What is the Difference Between Zoloft Dependency Versus Zoloft Addiction?

ByPrimary Researcher

Executive Summary

  • Zoloft is an addictive drug.
  • Zoloft addiction is greatly minimized by pharmaceutical companies and the overall medical establishment.

Introduction

A primary method used by pharmaceutical companies, MDs, and the overall medical establishment is to minimize addiction. This article covers the gaslighting of patients and the public on Zoloft addiction.

What the medical Establishment Says About Zoloft Addiction

Let us review the following quotation from the Recovery Village recovery center on Zoloft addiction.

Though it is very effective, it is also easy to misuse sertraline. It’s important to understand the facts about Zoloft addiction and what steps can be made towards recovery.

Actually, our analysis is that Zoloft is ineffective for treating depression, and its benefit comes from the placebo effect.

Zoloft (Sertraline) Addiction
Approximately 16 million people, including teens and young adults, in the United States misuse prescribed medications. Sertraline is one prescribed product that, regardless of the brand, is commonly used excessively and can become psychologically addictive. About a fifth of individuals prescribed SSRIs like sertraline have had severe withdrawal symptoms when attempting to wean themselves off other medication. This may lead people to want to continue taking the medication, developing a psychological need for it. Symptoms of addiction with Zoloft (sertraline) typically include aggression, anxiety, depression, insomnia and paranoia.

If you suffer from addiction to Zoloft or any other medication, do not be afraid to reach out for help!

What is the problem with this quote?

Well, Recovery Village states that Zoloft addiction only comes from those that abuse Zoloft or use it in a way not prescribed.

This is false. Zoloft, like other depressants, is addictive, even when used as prescribed. This is explained in detail in the article How Antidepressants Produce Addiction Through Altering the Neurotransmition Process. (Subscription required)

Antidepressants and Addiction

It is amusing to see false information about antidepressant addiction published online.

The following from Genesight is a good example of this.

This is listed under myths of antidepressants.

Myth: Antidepressant medication is addictive.

Bradley Gaynes, a psychiatrist at the University of North Carolina, says that he’s often asked by patients whether they can become dependent on an antidepressant drug. He says the concern is understandable: many anxiety, sleep, and pain medications can be habit forming.

But he says patients shouldn’t worry. Antidepressants are not addictive.

“It’s not the case. Antidepressants just aren’t a medication you can physiologically become dependent on,” Gaynes says. “It’s not how they work.”

That is quite interesting. And quite false — but it is also the standard type of thing said by MDs that prescribe antidepressants to patients.