MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IS FUNDAMENTAL
There isn’t much conversation going on about helping rehab program participants to deal with their medication needs. However, when you’re treating someone who visits a residential and inpatient treatment program because of a prescription drug problem, wouldn’t it make sense? If addiction specialists do nothing, there’s a high relapse potential. For this reason, proactive medication management is a good strategy.
However, not too many facilities offer it. For starters, it requires the presence of medical professionals who understand the chemical intricacies of the drugs. Secondly, there’s a need for program-participant-centered communication. Now isn’t the time for printed handouts and glossy brochures.
Medical experts must ensure that each person they work with understands options, alternatives, and contraindications. Facilitating this level of service doesn’t have to be difficult. Clinical directors, medical directors, counselors, and licensed therapists work together to create channels of communication. Good-quality substance use treatment centers offer medication management assistance as part of their educational programs.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEED (AND THE OBSTACLES)
Patients in residential treatment, for example, usually have a lot on their minds. They are worried about how they will pay for their stay, what will happen when they leave, and whether or not they will be able to stay sober. They may also be dealing with unemployment, relationship stressors, and trauma. All of these factors can lead to relapse if not properly managed.
For many people in treatment, medications can be a helpful part of their recovery. Whether it’s to manage withdrawal symptoms, treat a mental health disorder, or help with pain management, the right medication can make all the difference.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of stigma around taking medication for addiction. People in recovery are often afraid to take medications because they worry that it means they are not really sober. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is when people in recovery take medications to help with their recovery. This can include medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications are all FDA-approved and have been shown to be safe and effective in treating addiction.
EFFECTIVE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT AND ADDICTION TREATMENT
Next, there’s a discussion about your chemical dependency. If it involves a prescription drug, it’s vital to find out what condition you’re struggling with. Case in point is the opioid user who has a pain management problem. Frequently, it’s possible to find alternative means of handling the pain impulses.
Another facet of the medication management plan is the use of prescription medications to assist with rehab. Depending on the drug you’re recovering from, you may benefit from pharmacological support. Likewise, if you’re using medications for other physiological conditions, it’s vital for a therapist or counselor to connect with your physician. Doing so prevents problems with substances that don’t work well together.
BENEFITS OF MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT
If you’re interested in a more affordable way to treat substance use disorder, one of the medication therapy management benefits is a lower overall cost. MTM puts extra emphasis on finding the right medications and eliminating those that are unnecessary or create potential complications. Medications for mental health disorders and addiction treatment can be rather expensive, so choosing only those that serve a genuine purpose for recovery and symptom management will limit the out-of-pocket expenses. This benefit is especially important for those who don’t have insurance and will be paying cash for treatment.
2. Fewer hospital stays and doctor visits
Substance use disorder is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. It can sometimes be challenging to take care of your health and treatment on top of all your other responsibilities. Another benefit of medication therapy management is fewer medical visits due to reduced complications caused by medication. By paying close attention to your medication, your treatment team and pharmacist can help keep you safer and healthier, reducing the need to go to the emergency room or your physician for complications.
3. Reduced side effects
Another of the primary benefits of MTM is fewer side effects. If you are receiving treatment for substance use disorder or mental health, medication therapy management can help minimize side effects that commonly occur with medications used to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder.
4. Greater efficiency
When more care is put into carefully monitoring and adjusting medications as needed, there will be less time spent managing complications caused by incompatible or ineffective medications. You can start feeling better faster without wasting time going back and forth to the doctor due to side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and relapses.
5. Improved program retention
Medication therapy management provides you with additional support for your medication regimen to ensure that you follow through on your physician’s orders and that your prescriptions are not causing you additional problems. Having access to this additional layer of support can help reduce the risk of relapse by giving the medication a chance to work at helping manage your symptoms. When you have a team of professionals working together to get your medication right and minimize your discomfort, you are more likely to stick with treatment.
DEALING WITH MEDICATIONS IS PART OF OUR REHAB REGIMEN IN ORLANDO
Getting sober starts with detox at a partner facility, followed by comprehensive addiction treatment programs. At Crestview Recovery, modalities might include:
- Gender-specific treatment that provides a safe haven where you feel comfortable opening up and sharing your experiences
- Confidential psychotherapy, which opens the door to self-discovery and the ability to make desirable changes
- Group therapy sessions to develop relapse prevention strategies and allow for educational meetings
- Family therapy that helps to build a strong support network during rehab (with an eye on discharge in the future)
- Holistic treatments such as meditation and yoga, which can benefit individuals who abused substances for stress control
- Dual diagnosis treatment that benefits people with underlying mental health problems
- Trauma therapy, which is vital for participants who struggle with unresolved issues from the past
Experts prioritize educating you about medical issues related to the drugs you’ve used and the medications you need. Doing so empowers you to take on an active role in recovery. As a result, you take ownership of the process, which is an aspect of the 12 step program many participants favor. As you can see, managing medications is a treatment that’s an integral part of healing.
Find out more about your options. The friendly addiction specialists at Crestview Recovery want to help. Call (866)262-0531 now for immediate assistance.
