Seroquel Abuse Signs and Symptoms

Seroquel abuse occurs with the misuse of Seroquel, an atypical antipsychotic medicine accredited by Food and Drug Administration of the US to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Despite the precautions, there is proof that the drug is being used off-label. Seroquel abuse is one of the most common abuse of atypical antipsychotics, according to many reports. Abuse can lead to an addiction, which necessitates rehab treatment and therapy.

Over a year, physicians in the United States wrote more than 54 million prescriptions for antipsychotics such as Seroquel, IMS Health states. This has thereby led to the Seroquel abuse.

This drug’s base chemical is a fumaric acid salt. It works by affecting serotonin levels and dopamine in the brain, both of which are feel-good chemicals. Increasing these chemicals reduces the risk of depressive episodes and mood changes in the affected individual. the effect the drugs have makes it easy for Seroquel abuse.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 13.6 million Americans have a severe mental illness such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder leading to the need of Seroquel which progresses to Seroquel abuse . Seroquel was first sold in the United States in 1997 and is now used in nearly 70 countries around the world, according to Neuropsychiatry Disease and Treatment.

Seroquel abuse is most prevalent in people who have a history of multi-substance abuse. Some clinical studies show that prisoners who may be prescribed Seroquel since possessing controlled drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines is impossible in such settings.

Various Reasons Why Seroquel Abuse Happens

While it may seem to be an unusual option for substance addiction, many addicts actually seek out the calming and hallucinogenic effects. Many people who get involved in Seroquel abuse are suffering from anxiety or other mood disorders, and they use the medication to self-medicate in order to feel better.

Helpguide states that half of Americans who suffer from the serious mental illnesses Seroquel is used to treat are also drug abusers. A lot of people are unfortunately unaware of their condition and end up trapped in a cycle of drug or alcohol abuse as a way of coping with the hand life has dealt them. Many others get involved in Seroquel abuse after receiving it as a prescription to treat an off-label infection or ailment. According to The New York Times, antipsychotic medications were written for 21.3 percent of patients seeking medical treatment for an anxiety disorder in 2007, up 10.6 percent from 1996.

The Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology tried to determine whether the drug could lead to physical and psychological dependency. Their results indicate that quetiapine has an effect on the neural processes that are linked to the risk of violence. According to the researchers, it also can contribute to psychological dependency and Seroquel abuse.

Since it comes in an easy-to-abuse format, Seroquel abuse becomes a possibility. The pill may be swallowed whole or crushed and snorted as a powder. The medication causes an intense dopamine rush when snorted or administered intravenously, leading to addiction.

Patients with mental/mood disorders benefit from this class of medications because they help restore certain neurotransmitters’ balance in the brain.

The following are Some of the Positive Effects:

• Hallucinations become less frequent.
• Enhancing positive thinking by improving focus
• Nervousness reduction
• Rising levels of physical activity in daily life
• Sleep, appetite, and energy levels will all be enhanced.
• Preventing or reducing the number of severe mood swings

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The Effects of Seroquel Abuse

On the highway, Seroquel is known as Susie Q, Squirrel, Quell, and baby heroin, and many people who misuse it crush and inhale it. Others will mix Seroquel with water and administer it intravenously in the process of Seroquel abuse. This increases the likelihood of Seroquel abuse. In these situations, the risk of overdosing is often higher.

When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AstraZeneca’s extended-release version of the product in 2007, it was hoped that this would prevent Seroquel abuse. The Poison Review looked at 20 cases of quetiapine overdoses (Seroquel’s base) and found that eight had delirium, four had seizures, and four had heart dysrhythmias (one of whom died as a result).

Even when taken as prescribed, Seroquel abuse has been linked to the development of diabetes in some users. According to CBS News, 15,000 people died due to this between 2000 and 2008. These individuals went on to file a lawsuit against the company, claiming that 2.4 percent of those who began the medication with normal blood sugar levels developed diabetes within a year.

Demographics of Seroquel Abuse

Seroquel has a sizable following among drug abusers, which can surprise you. The medication has regularly treated many people in correctional facilities with Seroquel abuse. Prison doctors have also used it to relax angry inmates. The prescription is being used to treat even juvenile prisoners. As seen by the Palm Beach Post, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice bought more Seroquel than ibuprofen in 2007. Military personnel can also be heavily medicated with medications such as Seroquel. According to NBC News, as the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia have risen, doctors have increased Seroquel prescriptions by nearly 700 percent between 2001 and 2015, raising military spending on the medication by almost 700 percent which then leads to Seroquel Abuse. The American Conservative points out that the military has a high rate of opioid abuse, with 25% to 35% of US Army soldiers suffering from addiction in 2011.

One study of 429 people in care at a New York facility was published in Medscape. Seventeen percent admitted to combining alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, meth, or opioids with a prescription atypical antipsychotic drug. Furthermore, 84.9 percent of antipsychotic abusers have abused quetiapine, getting themselves involved in Seroquel abuse.

Red Flags for Seroquel Abuse 

If you perceive that you may be addicted to Seroquel, keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

• Seroquel has built up resistance in you, requiring you to take more of the medication to achieve the same result.
• You’ve been taking Seroquel, and if you don’t, you’ll have withdrawal symptoms.
• You can’t stop worrying about the medication or deciding to use it.
• Even if the substance addiction has only resulted in negative consequences, you are unable to quit.
• You used to socialize with your friends and relatives, but now you prefer to be alone and use the drug.
• You may have set a deadline to stop or begun reducing your usage, but you keep failing to meet your objectives.

Comprehensive Treatment of Seroquel Abuse

Some Seroquel abusers will combine the drug with more active drugs, such as cocaine, to create a “Q-ball” concoction. Polydrug addiction also necessitates a more involved detox and recovery plan. If you want to see a positive investment in the time, effort, and money you have dedicated to the treatment process, you must be honest during your admissions interview at a rehab center.

Detox is the first and most important step in moving forward from your addiction to Seroquel. You will make this phase more bearable for yourself by using medications and complementary interventions.

When a person who engages in Seroquel abuse stops using the medication, they will experience various withdrawal symptoms. This is known as the detox time, and it can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Medical detox at a recovery facility is recommended because withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, dangerous, and even life-threatening. People who visit a medical detox center can safely detox from drugs in a relaxed and secure setting.

Following that, therapy for the issues that contributed to your substance abuse and addiction in the first place might be the best option. People involved in Seroquel abuse that seek follow-up treatment within a month after completing detox would take 40 percent longer to relapse, according to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Private therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and support groups may be part of the aftercare package of Seroquel abuse. It may expand to include holistic treatments like acupuncture, fitness activities, yoga, and meditation. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment options allow you to tailor your treatment plan to meet your individual needs. You can customize your care plan to suit your specific needs for both inpatient and outpatient treatment options.

Inpatient treatment for Seroquel abuse will last anywhere between 21 days to several months. It’s a practical recovery choice for people who are suffering from a severe addiction. They will be monitored by a team of medical professionals who are familiar with addiction and the root problems 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Patients can Remain On-Site and Participate in a Variety of Events, Such As:

• Meetings of the 12-step program
• Sessions with a professional on a one-on-one basis
• Sessions in group counseling

Outpatient treatment is designed for patients who have a milder type of Seroquel abuse. It’s even better for patients who live in a secure environment and have other people to look after them. Outpatient treatment is the best choice if the individual needs limited care and have regular commitments that they cannot neglect.

An individual seeking outpatient treatment for Seroquel abuse resides elsewhere but attends on-site sessions at the recovery center. The patient attends 12-step meetings and one-on-one counseling sessions, much like inpatient treatment.

Patients are advised to work with a psychiatrist to create an aftercare plan before leaving inpatient or outpatient treatment of Seroquel abuse. An aftercare plan aims to assist patients in maintaining their sobriety, finding meaning in their lives, and developing positive relationships with themselves, friends, and family.

Call us today on 615-490-9376 if you’re ready to leave this addiction behind and begin living a life of health and balance. We will assist you with managing Seroquel abuse.