Once someone starts using drugs, it can alter the chemistry in their brain. The mind adapts to the chemicals and develops a dependence. When someone decides to become sober, treatment programs can help through medication management services and other addiction treatment therapy.
Why Are Medication Management Services Needed?
Drugs like opioids work by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. This means that they can block feelings of pain and lower anxiety. At the same time, the drugs affect feelings of pleasure, memory creation, and motivation. Alcohol and other drugs work using similar mechanisms.
If someone stops using drugs or alcohol, the brain struggles to adapt. They have a physical dependence on those chemicals. When the individual stops using these chemicals, they experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can cause life-threatening side effects.
Medication management services help teens and young adults safely stop using drugs. These medications help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some of the medications can also help individuals prevent relapse.
What Are Medication Management Services?
Addiction treatment programs use medication management services during detox. These medications help to improve treatment outcomes and encourage a sustained recovery. They work to stabilize symptoms, provide intensive care for acute problems, and manage the individual’s recovery.
Treatment centers tend to use medication management services for detox. However, it can be helpful during other aspects of treatment. Research shows that these services offer significant benefits for teens and young adults. By getting help, teens and young adults increase the chances that they can maintain a stable, long-lasting recovery.
Going Beyond Medication Management
It takes more than just medication management to treat an addiction. Individuals need help through a range of services. Many rehabs offer support through options like individual, group, and family counseling.
Research shows that teens and young adults have longer recoveries when they have a sober social network. Being around friends and loved ones in a sober environment gives the individual the support they need to remain clean. Sometimes, the individual has to leave their current environment to avoid the triggers and situations that lead to a relapse.
Many rehab centers also help recovery through dual diagnosis treatment. Often, individuals use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate for a mental disorder, trauma or other co-occurring illness.
When the individual quits using drugs, they still have a mental disorder. They suddenly have to deal with the symptoms of their other disorder alone. Without the right care and coping mechanisms, they may end up relapsing.
With dual diagnosis treatment, the rehab helps individuals get the medical care and therapy options they need. They treat the individual holistically for the co-occurring illness and the addiction. This ensures that the young adult has the right tools to manage their mental disorder without feeling the need to use again.
Discovering the Best Treatment Program
Watching a loved one experience addiction is devastating. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available. From dual diagnosis treatment to group therapy, these rehabs offer the range of services. These programs help people start their recovery.
Depending on the addiction treatment center, individuals can find programs such as:
- Intensive outpatient programs and outpatient rehab
- Teen-specific settings
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Early intervention
- Strong family involvement and family therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Individual, group and relationship therapy
When someone has an addiction, it takes over all aspects of their life. It feels impossible to enjoy normal activities. Many people want to become sober, but they are uncertain about where to go.
If you or a loved one has an addiction, Zelus Recovery can help. Call us today at 208.518.0797 to start your journey toward a sober, healthy lifestyle.
