Medical treatment can be very effective in helping people overcome addiction. In fact, it is often the key to successful recovery. However, many people with addiction do not comply with medical treatment. They may refuse to take their medication or may not follow the prescribed course of treatment especially when they lack the understanding how medication works as treatment for addiction. In this article, we will discuss the role of psychiatric medications in improving the overall mental health condition in addiction treatment.
Psychosocial support and medication
Depending on the case of a client, mental health medication plays an important role in overcoming drug and alcohol abuse. But one thing we must all agree when talking about how medication works as treatment for addiction is that pills must not work alone to be highly effective. It must be accompanied with other psychosocial programs to holistically improve one’s mental health. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and other similar programs.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
This is probably the most common type of therapy used in treating addiction. It’s based on the theory that our thoughts can influence our emotions and behaviors.
So, if we can change the way we think, we can also change how we feel and what we do.
Contingency Management
This is another very effective type of therapy, especially when used in combination with medication. It’s based on the principle of positive reinforcement, which means giving someone a reward for doing something we want them to do.
In this case, the reward is usually given in the form of vouchers or prizes, and it can be given for things like staying drug-free, attending therapy sessions, or taking their medication for mental illness as prescribed.
Other psychosocial treatment programs
In addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management, there are a number of other programs that can be used in combination with medication to treat addiction.
These include:
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
All of these, when accompanied by the prescribed medication, can be very effective in helping people overcome addiction and mental illness.
Medication for mental illness
Medication also help treat underlying mental health illness like anxiety, severe depression or bipolar disorder, that may be contributing to a person’s substance abuse. It’s important to note that when prescribed, taking mental illness medications for addiction is a crucial part of the treatment. Mental health medications can help a person with addiction manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, so they can focus on therapy.
How Medication Works As Treatment For Addiction Problems?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. How medication works as treatment for addiction depends on a number of factors, including:
The severity of the addiction
One’s addiction is severe when there is a great deal of physical and psychological dependence on the substance. In this case, medication can be very helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
The substances being abused
Certain substances, like alcohol or benzodiazepines, can cause potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. In these cases, it’s usually necessary taper off use of the substance gradually, under medical supervision.
Any underlying mental health conditions
As we mentioned earlier, many people with addiction also have underlying mental health issues. In these cases, it’s often necessary to treat both the addiction and the mental health condition at the same time. Some of the common mental health condition accompanying addiction are:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Schizophrenia
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions that people with addiction experience. In fact, up to 50% of people with addiction also have a generalized anxiety disorder, and up to 60% have a mood disorder. Psychotropic medications are used to treat depression and other symptoms. Antidepressant medications like selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed.
Bipolar disorder, which is characterized by extreme mood swings, can have mental health medications used to treat as a mood stabilizer such as lithium. People with PTSD may be prescribed medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to help them cope and treat symptoms. To treat schizophrenia, their mental illness can be treated with antipsychotic medications. These can help to reduce hallucinations and delusions.
The presence of other medical conditions
In certain cases, to treat mental illness is not the only one needed by the client. Addiction is accompanied with other physical medical conditions that must not be left untreated. In these cases, prescriptions will not be limited to mental illness medications.
For example, people who inject drugs are at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases. Your addiction specialist shall coordinate and refer you to other doctors prescribing medication used to treat these conditions. Both the physical and mental illness must be treated hand-on-hand.
It’s important to note that not everyone with addiction will need medication to treat mental illness. In some cases, psychosocial treatment programs may be enough. But in other cases, medication can be a lifesaver. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many treatment options available, and with the help of a mental health professional, you can find the one that’s best for you.
What are the most common types of medications used to treat addiction?
There are a number of different types of medications that can be used to treat addiction. The most common include:
- Antabuse (disulfiram)
- Naltrexone
- Vivitrol (naltrexone injection)
- Campral (acamprosate calcium)
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)
- Methadone
These are just a few of the most commonly used medications. Other psychiatric medications may be used depending on the individual case.
What are the side effects of taking medication for addiction?
Like any medication, there can be some side effects associated with taking medications for addiction. The most common include:
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Headaches
– Drowsiness
– Dizziness
– Insomnia
It’s important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects before starting any medication. Realize that not everyone will experience side effects, and that they can often be managed if they do occur.
How can I know if I need medication to treat my addiction?
If you’re struggling with addiction, the best way to find out if medication is right for you is to speak with a mental health professional. Addiction specialists can assess your situation and make recommendations based on what they feel is best.
It’s also important to keep in mind that addiction is a complex disease. In many cases, it’s necessary to treat both the addiction and any underlying mental health illness. This is why it’s so important to seek professional help if you’re struggling with addiction.
Can a person with addiction refuse medical treatment?
Yes, a person with addiction can refuse medical treatment. However, it’s important to understand that addiction is a disease, and like any other disease, it can be very difficult to overcome without treatment. Before you decide to refuse a treatment plan, consider the impact that it can make to your quality of life. If you, for some reason, do not feel comfortable to the plan presented to you, speak to a professional about your options.
How common is noncompliance with medical treatment?
It’s estimated that about 50% of people with addiction will not comply with their treatment plan. This is one of the biggest challenges in treating addiction.
There are a number of reasons why people may not comply with treatment, including:
– Fear of side effects
– Denial of the problem
– Lack of understanding of the importance of treatment
– Cost of treatment
To treat the mental illness effectively, the client must be able to understand how medication works as treatment for addiction along with the therapy cut out for him/her. It’s important to work with an addiction specialist to find a treatment plan that is well suited for the specific mental illness and social condition of the client.
Where to seek for help for addiction and mental illness?
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many treatment options available, and with the help of a professional, you can find the one that’s best for you.
Some places where you can seek help for addiction and mental illness include:
– Local mental health center
– Community health center
– Hospital
– Private mental health provider
– Addiction hotline
– Online resources
The availability of mental illness treatment can be limited depending on the region, but they are becoming more accessible day by day. Don’t wait to get help. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of recovery. There is no shame in asking for help to treat mental illness. It can make a huge difference in your life.
Conclusion
Medication, accompanied by the appropriate psychosocial program, can be an important part of addiction treatment. It can help to manage symptoms and cravings, and it can also help to treat depression and other underlying mental health conditions.
When the client truly understands how medication works as treatment for addiction, they are more likely to stick to it as part of the overall addiction recovery program. There is no shame in taking psychiatric medications. Prioritize yourself, and get the help you need and deserve.
