When it comes to treating addiction and mental health, there are many approaches. There is no one guaranteed way of treating dual disorders and depending on your circumstances you will determine your needs. You can incorporate therapy with outpatient/inpatient treatment, therapy alone, therapy, outpatient/inpatient, medication management and so many other combinations. Today we discuss how adding in medication management can benefit your ongoing recovery.
When we discuss medication management we are talking about Suboxone, Methadone, Naltrexone, Vivitrol, Antabuse and more. These medications each serve a different purpose, but can be added to your plan of recovery as one more piece to your treatment. Suboxone and Methadone are typically used orally and can be prescribed as a daily dosing in an outpatient center or take home prescriptions. Vivitrol is given in a shot form that lasts up to 30 days and is not abuseable in any way. Antabuse must be taken regularly in order to provide the needed effect when the user goes to drink.
These medications are not “cures” or quick fixes to treating substance abuse and mental health however. Often people believe that by using medication management that it enough. This could not be further from the truth. Medication is used to treat your symptoms, but it still does not fix the underlying cause of your addiction and mental health concerns. Medication will be used in conjunction with other treatment methods to provide you with a personalized and well-rounded plan for recovery. These medications will be closely monitored by a physical or prescriber to ensure you are on a correct dose and it is benefitting you.
By also working a plan of recovery that includes therapy and medication for mental health as needed along with treatment for your addiction, you will have a plan for longstanding recovery. Once again, it is important to recognize that the medications won’t “fix” anything. You must still do the work to gain the rewards and this will include ongoing recovery maintenance through sober supports, healthy coping skills, doctor, and therapy appointments and so much more.
So often in addiction, we want the immediate gratification answer and recovery does not have one of those. It is going to require ongoing effort, work, time, and patience on your end of things. Medication will only be a bonus to your plan. Remember each of these medications while serving its purpose, is not a standalone solution. Using them as such will only work for so long as their use is typically to stave off cravings and they are used as maintenance medications.