Last Updated:
March 18th, 2025
Antidepressant Addiction Treatment
While antidepressants can provide significant relief for individuals grappling with mental distress, it’s important to acknowledge that their prolonged use may occasionally result in both physical and psychological dependency. This dependency not only impacts physical health but also relationships, prospects and emotional and mental well-being. The journey to overcome antidepressant addiction is a path filled with challenges but also with profound opportunities for growth and healing. At UKAT, the antidepressant addiction treatment process is multifaceted, with a thorough and holistic approach facilitating effective and lasting breakthroughs.
Stage one: Antidepressants detox
Antidepressants work by altering the brain’s chemical balance, particularly affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which are linked to mood regulation. While this can help to soothe depressive feelings, long-term use can lead to the body’s adaptation to these medications, creating a physical dependency. Stopping or reducing the use of antidepressants can then trigger unpleasant or distressing withdrawal symptoms, which cause you to start retaking the drugs.
Antidepressant detox involves gradually reducing the dose of antidepressants, allowing the body and brain to adjust to lower levels of the medication and restore the natural chemical balance. This tapering process is critical to minimise withdrawal symptoms and should be medically supervised to ensure safety and comfort until your systems have recovered.
Antidepressants detox at UKAT
UKAT recognises the myriad challenges of detox, so we provide a safe, expert-led approach. This includes:
24/7 medical supervision
At every detox stage, you will be monitored and supported by our medical team to ensure you are safe and comfortable. They will help to guide you through withdrawal and do everything they can to make the process as smooth as possible.
Tailored detox plans
When you arrive at UKAT, you will receive a thorough medical assessment so our team can develop your detox plan. This will consider factors like the type of antidepressants you were using, for how long you were using them and your overall health and fitness. Crucially, our detox plans are always fluid so that they can be adapted as your needs change during withdrawal.
