Medication Management and Its Role in Treating Addiction

Frequently, those who have addictions to drugs and alcohol also have mental health conditions that need to be treated with medications. Victory Recovery Partners is unique in that we offer total treatment (psychiatric, wellness, MAT, and behavioral health services) under one roof – including medication management. For our patients to fully recover and overcome their addictions, we must ensure that their medications are being managed properly.  

Medication management is used to ensure that patients are only taking medications that they need, while also making sure the patients are receiving doses that are best suited to helping them progress and maintain their health. In addition to this, new medications are commonly being offered, so it is important to see if these new medications could be a better fit for the patient rather than the medications they are currently taking. These newer medications that are continually being introduced and developed may be safer and more effective than the current medications the patient is taking.  

Many of our patients who are battling substance use disorder have co-occurring disorders that require treatment via medications. This includes Hepatitis, hypertension, HIV, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain conditions, and anxiety and depression. These conditions generally require medications to help treat them – we ensure that our patients inform their providers of all medicines they are taking.  

Our providers recognize that the side effects of the medications used to treat co-occurring disorders may negatively impact one’s recovery from their addiction. Therefore, our providers will frequently assess the patients to observe their progress in both their treatment of addiction and the co-occurring disorders.  

In addition to the health conditions listed above, our patients often suffer from mood or psychiatric disorders. For example, a patient may be suffering with bipolar disorder and needs to take mood stabilizers or anti-psychotic medications. Our providers, such as psychiatrists, are educated in this area of mental health – they can provide these medications to patients and monitor the patients’ progress.  

It is important to note that while the above information refers to medications for co-occurring disorders, our patients are frequently treated with Medication-Assisted Treatment services specifically for their substance abuse disorders. For example, one common medication that is prescribed to our patients is Suboxone. Suboxone is an opioid antagonist – this means that it negates the effects of opioids while reducing withdrawal symptoms. Our providers are experienced in understanding how a medication such as Suboxone can react with the medications that are used to treat a co-occurring disorder. While some co-occurring disorders may be permanent, the substance use disorders can possibly resolve over time. If the provider notices that you have been stable for an extended period of time, the provider can use their judgement to see if your substance use medication doses can be reduced or eliminated entirely.  

Victory Recovery Partners is a network of five addiction and recovery centers on Long Island, New York. We are unique in that we offer total treatment under one roof – this includes behavioral health, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric, and wellness services. For these treatments to be effective, patients must take their medications as prescribed, and follow all instructions given to them by their providers. For more information on Victory, please visit our website www.victoryrp.com