Using medication to treat addiction can be effective in treating substance use disorders. The benefits of medication management are evident in the number of people who begin an addiction treatment program and complete it successfully. Those with an addiction can enroll in a program that includes medication, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapies to create a more effective recovery experience.
At Outreach Recovery, we help people along the East Coast who struggle with addiction heal so they can thrive. To see if our medication management program is right for you, call 888.897.9284 today.
Why Is Medication Management Important?
A medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of addiction treatment program that uses medication to ease addiction withdrawals and cravings. Originally, it was used to treat opioid use disorders, but now it has many benefits for all types of addiction.
Using medication to treat addiction is acceptable in many treatment centers. Each patient goes on a tailored MAT program where a medical technician administers medication based on their treatment program. They will monitor each patient’s progress and begin to taper off the medication when it is no longer necessary.
There are specific medications for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Here is a list of the types of medication available and what they are used for:
- Alcohol use disorder – Acamprosate, Disulfiram, and Naltrexone
- Opioid use disorder – Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone injection
- Tobacco use disorder – Buprophin. Nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline
Medication management benefits include easing addiction withdrawals and cravings for as long as they are on the medication. It can also ease depressive and anxiety symptoms that may be triggering their cravings.
Outreach Recovery is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes people from the East Coast with a substance use disorder. We will discuss the medication management benefits with you, along with answering any questions you have about the types of medication and treatment programs used.
3 Benefits of Medication Management
The benefits of medication management can help reduce withdrawals and cravings for most types of addictive substances. If this is your first time enrolling in a medication management program, here are three benefits of medication management:
Addiction Education
Patients learn all about addiction and what is involved in the process. Therapists will teach patients about how addiction can change a person’s behaviors and what it will take to recover. They will go over all aspects of the recovery program, including medication and therapies used.
Reduces Side Effects
The benefits of a medication management program include easing addiction withdrawals and cravings for more alcohol or drugs. The common side effects of addiction include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Depression and anxiety
- Muscle aches and pains
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Delerium tremens
- Psychosis
Remember, the side effects and severity of each will vary from person to person. Therapists are available to help patients work through these adverse effects.
Appropriate Monitoring
In a medication management program, medical technicians or therapists will monitor each patient’s progress regularly. They will start the medication at a lower dose and increase as needed until they find the right dosage that works for the patient. Once they find it, they will continue to monitor its effectiveness and slowly taper off when appropriate.
Reach Out to Outreach Recovery Today for Our Medication Management Program
At Outreach Recovery, we welcome people from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to heroin, cocaine, meth, or other addictive substances. Our medication management program looks at all potential side effects, monitors patient reactions, and can be adapted to meet all levels of addiction.
To discover the benefits of a medication management program, send us a message online or call 888.897.9284 today to speak with our compassionate team.