You’ve decided to enroll in treatment. Can your medical issue get treated at the same time? The answer to that question is “yes,” but you may need to do a little homework.
According to Health Affairs, only 28.1 percent of substance abuse treatment facilities tested for infectious disease in 2017. That statistic suggests that you’ll need to get checked by your doctor before you enroll in treatment. And you’ll need a treatment plan when you arrive.
Medications used to treat infectious disease don’t get you high. They kill bacteria, but they leave your brain cells alone. You should be able to bring them with you to almost any treatment center.
But you will need to disclose the fact that you have a prescription, and in some facilities, you’ll need to get your dose from a nurse. Carrying pills and using them in the center can be a trigger for other people in recovery, and it’s typically not allowed. When it’s time for your dose, a nurse can give it to you. And the pills will stay in a locked cabinet until it’s time.
As your body heals, you’ll have more energy to fight back against your addiction. Your treatment team will help you as you make progress toward sustained recovery.