If there were no withdrawal symptoms to worry about, addicts would be far more willing to enter rehab and would experience much more success. Because of the intense pain and discomfort involved in drug or alcohol detox, however, the experience of withdrawal symptoms is one of the biggest challenges individuals in recovery face. What’s more, a powerful craving for drugs can make one’s attempt to recover in rehab especially difficult. Medication-assisted treatment is a technique that allows the doctors at Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches to reduce the discomfort of withdrawals and make the recovery process safer and more comfortable.
Medication-Assisted Therapy Definition
Certain drugs release chemicals into the body that produce endorphins, which then release dopamine. Dopamine is the body’s “pleasure hormone,” and the desire or lack of dopamine in one’s body can often influence one to engage in behaviors that lead to a sensation of reward (“pleasure”), such as substance abuse.
Medication-assisted therapy is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies – like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – to help individuals in drug rehab sustain sobriety. This form of treatment is commonly used to help individuals with alcoholism and opioid use disorders safely cope with withdrawals.
Opioids are known for producing severe and sometimes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are usually severe enough to prevent addicts from getting the help they need and moving forward in recovery.
For this reason, our Banyan Lake Worth rehab wanted to facilitate treatment options and therapies to address withdrawals associated with opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. We also want to increase an individual’s chances of long-term sobriety.
There are three FDA-approved medications used in medically-assisted treatment for addiction: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. All of these treatments have been demonstrated to be safe and effective when used alongside addiction counseling and psychotherapy support. Qualifying patients who seek treatment for substance abuse at our facility are offered access to these options, as this allows our specialists to work with patients to select the most effective treatment plan possible.
Medication-Assisted Treatment For Drug Addiction
If it has been determined that you are a good candidate for medication-assisted therapy, the standard course of treatment includes a medically supervised injection of Vivitrol®, which is the brand-name version of naltrexone. The drug is administered immediately following the initiation of medically-assisted detox and has proven highly effective in the treatment of many other medical conditions.
Major benefits of medication-assisted therapy for substance abuse include:
- Curbing or eliminating intense drug and alcohol cravings that come with withdrawal
- Increasing the retention of treatment in rehab programs
- Increasing levels of involvement and length of participation in rehab
- Reducing the risk of an overdose and relapse
- Relieving pain caused by debilitating withdrawal symptoms
Medication-assisted therapy is not meant to be used over a prolonged period of time, nor is it intended to be the only form of addiction treatment received at our facility. We use medication to ease the detox process and offer activities, spiritual exploration, psychotherapy, and other methods to achieve long-lasting results.
Finding Medication-Assisted Treatment Near Me
If you or a loved one is battling drug or alcohol abuse, Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches is here to help. Our goal is to facilitate a safe, comfortable, and successful recovery both for clients and their close loved ones.
Our Palm Beach county rehab offers addiction treatment in Lake Worth, including substance-specific treatment, psychotherapy, and aftercare services to support long-term sobriety. Contact BHOPB today to learn how you can get started.
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