. Contact us today at 888.450.2153 to enroll in our Seroquel addiction treatment program or other substance abuse treatment programs in Edmonds, WA.
What Is Seroquel?
Seroquel is a mental health prescription many doctors prescribe to treat severe mental health symptoms like schizophrenia and bipolar. It helps create a sedative effect in the brain, which can control mood swings and even increase appetite.
Since it works directly in the brain to produce a calming effect, many refer to Seroquel as “baby heroin.” The addictive nature of Seroquel further supports the comparison to heroin.
The most prominent risk of Seroquel addiction comes from its sedating effect. Many people find significant relief and even a high when they become so calm, which is similar to the effects of alcohol.
Seroquel Side Effects
Not all of the effects of Seroquel are pleasant. Many unpleasant effects may be experienced by people who do not abuse the drug, but some severe side effects generally only occur when taken against the prescribed directions.
Seroquel side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Lack of energy
- Seizures
- Risk of stroke
- Suicidal thoughts
After a person begins abusing Seroquel, it may only be a matter of time before they slip into the addiction cycle. By taking more than the prescribed amount, a person will build a tolerance and seek higher doses before becoming dependent on the drug.
Signs of Seroquel Abuse
Dependence on an abused substance is the most significant step in the addiction cycle. Once a person becomes dependent, their body does not know how to function without the substance, and they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit.
Some telltale signs of addiction include:
- Craving the drug
- Neglecting work or school to use the drug
- Struggling to maintain their relationships
- Making poor financial decisions
- Hiding their drug use
- Visiting multiple doctors to receive more prescriptions
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and even dangerous in some situations. A Seroquel addiction treatment program will be able to provide resources to make this time more manageable and comfortable.
Seroquel Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting drug abuse takes a tremendous amount of willpower and symptom management. After quitting, a person’s body struggles to function until it can restart its natural processes.
If you have any of the signs of Seroquel addiction, please know that you’re not alone. This type of addiction has been experienced by so many people before you, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to get professional help.
The first few days of the detox process often present the most intense withdrawal symptoms, which include:
- Increase anxiety
- Frequent headaches
- An upset stomach
- Feelings of dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping at night
Detoxing at home can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can cause many people to relapse and begin retaking Seroquel to get rid of their withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are miserable, but they can also be dangerous—even fatal.
Seroquel Detox and Rehab
Stopping the addiction cycle is critical to regaining control of life and beginning the path to successful sobriety. Since the detox process is often dangerous, professional rehab centers can be an important choice for people starting recovery.
Rehab centers can provide detox and long-term recovery services, depending on the patient’s needs. Medical professionals can help manage withdrawal symptoms to ensure safety and comfort.
After detox, the transition to a recovery program begins. Recovery programs will often use a combination of therapies to help develop the skills needed to succeed in sobriety.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Since Seroquel is a mental health medication, most people who start abusing it have an underlying mental health condition. Having a mental health condition and a substance abuse problem is a dual diagnosis.
After becoming addicted, the symptoms of their mental health condition may intensify their substance abuse. Similarly, their addiction can have a severe impact on their mental health condition.
Finding relief for only one of these conditions may not help them recover in the long run. Effectively treating both conditions simultaneously is crucial for keeping them on track to sobriety. Fortunately, many professional rehab centers offer dual diagnosis treatment.
Seroquel Addiction Treatment Programs at Northpoint Washington
Once some people realize they have an addiction, they may wish to stop taking Seroquel right away because they never meant to become addicted to anything in the first place. The symptoms of Seroquel withdrawal can be quite severe, which usually causes people to go back to taking it. Seroquel relapse can very easily lead to an overdose.
Our Seroquel addiction treatment program can help you safely detox before an inpatient program helps you develop the critical skills needed to continue your recovery journey. Your therapy plan may include:
- Strengths-based therapy – A type of therapy that works to identify and use your natural strengths to help promote long-term recovery and short-term healing.
- Individual therapy – One-on-one sessions with a therapist who will help you identify and work on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Group therapy – A type of therapy that involves discussing topics related to addiction recovery with other people in the program.
- Relapse prevention planning – Developing plans and strategies to prevent relapse
- Dual diagnosis treatment – Treatment to address both your addiction and any underlying mental health issues
We understand that getting help may seem intimidating, but we want you to know that you have our support every step of the way.
Contact Northpoint Washington Today
Recovery from a Seroquel addiction is possible, but help is needed to get there. If you or someone you know has become addicted to Seroquel, contact us today at 888.450.2153. We can start your recovery journey together.