Addiction Medicine
Addiction medicine focuses on the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of those with substance use disorders (SUD) or other related health conditions. It encompasses a holistic approach, considering biological, psychological, and social circumstances that often contribute to addiction. Addiction providers prescribe medications to ease the symptoms of detox and aid in lasting recovery.
At Mind Matters, our professional providers can help those struggling with SUD using our whole-person behavioral health approach. Our SUD medication management process includes:
1. Evaluation and Diagnosis Process: Evaluation by a licensed medical provider ensures proper diagnosis and more effective treatment strategies. Many factors determine a diagnosis, including symptoms, medical history, social history, and current health and substance use status. If medication is determined to be part of the treatment plan, the provider will discuss appropriate medications, dosages, and the risks and benefits before prescribing.
In some cases, providers may recommend an outpatient or inpatient detoxification before starting maintenance medications. It’s critical to be honest with your provider about your current use status so they can treat you in the most comfortable way possible. Our providers won't judge you.
2. Medication Selection and Prescribing:
This is an ongoing process as symptoms and medication efficacy can change rapidly or over longer periods of time and must be monitored for ongoing positive outcomes.
3. Integrated Treatment: We offer clients a whole-health approach by including psychiatry services and talk therapy sessions as part of the recovery journey. Research shows that a combination of these services successfully treats substance use disorders and, for some medicines, helps sustain recovery. Medications can also prevent or reduce opioid overdose.
The goal is full recovery, including having the ability to live a self-directed life.
Start Your Journey
Book an appointment online or give us a call to schedule your appointment.
Learn More
Benefits of SUD Medication Management
The benefits of investing in SUD medication management include:
- Reducing Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms: Medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone help stabilize brain chemistry and reduce the intense cravings and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use.
- Increasing Treatment Retention: By alleviating physical discomfort and cravings, medication makes it easier for individuals to participate in counseling and other therapeutic activities, leading to longer and more successful treatment outcomes.
- Decreasing Overdose and Relapse Risks: Medications help reduce the likelihood of overdose by managing withdrawal symptoms while blocking the effects of opioids. They also decrease the risk of relapse by minimizing cravings and allowing individuals to focus on recovery.
- Improving Lifestyle Outcomes: Medication has been shown to improve various lifestyle outcomes, including reducing illicit drug use, decreasing criminal activity, and improving social functioning.
- Enhancing Quality of Life: By addressing addiction's physical and psychological effects, medication may lead to a substantial improvement in a person’s quality of life.
- Experiencing a Comprehensive Approach: Addiction Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is not just about medication. MAT also incorporates counseling and behavioral therapies, addressing addiction's psychological and social aspects.
- Prioritizing Safety and Effectiveness: When used as prescribed under the care of a healthcare professional, medications are safe and effective in managing substance use disorders.
- Addressing Mental Health Conditions: Medication can benefit those struggling with other mental health conditions, as addiction and mental health disorders often co-occur.
- Having Affordable Treatment Plans:
Medication for addiction treatment is often an affordable choice, especially with generic formulations and insurance coverage options.
Myths About Addiction Medication-Assisted Treatment
Our team is here to squash five myths about SUD medication. Let’s explore:
Myth #1: MAT is replacing one addiction with another.
MAT medications are not substitutes but help normalize brain chemistry and reduce cravings, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Myth #2: MAT is only for severe cases.
MAT is helpful for various stages of addiction, and early intervention can prevent escalation and reduce overdose risk.
Myth #3: MAT is a short-term fix.
MAT can be used for short- or long-term plans, and research shows that remaining on MAT with a comprehensive plan increases success rates.
Myth #4: MAT isn't "real" recovery.
MAT addresses the physical aspects of addiction to help achieve recovery goals like stability and regaining control.
Myth #5: MAT medications are dangerous.
FDA-approved and safe under supervision, MAT medications' risks are lower than those of untreated substance use disorders, and MAT can reduce the risk of fatal overdoses.
Medication-assisted treatment is a crucial tool in treating substance use disorders and promoting recovery. Challenging these myths is essential to reduce stigma, improve access to effective treatment, and save lives. Recovery doesn't have to be painful.
Common MAT Medications
BUPRENORPHINE
- Sublocade: Buprenorphine extended-release injection for subcutaneous use, administered monthly.
- Brixadi: Buprenorphine extended-release injection for subcutaneous use, administered weekly or monthly.
Buprenorphine/Naloxone
- Suboxone: Buprenorphine and naloxone, available as a sublingual film and sublingual tablet.
- Zubsolv: Buprenorphine and naloxone are available as a sublingual tablet.
Naltrexone
- Vivitrol: An extended-release naltrexone injection, administered intramuscularly once a month for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
- ReVia: Naltrexone in pill form, administered daily for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder, though the injection form may be more effective for opioid use disorder.
- Depade: Depade is another brand name for naltrexone in pill form.
The Mind Matters Difference
Our providers know that your mind matters, and we can help you harness its power to live a happier, more balanced life. To us, you’re more than just a client file; we don’t have a cookie-cutter approach to recovery. Health is vital for everyone, and our goal is to make treatment accessible, effective, and comfortable.
Find Addiction Medicine Services Near Columbus, OH
Recovery can feel intimidating. Our providers at Mind Matters understand that everyone is unique, and we will work with you to develop the most helpful treatment approach. Call us today at (614) 545-9773 to schedule an appointment.
Mind Matters proudly offers talk therapy and psychiatry services to patients near Columbus, OH, including Dublin, Hilliard, Powell, Worthington, Galloway, Grove City, Bexley, Grandview Heights, Clintonville, Upper Arlington, and Franklinton. Mind Matters also provides telehealth services throughout the entire state of Ohio.