If you have already gone through rehab and are currently taking antidepressants and maintenance medications, you may be feeling pretty good about your recovery right about now. If this is the case, give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve made it through the worst part, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a long journey in front of you. Recovery from addiction is always an ongoing process no matter who you are, so taking it day by day is a great way of looking at the road ahead.
You may be wondering if you need ongoing drug rehabilitation services if your antidepressants and maintenance medications are already keeping you sober. Read on to find out more.
What are Maintenance Medications?
Withdrawal can be very difficult depending on the length and severity of your substance abuse. Maintenance medications are often prescribed that will help diminish the cravings you may feel for drugs and alcohol. These medications will also help you get through the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. They will greatly support you while you are in recovery.
The following are a few of the drugs a doctor may prescribe to manage a substance dependence:
• Antabuse
• Campral
• Lioresal
• Neurontin
• Topomax
• Wellbutrin
• Zyban
During withdrawal, many men and women find they cannot tolerate the withdrawal symptoms, which is where medication comes in. And while these medications are often prescribed during treatment, some recovering addicts find it easier to stay sober while they are on them. Certain medications are able to mimic specific effects of addictive drugs, relieving cravings. Your doctor will closely monitor you during and after rehab to make sure the medication is working. They may also adjust the dosage if they believe it is necessary.
The Use of Antidepressants in Recovery
Some recovering addicts are under the mistaken belief that they must abstain from antidepressants. They believe that the use of antidepressants, commonly known as SSRIs, would be thought of as a relapse. However, this is far from the truth. Antidepressants can treat a number of mental health issues, such as moderate to severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
The following are a few of the more commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States:
• Celexa
• Lexapro
• Paxil
• Pexeva
• Prozac
• Viibyrd
• Zoloft
Antidepressants are generally safe to take and combat the feelings of depression and anxiety that recovering addicts often feel.
Ongoing Rehabilitation Services
Taking antidepressants along with maintenance medications can greatly help you stay sober and happy. However, it’s still a good idea to partake in certain rehabilitation services. If you are feeling as though you may relapse even though you are taking medication, it’s a good idea to check back into rehab before you do. If you DO relapse, make sure you head to rehab right away. Relapse is a common occurrence for recovering addicts, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of it if it happens.
No matter what, it is always a good idea to continue therapy sessions and other meetings. When you finish your treatment, you might head to a sober living home instead of back home. A sober living home can help you bridge the gap between the stay in your rehab facility and going back to your normal life. Even if you are taking maintenance medication and antidepressants, the structure that a sober living home offers is a great idea.
You’ll always want to continue therapy services after rehab. You’ll benefit from one-on-one counseling sessions, as they will help you see why you are better off sober. Additionally, your doctor will likely want you to continue therapy due to the fact you are on antidepressants. Your doctor will also want you to come in for regular check-ups if you take any maintenance medication.
Take advantage of local drug and alcohol fellowships, such as AA or NA. These organizations offer local meetings at least a few times a week, if not every day of the week. Attending meetings will help keep you on the straight and narrow.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are a recovering addict, or if you have been given a dual diagnosis, talk to your therapist or doctor and see if there is an SSRI that could work for your situation. Remember, antidepressants and maintenance medications will help you stay sober, but it is important to continue talking to a professional about your problem.
When you are looking for a caring, reputable rehab, look no further. We have everything you need to get sober and stay that way. Call today at 833-364-0736 now.