The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves an average of nearly 50 new pharmaceutical drugs each year to save lives, control pain, and prevent diseases. When prescribed by a medical professional and used correctly, drugs can mean the difference between good and bad health. Some drugs, including mental health medications like Seroquel, can be instrumental in helping people find relief. However, these drugs may also be easy to abuse and become addicted to.
If you or a loved one struggles with managing this medication, a Seroquel addiction treatment program may be able to help. The team at Northpoint Washington knows how important it is to have a caring environment to build the skills for recovery. Call 888.450.2153 to build your personal plan for sobriety today.
What Is Seroquel?
Introduced in 1997, the antipsychotic prescription medication quetiapine, sold as the brand Seroquel is a popular choice among physicians. Doctors use the FDA-approved medication to treat multiple mental disorders like schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, and bipolar disorder. Other brand names for quetiapine include Xeroquel, Ketipinor, and Hedonin.
As its effectiveness gained popularity, the drug began to be misused as it causes an intense dopamine rush when snorted or administered intravenously. When people start to abuse Seroquel, they can easily slip into the addiction cycle, which can have devastating effects on their lives and those around them.
Risks of a Seroquel Addiction
Patients who receive a quetiapine prescription often face a higher risk of misusing Seroquel since mental and substance use disorders closely interact. They may be more inclined to use a higher dose of the drug or take it with alcohol or other drugs.
In addition to the secondary effects that may follow a Seroquel addiction, the drug itself has a high risk of causing permanent mobility disorders, including uncontrollable muscle movement when taken in higher doses. Taking more than the prescribed amount can also lead to irregular heartbeat, sedation, and extremely low blood pressure.
Unlike most antipsychotics, Seroquel has a high misuse potential due to its sedative nature and euphoric effect comparable to alcohol. When sold on the street, Seroquel is mostly used in tandem with other drugs to heighten the user’s experience or to mitigate the sleep deprivation effects.
Managing Seroquel Withdrawal with Rehab
As with any addictive substance, withdrawal is one of the most challenging parts of recovery. Seroquel withdrawal happens when the body cannot cope with the cessation or reduced consumption of the drug. The process can be uncomfortable and unpleasant without proper, specialized support care.
When a person abusing Seroquel stops using the medication, they will experience various withdrawal symptoms, lasting from a few days to several weeks. An addiction treatment facility can help manage withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:
- Feeling dizzy
- Intense cramps and headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heightened heart rate
- Panic attacks or anxiety
If you or somebody close to you is affected by Seroquel addiction, reaching out to a Seroquel rehabilitation center means guidance through every stage of recovery, from the initial diagnosis to maintaining health and wellness. This treatment exists to manage the psychological toll of quitting Seroquel and provide the support people need throughout the recovery process.
Seroquel Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Washington
We know that many people who become addicted to Serqoeul also struggle to control their mental health disorder symptoms. Our dual diagnosis approach to addiction and substance use disorder addresses both the addiction and the mental wellness of those seeking sobriety.
If you or a loved one needs help treating a substance use disorder, contact us to learn more about how our addiction programs can facilitate the restoration of both mental and physical health. Don’t hesitate to call our team at Northpoint Washington at 888.450.2153 for more information.