How Can Prescription Drug Addiction Be Treated?

Treatment

How Can Prescription Drug Addiction Be Treated?

Years of research have shown that substance use disorders are brain disorders that can be treated effectively. Treatment must take into account the type of drug used and the needs of the individual. Successful treatment may need to incorporate several components, including detoxification, counseling, and medications, when available. Multiple courses of treatment may be needed for the patient to make a full recovery.

The two main categories of drug use disorder treatment are behavioral treatments (such as contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medications. Behavioral treatments help patients stop drug use by changing unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior; teaching strategies to manage cravings and avoid cues and situations that could lead to relapse; or, in some cases, providing incentives for abstinence. Behavioral treatments, which may take the form of individual, family, or group counseling, also can help patients improve their personal relationships and their ability to function at work and in the community.

Addiction to prescription opioids can additionally be treated with medications including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These drugs can prevent other opioids from affecting the brain (naltrexone) or relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings (buprenorphine and methadone), helping the patient avoid relapse. Medications for the treatment of opioid addiction are often administered in combination with psychosocial supports or behavioral treatments, known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). A medication to reduce the physical symptoms of withdrawal (lofexidine) is also available.

Information from Drugabuse.gov

December 3, 2019

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

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Conditions

Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait that pushes us to achieve and excel. But when the pursuit of perfection becomes an obsession, it can have serious consequences for mental health. Perfectionism can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and a sense of inadequacy that’s hard to shake.

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

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Treatment

When we think of health screenings, we often consider them solely as a tool for catching physical illnesses early. However, regular checkups also play a significant role in supporting mental wellbeing. Beyond helping prevent and manage physical health conditions, screenings can reduce anxiety, provide peace of mind, and encourage a proactive approach to health that benefits both mind and body.

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

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Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

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Conditions

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

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Treatment

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

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Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Your Body’s Warning Signals: When Physical Symptoms Indicate Mental Health Issues

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Self-Care

It’s easy to overlook physical symptoms when thinking about mental health. We often associate mental health with emotions or thoughts rather than the aches, pains, or discomforts that show up in the body. But the mind and body are linked, leading physical symptoms to sometimes be early indicators of underlying mental health issues.