There are several different ways to approach a drug or alcohol addiction. Although medication assisted treatment for every addiction isn’t necessary, many clients will benefit from pharmacological support in recovery. Medication assisted treatment can be incredibly helpful, but it varies from one addiction and one client to the next. Learn more about some of the most useful medications for recovery as well as what all clients should know about this pharmacological approach.
Buprenorphine
One of the most common medications used in the treatment of opioid addiction is buprenorphine. This prescription drug contains opiates, but it doesn’t come with the harmful side effects. However, there is potential for abuse, so it is a controlled substance. Buprenorphine is available as a daily tablet, a film that dissolves in the mouth, or even as an implant that releases a small dose daily for six months.
Methadone
Methadone is one of the better-known drugs doctors prescribe for medication assisted treatment. It’s an opioid, which means that it can prevent clients from experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, it does not cause users to feel high.
This means that it is easier to wean people off of dangerous drugs, but methadone can still cause physical dependence. As a result, only clinics or other medical settings offer it. Methadone is the only medication approved for pregnant women, although that does require additional supervision and monitoring.
Naltrexone
Another prescription drug that treats opioid addiction is naltrexone. This drug essentially blocks the effects of narcotic drugs. Drug treatment centers in PA use it because If someone takes naltrexone and then relapses, the drugs they take won’t make them feel high.
Instead, users will feel sick and they might vomit. Although uncomfortable, it discourages continued drug use. It also starts to enforce compliance, making it an easier decision for clients to stay on the right track toward sobriety.
Disulfiram
Anyone who struggles with alcohol addiction and is going through detox might be a candidate for the drug disulfiram. This drug is taken once daily, and it causes users to experience side effects if they ingest alcohol. Once again, this discourages relapse and encourages clients to avoid alcohol.
Acamprosate
Another form of medication used to treat alcohol addiction is acamprosate. This prescription drug is best for clients who are post-detox and are clean of all alcohol for at least five days.
What You Need to Know About Medication Assisted Treatment
Joliet medication assisted treatment can be helpful for all types of clients. However, you can probably tell that medications work best for certain types of addiction. Right now, they are best suited for clients addicted to opioid drugs or alcohol.
Also, medication assisted treatment isn’t something you can do on your own at home. You need medical supervision, and you also need to complement medication with therapies such as:
- Group therapy
- Physical fitness and nutritional support
- Relapse prevention support
- Trauma therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Medication assisted treatment can play a role in your recovery. However, it is just one part of a comprehensive approach to lifelong health and sobriety. Reach out to a qualified addiction treatment center today to start your life anew.