ARTICLE SUMMARY: In this article, we’ll cover the critical factors leading up to trazodone addiction, the signs and symptoms of abuse, and available treatment options for overcoming compulsion to take the medication. We welcome all your questions and/or personal experiences with trazodone addiction treatment and recovery at the end section.
ESTIMATED READING TIME: 10 minutes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Addiction Liability
- Addiction Causes
- Am I Addicted?
- Treatment Options
- Choosing the Best Program for You
- Working During Treatment
- Your Questions
Trazodone has a relatively low risk for addiction.
Trazodone is an oral antidepressant drug that affects the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Medically, trazodone is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, sleep and pain. However, it can also be misused…leading to addiction. An even though ttrazodone is not scheduled as a Controlled Substance, any misuse might lead to physical or psychological dependence.
Causes of Trazodone Addiction
The specific causes of drug addiction have not yet been discovered. But it is believed that genetic, psychological, and environmental factors play a significant role in the formation of addiction. In other words, trazodone addiction is not a single cause disease. Multiple factors contribute to the formation of to drug addiction.
Often, if a person is dealing with sleeping or anxiety issues, drugs like trazodone can be very addictive. The ignorance of habit forming potential, along with the psychological discomfort of anxiety and insomnia, can become a cause of trazodone addiction.
The role of genetics.
Human beings are to some extent the product of their biology. Most diseases (including addiction) are biological and have a hereditary nature.
The role of environment.
If genetic predispositions are not triggered by the environment, a person may actually never activate their addictive potential. Trazodone addiction is more common in environments where drug abuse is viwed as a normal and common activity. Children who grow up in homes with drug addicted parents usually become drug addicts themselves.
Environmental factors that contribute to the formation of addiction include:
- Culture, ethnicity and diversity.
- Lower socioeconomic status.
- Peers that promote and support drug use.
- Repeated stressful situation and trauma.
- Sexual and physical abuse earlier in life.
The lack of a healthy adult role model.
Children and teenagers raised in an abusive environment are more prone to drug abuse later in life. The lack of healthy, mature, loving and caring parents often becomes the main reason for emotional and psychological vulnerability.
Regardless of how you became addicted, the question remains the same: How can you turn on the light switch that will lead you to a healthy and sober life again? Seek help!
Am I Addicted To Trazdone?
How do you know when you’re use has turned into abuse? Is there a way to recognize addiction’s negative life-controlling issues or behaviors? When addicted to trazodone, you will most likely discover these three common elements:
The most common statements of a compulsive user include:
“I have to have it.”
“I must do it.”
2. Inability to quit.
The most common statements of a person who’s unable to stop include:
“Just one more pill and I’m going to stop”.
“I’ve tried before, but I just can’t stop”.
3. Negative consequences.
The classic, hallmark signs of addiction are continued use despite negative consequences to your health, your work, or your relationships. This includes collateral damage in the lives of others. Addiction makes things spin out of control and right before you become aware of your actions, your family and loved one end up being emotionally hurt by your self-destructive behaviors.
Treating an addiction to trazodone usually involves therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes. These treatments are available at both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers. Due to the symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological grip trazodone has on its users, a professional treatment center usually offers the best chances of a successful recovery.
Detox is the first step toward overcoming trazodone. It’s best to ALWAYS SEEM MEDICAL ADVICE WHEN YOU WANT TO QUIT USING TRAZODONE. This means consulting with a physician or your prescribing doctor, to begin. Trazodone withdrawal is often painful and can last weeks for some, but physicians can offer support and/or prescribe medications to address discomfort and help the body slowly readjust.
Therapy is also an important aspect for tackling the underlying behaviors that led to a person’s trazodone use. Therapy can also tackle co-occurring disorders such as depression, mania, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
Choosing the Best Program For You
When looking for a rehab center for your trazodone addiction, you should:
- Decide between an inpatient or outpatient recovery center.
- Find a center that specializes in trazodone addiction and dual diagnosis.
- Check the cost and whether your insurance will cover your costs.
- Make sure the rehabilitation center offers aftercare.
Inpatient Rehab Facilities vs. Outpatient Addiction Clinics
INPATIENT: The time commitment can be substantial in an inpatient, residential rehab setting, and studies suggest that a minimum of 30-60 days (for some addictions 90 days or more) in treatment is essential for successful outcomes and long-term sobriety.
Those who choose to enroll with an inpatient program live at the treatment facility for the duration of their treatment. This takes you out of your regular environment and away from access to trazodone and other triggers. A typical day at an inpatient facility could include:
- Individual therapy sessions.
- Group therapy sessions.
- Educational lectures about addiction and recovery.
OUTPATIENT: Outpatient addiction treatment can vary widely. Many outpatient rehabs provide treatment in the form of:
- Group therapy.
- Individual therapy.
…and in some cases, access to psychiatric care or medication assisted treatment
Outpatient programs range in levels of intensity and, to some extent, the treatment plan can be tailored to each client, with the number and type of scheduled weekly groups varying based on your individual’s needs.
For example, you might visit your counselor on a set schedule (usually a few times per week) to ensure that you’re following the program. It’s common for drug abuse counselors to give you random drug tests to make sure you’re on the right track. Because these programs allow you to live at home, they may require quite a bit of dedication on the part of the recovering individual, but they can be valuable treatment options for those with strong support systems at home.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Detox. Detoxification (or detox) is the removal of trazodone from the body. This process costs about $300 to $800 a day. Some or all of the cost may be covered by health insurance or paid in part or in full (subsidized) by government programs.
Inpatient costs. Inpatient participants can expect to undergo an intake, assessment, and evaluation process, have access to qualified counselors, and have round-the-clock supervision from professionals. Standard inpatient addiction treatment facilities cost between $2,000 and $25,000 for a 30-day program.
Outpatient costs. Outpatient participants live outside the facility during treatment and can expect access to group therapy, individual therapy, family counseling, or a combination of these options. Outpatient treatment can range from FREE to $10,000.
The price of treatment will also depend on:
1. Amenities offered. Such as a swimming pool, an on-site gym, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, and more. The more amenities, the higher the cost.
2. Length of the program. Which can vary from 30 to 90 days depending on a person’s needs. Keep in mind that it can take 90 days for the brain to stabilize, so this time can be very helpful.
3. Location of the facility. Such as near home or not, or in the mountains or on a beach.
4. Size of the program. Whether it’s a large program with more participants or a smaller, more intimate rehab.
5. Type of facility. Inpatient facilities are more expensive than outpatient treatment programs because they provide therapy, meals, lodging, and activities.
6. Treatments provided. Which may or may not include detox, medication-assisted treatment, various therapy options, and comprehensive aftercare.
Addiction diagnoses is usually conducted by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, or a licensed drug counselor. Blood, urine or other lab tests are used to assess trazodone use, but they’re not a diagnostic test for addiction. These tests may be used for monitoring treatment and recovery.
For diagnosis of a substance use disorder, most mental health professionals use criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose mental conditions. This manual is also used by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment. DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder includes a behavior pattern of drug use that causes significant problems and distress, regardless of what drug is used.
The criteria for drug dependence includes the following:
1. Repeated use of larger amounts of trazodone over a longer period of time.
2. Inability to cut down or quit, but failed several times.
3. Spending a good deal of time getting trazodone, using trazodone or recovering from the effects of trazodone.
4. Intense trazodone urges and strong cravings that block out any other thoughts.
5. Failing to meeting obligations and responsibilities because of trazodone (ab)use.
6. Continuing to use trazodone, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life.
7. Giving up or cutting back important social, occupational or recreational activities because of your trazodone (ab)use.
8. Using trazodone even though you know it’s causing you physical or psychological harm
9. Trazodone has less and less effects on you, so you need more of to get the same effects
10. The presence of physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking trazodone.
Working During Treatment
When tight schedule, deadlines and demanding work dynamic are stopping you or a relative to seek help for a problem with substance abuse or, executive rehab treatments can answer all your specific needs. Pairing top-rated drug abuse and behavioral addiction treatments with the freedom of occasional computer and mobile access, a business person can receive assistance while keeping relatively “plugged in”.
Those suffering from the pains of addiction can turn to luxury rehab centers to assist with the detoxification, recovery and rehabilitation processes. The best centers in the nation cater to those who expect a very high level of customer service and amenities found at some of the most famous resorts. Amenities provided in these type of centers include:
- Equine therapy
- Spa treatments
Aftercare is necessary because trazodone addiction is not an acute medical condition that can be treated in weeks or months. It is a chronic disease that requires long-term management.
Each addiction and recovery story is unique. Most rehab centers carefully plan for ongoing care once the initial treatment ends. Overall the goal of aftercare services is to help you make a successful transition back to your community. So, in order to assure you a safe transition to your home, an aftercare program is essential!
The purpose of aftercare is to teach you how to handle the challenges that await you in the “real world” without endangering your sobriety. Continuing care programs are the stage of healing where lessons learned in treatment come together. Aftercare protects the progress you’ve made during your treatment stay. Trained counselors will work with you to develop an aftercare plan that aims to:
- Keep your motivation levels high.
- Build positive social connections.
- Educate you on preventing and/or coping with relapsing situations.
We hope to have addressed your main concerns about addiction to trazodone. If you still have a question (or two), please leave us a comment in the section below. We do our best to respond to all comments personally and promptly.