Individuals seeking to recover from substance abuse problems may not consider the importance or value of a medication therapy management program as part of their recovery plan. Addiction poses significant challenges, and chemical dependency can be among the most difficult. Alcohol and opioids can have devastating withdrawal symptoms. Users attempting to quit on their own inevitably relapse. Once they experience these symptoms, they will feel the uncontrollable desire to use the substance again to alleviate them. Addictions to prescription drugs are just as complicated, dangerous, and difficult to treat. Mental health issues further compound these challenges.
A medication-managed recovery, however, can help those struggling to manage mental health conditions and addiction recovery. They can complete their detox and control their symptoms. Those in recovery will have much less temptation to use and a lower risk of relapse. This treatment modality does not replace therapy or 12-step programs but rather works alongside them so that you can get the most benefits from them during your recovery stay. If your intake assessment determines that you will benefit from a program that includes medication-managed treatment, your therapists and counselors will educate you about prescriptions you need to use. Our team will continually monitor your progress with the goal of stopping the medications as soon as you no longer need them.
When Is Medication Management Needed?
Medication management is an often overlooked aspect of treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. It can be instrumental in helping individuals break their dependency and stay sober. An individuals’ course of treatment may include a medication management protocol:
To assist with detox and prevent relapse in opioid or alcohol dependencies
Manage symptoms of a co-occurring mental health diagnosis, if present
Manage symptoms of a dependency where multiple drugs are involved
Reduce the risk of infection associated with intravenous drugs
A detailed intake and assessment process will determine which clients will benefit from medication-managed treatment. Additionally, we will take many factors into consideration, including one’s personality, personal history, substance abuse pattern, the presence of mental health symptoms, and severity of the substance abuse problem. Counselors will administer the medications when appropriate and help empower their clients by educating them about the role of medications in their recovery and how to take medications outside of treatment safely if necessary.
What Are the Benefits of a Medication Therapy Management Program?
A medication therapy management program is another way to help recovering individuals comfortably end their dependency and sustain their recovery. Doctors’ prescribed medications can help ease the symptoms associated with the client’s substance use, helping them detox. As the symptoms of withdrawal lessen, the dosage and frequency of the prescribed medications can decrease. As a result, the individual, with the assistance of therapy and counseling, can live an entirely drug-free life in most cases.
Each client is different, however. In some cases, ongoing prescribed medications may help reduce the likelihood of relapse after treatment. For example, medications may be necessary to manage an ongoing mental health diagnosis that could produce symptoms that could lead to a relapse if left untreated. While a medication therapy management program may take different forms, a program that includes this treatment modality can significantly enhance your results.
Substance abuse, however, cannot be managed through the use of other drugs alone. A medication therapy management program can work in combination with a range of therapeutic options in each of our substance use programs, including:
When you’re in our programs, we address the underlying psychological needs which have lead to and sustained the client’s substance abuse disorder. Further, we monitor and adjust all aspects of an individual’s course of treatment accordingly. This ensures effectiveness, a role performed by qualified counselors experienced in substance abuse treatment. The ultimate goal of rehab is to help clients achieve a level of self-confidence. This allows them to manage their own care independently in the long-term.
Seek Treatment at Bayview Recovery
A quality rehab program will offer you a comprehensive array of treatment modalities to ensure that all your recovery needs are met during your stay and that you receive the care you need once treatment ends. Bayview Recovery’s continuum of care, which begins with a detailed intake process, clearly identifies your needs and builds an individualized course of treatment around them, ensuring that your treatment matches your personality and lifestyle for the highest likelihood of success.
In addition to a medication therapy management program, Bayview Recovery’s rehab program includes:
Find out more about all your treatment options today by calling Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 and speaking with one of our friendly, helpful addiction recovery specialists. This call can be the beginning of your new healthy and sober life.
Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly. In addition, he regularly participates in all-staff debriefing sessions involving peers, nurses, and other prescribers. He also reviews and advises on policies, procedures, and techniques for treating substance use disorder.
they experience these symptoms, they will feel the uncontrollable desire to use the substance again to alleviate them. Addictions to prescription drugs are just as complicated, dangerous, and difficult to treat. Mental health issues further compound these challenges.