Medication Management Treatment San Diego – APEX Rehab
While many patients come to us to break free from drug addiction, they often have been prescribed necessary medications as well. APEX therapists integrate medication management into their treatment protocols. The approach is two-pronged: we monitor medications that a patient takes to confirm he or she is complying with the dosage and regimen, while we also ensure the patient avoids dangerous drug interactions and other complications.
Some addiction treatment centers in San Diego are against treating recovering addicts with medication, but the general industry stance is that this attitude is behind the times. Pharmacy and medicine have come a long way in recent years and properly prescribed drugs can both alleviate the withdrawal process and reduce the cravings during rehabilitation. This is hugely important, because relapse is a high risk for addicts. The less the patient craves the drug, the less likely they are to relapse.
It is crucial, however, that the withdrawal and maintenance medication are administered under the strict supervision of a specialized addiction physician consultant. Addiction can be seen as a chronic disease which makes it extremely difficult for the sufferer to follow the rules regarding the medication without a physician’s constant monitoring. If an individual undergoes rehabilitation and relapses relatively soon by abusing maintenance meds, it is usually the case that they didn’t have anyone to manage their medication throughout the process.
Medication cannot make for a successful treatment on its own. However, it has shown excellent results in conjunction with counseling, psychotherapy and other complementary practices. When the patient isn’t burdened with the physical side of their addiction, they are able to focus better on the mental and emotional side of recovery treatment.
Medications in addiction recovery programs are used to handle withdrawal, maintain abstinence and treat co-occurring mental disorders.
Before they decide to enter a treatment program, addicts are typically afraid of the withdrawal process. A qualified addiction physician consultant will know which medications to use to make this recovery stage safe, controlled and as bearable as possible.
Medication used to prevent relapse is known as maintenance drugs. Sometimes, it is the same medication that was used in the detoxification process, but with the dosage adjusted. Such is the case with Suboxone which is used for treating opioid addiction, like heroin and prescription drugs. Maintenance drugs are vital in many cases because of the brain’s substance-altered chemistry. The recovering addict will find it difficult to function without these meds, because the brain has been rewired through their addictive behavior.
Addicts who are diagnosed with a comorbid mental disorder must take medications for that disorder. The relationship between their mental illness and their addiction is complex, but one thing is for sure – without controlling the disorder, it is quite impossible to stay away from alcohol or drugs.
Medication Management Treatment