At Liberty Wellness in Berlin, NJ, Our medical addiction treatment staff provides every client with a full psychiatric evaluation. This evaluation is part of the process of assessing if there are any mental health issues that may be connected with the substance abuse (also known as co-occurring disorders). The clinical team will explore if any medications may be helpful to the individual. The medical professionals at Liberty Wellness can prescribe and perform medication monitoring on a regular basis. Our program also offers Vivitrol and encourages clients to utilize this treatment as needed. Additionally, each person will be assessed for any physical health or medical problems. Medical treatment or appropriate referrals will be given depending on the severity of any medical conditions.
Detox in Medical Addiction Treatment
A detox is initially performed to cleanse the clients system of all substances. Detox is typically done for clients who are addicted to opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines, and other types of drugs. This whole process will restore the clients system to a healthier state and allows them to start other treatments. Detox also helps clients get through withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Pain and discomfort
While we do not offer detox at Liberty Wellness, we refer out to a number of professional detox facilities.
How Medications Help With Addiction Treatment
Medications can make it easier for recovering addicts to stay sober. Many times people that are trying to give up drugs or alcohol relapse because they aren’t able to cope with the withdrawals. Medications can be prescribed as part of an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Doctors are able to adjust the dosages during the course of the treatment to make sure that the addict has the best chance of achieving sobriety and ending the cycle of substance abuse.
We Accept Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Clients
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs use medication and therapy to treat substance use disorders, sustain recovery, and prevent overdose and relapse. MAT programs are primarily used to treat addiction for opioids such as heroin and prescription drugs, but can also be used to treat alcohol and other addictions. MAT programs have been shown to improve patient survival, treatment retention, and ability to maintain employment. Medications used in MAT programs are approved by the FDA and include, but are not limited to:
- Suboxone
- Subutex
- Zubsolv
- Probuphine
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Methadone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
While Liberty Wellness is not an MAT program, we do accept clients on Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT), including clients on medications such as suboxone. Contact us today to learn more about the MAT clients we accept.
How Are Medications Used In Drug Addiction Treatments?
Medications can be used to help clients to prevent relapse, or deal with the harsh withdrawal symptoms they may experience. Clients who do not receive any further treatment after detoxing are more likely to resume using drugs or alcohol. Medications are also used to help prevent relapse by helping to re-establish normal brain function and reduce cravings. Medications are available for treatment of opioids, alcohol, and more.
Types of Medications Commonly Used For Addiction Treatment
There are many different medications used to treat the various types of withdrawal symptoms. At Liberty Wellness, we offer individualized treatment plans to give our clients the best possible treatment for their specific addiction and substance abuse issues. Some of the medications that doctors prescribe for addiction treatment are:
- Benzodiazepines: These drugs reduce anxiety and irritability in those suffering from addiction withdrawal. They typically treat alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal, and they can be used in detox under medical supervision. Benzo’s connect with neurotransmitters in the brain to create a feeling of calmness. They severely reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as pain, irritability, vomiting, and headaches. This typically makes the withdrawal process less uncomfortable for the client. Benzo’s can be extremely addictive if abused or taken improperly.
- Clonidine: This is used to treat clients that are addicted to opioids, alcohol, and sometimes stimulants. Clonidine is prescribed in a patch or pills and can reduce the signs of withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anger, anxiety, cravings, depression, fever, headaches, and more.
- Methadone: Methadone is a popular medication used to treat patients with opioid addictions including heroin. Methadone works as a pain reliever and as a maintenance treatment for addiction that can either be used in the long term or short term during detox. It can prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for people with opioid use disorder by blocking euphoric feelings. Methadone helps clients remain in treatment and makes withdrawal symptoms less uncomfortable.
- Suboxone: Suboxone is also used to treat opioid addiction. It contains naloxone and buprenorphine which are both used to block any euphoric feelings caused from taking opioids. Any uncomfortable symptoms that are typically experienced during opioid withdrawal are prevented. As with any other drug, if abused or taken improperly suboxone can be highly addictive. Generally, doctors taper down suboxone use until the client is fully detoxed.
Is It Dangerous to Take Medication for Addiction Treatment?
Many people have a misconception that taking medication for addiction treatment is simply replacing one drug for another. This is not the case. When used as directed by a doctor, medication is a healthy and effective way to treat addiction for opioids, alcohol, and other substances. At Liberty Wellness, our clinical team of medical professionals can prescribe the appropriate medications for your addiction, and perform medication monitoring to ensure that it is being taken safely.
Our New Jersey Medical Addiction Treatment Professionals Can Help You on Your Road to Addiction Recovery
At Liberty Wellness in Berlin, NJ, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the right medical treatment options to fit their needs. We have dedicated addiction professionals that assess each individual to ensure they are provided with the best medical treatment for them. Don’t wait to take the first steps towards a more fulfilling life, call or contact us now to schedule a confidential, personal tour and consultation. Start your road to recovery today.
