Will antidepressants help me stop drinking?

Are you worried that your alcohol consumption is getting out of control? Do you want to quit, but find it hard to resist the urge for another drink? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with alcohol addiction or dependence and finding a way out can be challenging. One potential solution that has gained attention in recent years is combining antidepressants with other therapies for treating alcohol use disorder. But will this approach work for you? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Before we dive into whether taking antidepressants can aid in battling problematic drinking behavior, let’s first define what alcohol use disorder means.

Alcohol use disorder: It refers to an array of harmful behaviors related to excessive alcohol intake such as being unable to cut down on drinking, giving up social activities due to drinking habits among others according DSM-5 manual

Many factors come into play causing AUD including genetic vulnerability, personality traits, family history and numerous environmental factors like stressors. There are various approaches one may pursue when trying combat AUD with many opting for self-help groups like 12-step programs alongside behavioral interventions via counseling/therapy though medical treatment alternatives also exist.

For instance, Acamprosate and Disulfiram medications have been put popularly used over time as tools regardless of their side effects correlating with depressed mood symptoms which makes us curious if there aren’t any less unpleasant medication options that could aid besides Antidepressants

How do Antidepressant Work?

Antidepressant medication prescriptions are common , however while they’re frequently used within depression spectrum management strategies,it’s possible they could provide something more interesting yet beneficial than stabilized moods – potentially combating alcohol misuse behaviors .Here;s how:

Most ANTIDEPRESSANTS intervene serotonin levels so some pharmaceutical company anti-depressant remedies like Sertraline (Zoloft ), Escitalopram (Lexapro ) and Fluoxetine (Prozac) work in conjunction with “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” a compound that enhances the communication process happening within neurons.

Here’s an analogy for better understanding,imagine it like there’s some sort of bathtub, your bathroom tub. So inhibiting this blocking system or SSRIs relates to lowering the level of water present in the tub.

This uptake of serotonin where antidepressants step up help combat possible mood disorders including depression, that are likely arising from imbalanced or dysfunctional neurotransmitter levels in our brain cells.

In short taking ANTIDEPRESSANTS simply helps one maintain control over these excited signals being sent between neurons which might prove effective in addressing alcohol use disorder too according to research!

The Link Between Antidepressants And Alcohol Use Disorder

Whether mixing antidepressant treatment with additional therapy interventions works depends on numerous factors including yet not limited to biological make up ,personal experiences of its users i.e previous treatment histories among others but indeed combining both remedies as used alongside behavioural therapies indicates evidence since they all play specific roles holistically working together especially when delivered by qualified practitioners outlined below:

Case Study 1: A practitioner’s testimony

Dr Morgan Smith a specialist psychiatrist already experienced helping patients achieve similar underlining regular change goals utilized amplified group therapy tools mixed with selective anti-depressants showed through her comparative analysis trial referring even unmotivated individuals recorded continued positive results citing notable advantages using combined actions .

Case Study 2 :A review paper referenced at pubmed.gov

Also got a chance see what other reporters have said about APA referencing herein Included detailed reviews were provided below:

Researchers studied nearly two hundred previously conducted studies into medication-aided AUD recovery programs and drawn conclusions thought-provoking for sobriety advocates antipsychotic drug treatments as well

These studies suggest that certain types of antidepressants may be helpful when taken alone for treating AUD. However, the most promising results have been found in studies that combine antidepressant medication with behavioral interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing. These approaches help patients build coping skills and provide support during their recovery journey.

Side Effects Of Antidepressants

Like other medications ANTI-DEPRESSANTS have side effects which depend on individuals biological works. Common potential issues may include among others:

  • Headaches
  • Common medication-related headaches are experienced once you initially start to take this kind of medication

  • Nausea
    Almost a nausea feeling is also likely when starting “wonder drugs” remedies adding onto it dizziness , weight gain .blurred vision alongside insomnia.

While uncommon,A few severe health risks like low blood sugar linked to some supplements may occur hence undertaking better researched personal decisions pursuing alternatives that fit unique needs helps dodges setbacks associated with them seeking answers tailored from qualified practitioners at all times. Finding candid discussions via specialist psychiatrists for insightful momentary solutions never hurts essentially allowing treatment tailoring attainable.

Final Verdict

As much as we have noted evidence-backed potentials of taking ANTIDEPRESSANTS +BEHAVIOUR INTERVENTIONS might provide overall positive-centric outcomes treating AUD but medical professionals seasoned within psychology therapies must first be consulted thus one can receive personalized evaluation services tailor made for optimal long-term management goals ensuring safe drug-to-drug interaction before embarking any prescribed course wishing see longstanding marked positive change drastic win-win situation combating alcoholism.This way,hard work in tandem an enable sustainable quality life behavior corrections.

In conclusion,you will need guidance determining if additional significant substance abuse recover benefits arise whichever preferred path chosen comprehensive information readily available promoting personalized approaches especially commencing utilizing selective anti-depressants combating habits had morphed into disorders so say YES TO COMBINED THERAPIES!

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