While it may seem counterintuitive to use prescription medication to treat
drug addiction, medication therapy management is still a proven and important
method when combating chemical dependency. Since drug addiction has many
dimensions and disrupts many aspects of an individual’s body and
brain, medication can be beneficial during different stages of addiction
treatment.
At Tranquility Woods in Maryland, our team of medical professionals thoroughly
assesses the history and current condition of a patient before any medication
is used in treatment. While some medications can help with the effects
of detox and others to reestablish normal brain function, others may be
necessary to manage pain.
Yet these could potentially be addictive for the user. Medication therapy
management helps administer, navigate and plan for the complexities of
medication use during addiction recovery.
Medications for addiction recovery
Medication therapy management can contribute to addiction prevention, treatment,
and recovery in many ways.
Medications for alcohol and drug withdrawal
In some cases, medications are used to comfort patients during detoxification
or protracted withdrawal to assist with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting,
dehydration, anxiety, restlessness, depression, and irritability. Detoxification
from alcohol, opiates, and benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax, and Valium)
can be fatal, so not only do medications help manage these painful withdrawal
symptoms, but can save the life of those going through detox.
Medications for co-occurring disorders
Once the detoxification process has ended, medications might also be necessary
for long-term recovery. Often times, addiction is the result of self-medication
where an addict uses alcohol or a drug to find relief from a mental health
disorder they are struggling with.
In this case, addicts require
Dual Diagnosis treatment in order to address underlying or co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety
disorders, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, PTSD, or personality
disorders.
It’s important that all individuals that enter rehab be screened
by a professional in order to determine whether dual diagnosis is necessary.
It’s imperative that any mental health disorders be treated alongside
the addiction in order to reestablish normal brain function and prevent relapse.
When medications are necessary to treat other conditions
It is sometimes the case that an addict will require prescription medications
to treat chronic pain issues. This can make it difficult for the addict
to gain control over their addictive tendencies because they need to keep
taking potentially addictive drugs and/or also cause them to seek out
other forms of pain relief such as illicit drugs.
In this case, ongoing medication therapy management can help by choosing
medication that offers sufficient treatment for the pain condition, but
will also monitor and control the usage. Other non-drug or
holistic therapies may be beneficial to help manage their condition and help the person maintain
recovery without relapsing or abusing treatment medications.
Comprehensive treatment for addiction
Addiction is a difficult and long recovery that must be made easier through
the use of multiple treatment methods which together address all aspects
of addiction and health. From medication therapy management and family
counseling to meditation and massage therapy, addicts need the right environment
to release their suffering and build up their ability to resist relapse.
Tranquility Woods in Maryland is a luxury rehab center that offers all
this and more to ensure the successful addiction recovery. Call 410-421-7018
and speak with our helpful team today.