Coming Off Prescribed Psychotropic Medications: Insights from Their Use as Recreational Drugs
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics January 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1159/000507897 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractComing off prescribed psychotropic medications can be difficult, and insights from how these drugs are used recreationally may help understand withdrawal and dependence. The article draws on evidence from recreational use to explore the pharmacological and psychological factors that make discontinuing medications like antidepressants and benzodiazepines challenging. It suggests that the reinforcing properties and withdrawal symptoms seen in recreational contexts parallel those experienced by patients, and that understanding these mechanisms could improve clinical strategies for tapering and discontinuation. The author argues that recognizing the potential for dependence and tailoring withdrawal protocols accordingly may reduce relapse and improve outcomes for patients.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Recreational drug Psychiatry Psychology Psychotropic drug Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 19 |
| Key finding | Recreational use of prescribed psychotropic medications provides insights into the mechanisms of dependence and withdrawal that can inform clinical strategies for discontinuation. |
Abstract
© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel. This is the peer-reviewed but unedited manuscript version of the following article: Schifano F: Coming Off Prescribed Psychotropic Medications: Insights from Their Use as Recreational Drugs. Psychother Psychosom 2020;89:274-282. DOI: 10.1159/000361001. The final, published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1159/000507897.