Zoloft (Sertraline) Addiction Treatment And Rehab

Being an authorized prescription drug, Zoloft (a brand name whose chemical compound is sertraline), is used to treat various conditions including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, panic attacks and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) — a class of antidepressants that works to improve a person’s moods by restoring the true and favorable balance of serotonin in the brain system. They decrease negative thoughts, anxiety, fear and panic attacks. Sertraline may be presented in the form of a tablet or capsule taken by mouth.

However, as much as this medication is helpful in combating these conditions, it can turn harmful and make a person hugely dependent on it if its intake is not properly managed. There have been cases of people getting caught up in it and going through substance misuse disorders that could negatively impact their health. That’s not to say that people suffering from sertraline use disorder can’t be treated. The condition is treatable, and the affected person can very well make a full recovery under proper, professional care.

The fact that sertraline has been proven effective in dealing with the mentioned conditions makes it the treatment of choice for many, but it can lead to a disorderly tolerance if the patient keeps ingesting high dosages, making it hard for them to quit. When this happens, the patient may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Stomach upsets
• Excessive sweating

More extreme cases include:

• Decreased libido
• Muscle weakness
• Abnormal weight loss
• Easy bleeding
• Body tremors

Serious reactions to this drug are rare. However, before taking Zoloft, it is recommended that you notify your doctor of any allergies you may have. Also, in case of side effects, see your doctor promptly to avoid extreme cases.

The first step in helping a patient through the recovery process is taking them through a period of detoxification to allow the body to rid itself of all the sertraline concentration, and this is after a period of gradual reduction and eventual stoppage of its use. During this period, the patient needs to be in the care of a qualified clinical officer to keep track of their progress and avoid setbacks. The Recovery Village has a team of specialists experienced in handling this recovery phase.

After the detoxification program to completely remove any trace of Zoloft from the body, the affected person is then enrolled in a supervised rehabilitation program that works to develop their inner strength and will to overcome their experience of substance misuse disorder. It’s during this program that therapists help the patient to deal with any underlying causes that may have led them to substance misuse.

“Inpatient” means that the patient resides within the rehabilitation center in the course of their therapy program. For this to work best, the patient needs to be in the most conducive environment — devoid of any temptations or presence of drugs that might hinder their recovery process. The patients can work in teams to encourage each other and better face their fears and accelerate their recovery process under close supervision and intervention of a qualified medical practitioner. This is one of the functional qualities that make The Recovery Village very successful in its therapy programs.

“Outpatient” means that the patient doesn’t need to live in the rehabilitation center. They can go to the center only when their therapy programs are in session. Just as with the “inpatient” option, they can work in groups and share their experiences in a concerted team effort to break the chains of Zoloft misuse disorder. A professional therapist is present at the gatherings to steer the patients in the right direction to full and quick recovery. The Recovery Village offers this option too.

When you or your loved one suffers from substance misuse, the smartest move you can make is to find the most reliable rehab center and seek help.  Having helped numerous people through the dark phases in their struggle against substance use disorder, The Recovery Village has made its name as a center that operates with the best interests of its patients at heart.

If you, or anyone close to you, ever need help tackling the undesirable use of a substance like Zoloft, you can always contact The Recovery Center station near you for immediate clinical attention and get signed up for helpful inpatient therapy sessions.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.