Why Medication Management Matters

Medication management is all about keeping track of which medications are being utilized, how those medications will affect the body, and what possible side-effects or drug interactions these medications may create. It is the strategy for engaging with both clients and caregivers to create a complete and accurate medication outline, which can help to address any medication issues or track progress using specific medications over a period of time. In regards to addiction treatment, medication management is a critical aspect of safely and effectively transitioning off of a dangerous substance, while still addressing co-occurring conditions or disorders. Medication management is a fundamental element in overall healthcare, and Palm Partners Recovery Center provides comprehensive resources for each client’s specific needs.

It is important that medical professionals work with clients to ensure that their medications are not going to be ineffective, counterproductive or even harmful. This means making a thorough assessment before beginning any new medications, speaking with each patient about their personal medical history, and evaluating and current medications, treatments or health conditions.

Detoxification and Withdrawal

With prolonged drug and alcohol abuse comes the development of physical and mental dependence on substances. Depending on the substance itself, the body will reduce the production of certain chemicals naturally to adapt to the chemicals introduced into the body through drugs or alcohol. Over time, the body and brain will adapt to the presence of these artificial chemicals, and eventually, the body will cease to be able to function even close to normal without the drug. This dependence can lead to serious health risks, including withdrawal symptoms when someone who is addicted tries to stop abruptly.

This is where medical detox comes in. Due to the severity or many withdrawal symptoms, both mental and physical, it is always recommended that someone with substance use disorder seek professional help when discontinuing drug use. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms range from uncomfortable to overwhelming and painful. With certain substances, including alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can even be life-threatening. Medical detox programs are meant to make this process safe and comfortable by offering support resources and medical monitoring. Part of this support is detoxification medications.

Some medications are designed specifically to treat the unique withdrawal symptoms associated with particular substances. For example, there are a number of medications that were designed to treat opioid withdrawals. Other medications are more general, and are commonly used to treat certain side-effects, such as anxiety and depression, muscle spasms or insomnia. Either way, if medical detox is going to be safe and effective, medication management is involved in making sure that these medications are the best course of treatment available for the patient.

Managing Recovery with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

As support continues to grow for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a better understanding of the medical and mental health aspects of addiction has become a priority. Drugs like Suboxone or Methadone are popular tools in the fight against more illicit and dangerous substances like heroin or fentanyl. Overall, MAT programs are a strategy that can help with the preservation of life by helping people stay off more unpredictable and life-threatening substances.

While MAT drugs are a useful resource for helping keep people off of illicit and lethal chemicals, medication management is also essential to ensuring MAT programs are conducted safely. Not all MAT drugs are safe for everyone, and it is important to know how these drugs may interact with the individual or with other medications. Suboxone may be extremely beneficial to someone trying to get off heroin, but it is still a controlled substance that can cause a lot of damage if combined with the wrong drugs.

Meanwhile, it is important to remember that MAT is typically only effective with comprehensive therapy and other forms of support. Experts and advocates for addiction recovery, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), insist that maintenance medications alone are not sufficient enough treatment.

Experience Medical Intervention

Part of the reason Palm Partners Recovery Center promotes medication management is because we know that substance use disorder is a healthcare issue. When we are dealing with something so serious and so complex, it is important to understand the very real medical implications behind these conditions. Many people who struggle with addiction have other co-occurring conditions, and many of these conditions require some form of prescription medication.

In some cases, these are for physical ailments, such as chronic pain issues or liver and kidney problems. Other times, these prescription medications may be meant to address mental health disorders such as major depressive disorders. Either way, experienced medical personnel are critical to keeping the patient safe. Having someone who is able to evaluate the individual’s specific health needs, their pre-existing prescriptions and co-occurring conditions makes the clinical and medical staff better equipped to properly diagnose and treat withdrawals and other symptoms without causing a harmful drug interaction.

Not only that, but medication management also means experienced professionals will monitor you progress and gauge the efficiency of your treatment. This means that if a particular medication is proving to be especially beneficial to your overall health and recovery, they can take note and measure the effects. Tracking the usefulness of medications can also clue in professionals as to what other methods of treatment outside medication might be more effective.

Get Information about Your Medications

If you are seeking help with substance abuse and addiction treatment, make sure to get information on any medications you may be taking and ask about the possible interactions with other detox medications. It is best to try and get a thorough understanding of what your treatment options are, and what is going to be the safest and most effective plan of recovery. Speak with your physician or with a healthcare professional about any issues or questions you may have concerning your prescriptions. Palm Partners has an experienced and knowledgeable medical staff that is ready to help make your transformation as safe and comfortable as possible.