Trazodone is a medication typically prescribed for depression. It is mostly used to help someone struggling with major depressive disorder. The name sounds a bit like it is one of Earth’s atmospheric layers, but this little pill is down-to-earth in the way it can help someone in the throes of depression, or, interestingly, insomnia. With all that in mind, when we are talk about trazodone addiction, we are in murky waters.
Whenever a prescription medication, designed to help a person with a mental health disorder or physical symptom comes into play, we must be careful. Why? We are affecting our bodies and brains with introduced substances.
In the case of trazodone, addiction may feel a little out of place in describing the dependence someone feels toward it. But it is still accurate. A person can be addicted to trazodone and may need help breaking the connection.
Let’s break down what trazodone is, how it works, and why stepping away from it can sometimes feel like navigating an emotional minefield.
What Is Trazodone?
Many psychiatrists or doctors see Trazodone as a bit of a multitool. It has a couple of effects. If you struggle with depression as well as insomnia (actually pretty common), trazodone is a solid option. It is, however, different from your typical prescription anti-depressants. Without getting to far into the details, most prescription meds treating depression are called SSRIs.
These guys (SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) help create an environment where there is more serotonin in your brain. Serotonin, of course is the calm/feel good chemical.
Trazodone also does this, but it goes the extra mile. It takes all that extra serotonin and directs it into places that help you feel calm and sleepy.
Trazodone at a glance:
- Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant.
- It is primarily prescribed for depression.
- Its sedative properties make it useful for insomnia.
- Trazodone balances serotonin levels in the brain.
- It acts as an emotional stabilizer, reducing anxiety and restlessness.
- While effective, it may come with some quirks and side effects.
Is Trazodone Addictive?
The good news is you are not dealing with an opioid here. Or a benzodiazepine. Both of these medications are well-know for getting their addictive hooks into you, quickly and powerfully.
Trazodone, on the other hand is not considered physically addictive in the same way. But as is well-known in the psychological and addition treatment fields, psychological addiction can be nearly as powerful.
As well, this kind of trazodone addiction makes some feel safe (as is the case in trazodone addiction). The idea that, “It’s not physically addictive, so I can have as much as I want,” creates a messy situation. Someone may say this as they are destroying their house searching for the pill bottle, missing work, or yelling at their loved ones.
An psychological trazodone addiction isn’t about weakness; it’s about biology. Our brains love predictability, and when we can’t sleep but there is a pill we can take to find relief, the mind takes note. Our brains will reject the idea of letting go of our seemingly only solace in the storm.
What Does Trazodone Addiction Detox Look Like?
Trazodone detox is less about dramatic, movie-worthy withdrawal scenes and more about the slow peeling back of layers. After a couple of days as the medication leaves they system and your body begins to take on more responsibility, you will deal with insomnia, irritability, or a return of the symptoms it was treating in the first place.
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, and a general sense of malaise.
- Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, mood swings, and the occasional “Why did I decide to stop this?” moment.
- Sleep Disruptions: If trazodone was your bedtime buddy, prepare for some tossing and turning as your body learns to self-soothe again.
Trazodone Addiction and Dual Diagnosis
Trazodone is often prescribed in situations where there is a dual diagnosis in play. This is a situation where someone has a substance use disorder as well as some kind of other mental health illness or disorder (such as depression).
It is seen as a safer option to contrast benzos, which is likely is. But as was mentioned before, it should be taken only with the guidance of a medical professional and with a good degree of caution.
When trazodone is mixed with other drugs the caution can quickly escalated to life-threatening danger. Opioids and alcohol or any “depressant” can escalate (or maybe deescalate) your body to such a degree that it simply stops. Stops breathing, stops the heart beating, stops the basics of living.
Finding Support for Prescription Addiction
Trazodone addiction or its role in a dual diagnosis or polysubstance addiction is complex and it’s about more than just chemistry—it’s about care. Surrounding yourself with a network—whether that’s family, friends, or professionals—can make all the difference. Addiction treatment centers often provide a space where the complexities of mental health, medication, and recovery are understood without judgment.
If you’re ready to explore life beyond trazodone, don’t go it alone. Reach out to a Benton County addiction treatment center for help today. Our professional team at EagleCrest Recovery can guide you through the process with compassion and expertise. Call today: 844-439-7627.
