Medication Management

Navigating the complex layers of addiction and mental health concerns can be challenging. At Footprints to Recovery, our medical management program offers clients at our locations in Colorado, New Jersey, and Illinois peace of mind from the complex challenges they face. Through psychiatric medication management, we can provide comprehensive treatment to people facing co-occurring disorders of substance abuse/addiction and mental health disorders. Whether you’re exploring first-time recovery options or looking to sustain your current recovery journey, Footprints to Recovery is here to best support your personalized needs.

What Is Medication Management?

Medication management is a term used to describe a comprehensive treatment program that integrates medication alongside therapeutic and educational services for a more complete treatment experience. For people with co-occurring disorders, medication management can help to treat the underlying symptoms by allowing the client to focus on recovering from substance abuse.

There is a dangerous misconception that using medication to treat addictions and maintain sobriety isn’t a form of treatment. This incorrect belief can be harmful as it prevents people who need medication assistance from seeking the necessary treatment to begin their full recovery journey. While detox services, counseling, psychoeducation, and support groups are all key aspects of the recovery process, for people with co-occurring disorders additional medication management can make a life-changing difference.

What Co-Occurring Disorders Are Treated With Psychiatric Medication?

Psychiatric medication management is used for several co-occurring mental health disorders and can be an integral portion of a comprehensive treatment plan. These medications can be life-saving when used in the treatment of co-occurring mental health issues and drug abuse disorders.

Psychiatric medications can be used to treat mental health disorders such as:

Anxiety disorders
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Conduct disorders
Depressive disorders
Mood disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Psychotic disorders

Types of Medication Used to Treat Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

The medications prescribed to people will vary depending upon the co-occurring mental health disorder present. Most psychiatrists suggest medications for treating several mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. For people who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, antipsychotics may be used to help with related mood swings, psychosis, or bipolar disorder. During the early stages of recovery, people who experience anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure) are often prescribed medications to manage the symptoms.

Common medications used for treating co-occurring disorders:

Antidepressants
Anxiolytics
Antipsychotics
Mood Stabilizers
Stimulants

When looking at treatment options, it is important to remember that treatment plans will vary for everyone. Ensuring you speak with a mental health professional who specializes in medication management for people with co-occurring mental health disorders can provide a stronger understanding of your needs and the treatment options that are most beneficial for your recovery journey.

Medication for Anxiety and Depression

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that people who experience anxiety and depression are more likely to turn to substance abuse. The use of medication management to treat mental health issues can help to prevent the co-occurrence of anxiety/depression and drug abuse.

The main types of medication used to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression include:

Antidepressants
Benzodiazepines

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to people with depression. While antidepressants are not a medical cure for depression, they do provide a way to manage symptoms of depression so people are better equipped to live healthier lives. Due to these medications often being used to lessen feelings of sadness, it is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorders. Common antidepressant types include:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, commonly referred to as SSRIs, are the most common type of antidepressant. Serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter responsible for sensations of well-being, are increased in the brain with SSRIs. The full process is not fully understood, but studies have shown that SSRIs can reduce depressive symptoms in some cases. Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac are commonly used SSRI brands.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, commonly referred to as SNRIs, are a common type of antidepressant used to treat general anxiety issues. In addition to blocking serotonin reuptake, as SSRIs do, SNRIs also block the reuptake of norepinephrine. By increasing norepinephrine, SNRIs can help with focus and memory retention. Cymbalta, Effexor, Paxil, and Pritiq are commonly used SNRI brands.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants, commonly referred to as TCAs, are a lesser-used type of antidepressant that began being used during the 1950s. TCAs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, similar to SNRIs, making them useful treatments for depression and anxiety. Unlike more modern SNRIs, TCAs tend to cause more side effects than newer medications. Common TCA brands include Anafranil and Norpramin.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, commonly referred to as MAOIs, are the earliest forms of antidepressants. Due to MAOIs’ ability to increase serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain, they were prescribed as a treatment for a wide range of health concerns, including depression, panic disorders, and social phobia. Today these drugs rarely see use due to the common prevalence of unpleasant side effects. MAOI brands include Nardil, Marplam, and Emsam.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, more commonly referred to as benzos, are a form of sedative drug used to relieve physical symptoms of anxiety, most often stiff/sore muscles. Since SSRIs and SNRIs take time to build up in the bloodstream and show their effects, some doctors will prescribe benzos alongside an SSRI due to the fast-acting nature of benzodiazepines. In part due to the quick nature of the drug, benzos are rarely used as a treatment for addiction and co-occurring anxiety, as the drug has the potential to cause dependence and abuse.

Commonly used benzodiazepine brands include

Xanax
Librium
Valium
Ativan

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are a type of psychiatric medication used to manage varying forms of psychosis. Psychosis is the term used to describe symptoms that impact the mind, resulting in a lost grip on reality. As the National Institute of Mental Health describes, psychosis episodes impair a person’s thoughts and perceptions, resulting in difficulty in recognizing what’s real.

Primary mental health disorders which are treated as psychosis include:

Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective disorder
Severe depression.

Commonly, people facing these disorders will have co-occurring drug use disorders as well. For instance, research finds that almost half of the people with schizophrenia also have substance use issues.

As with most treatment options, the use of antipsychotics as a form of medication management is highly individualized and determined on a case-by-case basis. Many factors can impact the decision to use antipsychotics, such as the type and severity of symptoms, response to previous treatments, as well as the presence of other medical or psychiatric conditions. These drugs can be used as a monotherapy, or in conjunction with other medication to efficiently treat your disease.

Commonly used antipsychotics include:

Apriprazole
Clozapine
Risperidone.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are a type of medication used to treat mood disorders. This class of medication is primarily used to help stabilize mood swings brought on by disorders such as bipolar disorder. A common symptom of bipolar disorder is the continual dramatic swings in mood and energy levels. There are two types of bipolar disorder, bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. Both of these disorders can be managed with the use of mood stabilizers.

Research has found strong connections with adolescents with early signs of mood disorders and substance abuse. Upwards of 40% of people with bipolar I disorders and around 20% of people with bipolar II disorders report having issues with substance abuse. It is incredibly important for people facing mood disorders to seek treatment as soon as possible. Substance abuse disorders can greatly exaggerate the symptoms of bipolar disorders and hamper the ability to manage and treat the condition.

Mood stabilizers in medication management can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of bipolar disorder symptoms. While mood stabilizers aren’t cures for mood disorders, consistent medication management is very helpful for improving the quality of life and day-to-day functionality of people with bipolar disorder.

Common mood stabilizers include:

Carbamazepine
Cyclothymia
Divalproex
Lamotrigine

Stimulants

Stimulants are a type of medication that increases alertness, energy, enthusiasm, and motivation by speeding up the body’s central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is what transmits messages from the brain to the rest of the body. While they can be easy to abuse, studies have shown that when prescribed to people with co-occurring mental health disorders, especially Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), stimulants can be used as effective forms of medication management.

ADHD, a disorder that affects a person’s ability to regulate their impulses and emotions, also puts people at a much higher risk for developing a substance use disorder. A recent study found that people with ADHD are twice as likely to develop a SUD compared to those without ADHD. Expanding research believes that people with ADHD lack a certain level of dopamine production, resulting in feelings of restlessness and an inability to focus. Through careful medication management, it is now believed that introducing stimulants to people with ADHD normalizes their dopamine levels, helping to curb symptoms. Modern studies show that by providing medication to people with ADHD, a group predisposed to the risks of drug abuse, the likelihood of addiction to alcohol is drugs is notably reduced.

In recent years, stimulants have also been used to treat type I narcolepsy, also known as hypocretin deficiency. This cognitive disorder causes excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and is linked to a deficiency of the neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B. Research suggests medication management that utilizes amphetamine-based stimulants can counteract this deficiency, making it a beneficial treatment for type I narcolepsy.

Commonly used stimulants for treatment include:

Adderall
Ritalin
Concerta

The Importance of Medication Management And Therapy in Treatment for Substance Abuse

For treatment to be most effective, quality addiction treatment centers must offer a combination of medication management and therapy options. Therapy offers people the opportunity to gain insight into their thought processes and behavioral patterns, allowing them to learn more personalized coping strategies for managing their symptoms and developing healthy relationships. By combining the long-term lessons of therapy with the stability of medication management, our clients gain more total control of their mental health and well-being.

What Are the Benefits of Medication Management?

Medication management is an important part of dual diagnosis addiction treatment during rehabilitation. It can help manage a variety of the symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, making the path to recovery a smoother experience. In addition to symptom management, medications can also prevent relapses by reducing cravings and potentially targeting underlying biological causes of addiction and mental health disorders.

Benefits of utilizing medication management include:

Improved physical and mental health
More stability/confidence
Healthier relationships
Lower mortality risk
Lower recidivism
Lower risk of displacement or housing insecurity
Reduced cravings/potential for relapse

FAQ About Medication Management

It’s natural to have questions about the intricacies of medication management and how it may impact you. For your convenience, we’ve included some common questions and answers below.

What Is The Goal of Psychiatric Medication Management?

The goal of psychiatric medication management in treating co-occurring disorders is to help control symptoms, improve general day-to-day functions, and provide additional guidance to people developing a treatment plan. When properly prescribed, medications can offer life-saving positive effects on people’s quality of life. It is still important to remember that medications are not cure-alls and can have side effects. It is imperative to always discuss possible side effects and any other concerns with a medical healthcare provider when exploring medication treatment options.

What If My Medication Isn’t Helping?

When starting psychiatric medications, it is important to closely monitor symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider. The highly individual nature of exploring medication options means it can take time to find proper medication and dosage amounts. Regular check-ins and conversations with your healthcare provider may result in adjusting dosage, switching to another medication, or receiving additional treatments. These adjustments serve to find the best treatment options for you.

How Can I Prevent a Relapse While Taking Medication?

The best way to ensure that medication management is working and to avoid potential negative consequences is to stay in consistent communication with your mental healthcare provider. Taking multiple medications can increase the potential for side effects and drug interactions. Always reporting side effects or changes in symptoms is a key aspect of risk management.

What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?

A co-occurring disorder is any combination of the following:

A substance use disorder or multi-substance use disorder
One, or more, mental health disorder(s)

An official diagnosis is provided to clients who fit within the criteria for at least one substance use disorder and at least one mental health disorder. The criteria for meeting these conditions are outlined in the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, commonly called the DSM-5-TR.

Can Therapists Prescribe Medicine?

Most therapists are psychologists and lack the medical qualifications to prescribe medication. If you wish to seek medication-based treatment, speak to a psychiatrist, or a medical professional with a specialization in treating mental health disorders, about potential medication options.

Medication Management Services at Footprints to Recovery

Here at Footprints to Recovery, we understand how dual-diagnosis treatments for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders demand a comprehensive and multi-layered plan to address. Our facilities in Colorado, New Jersey, and Illinois are equipped to help you navigate managing co-occurring symptoms during your recovery journey. With the variety of treatment programs we provide, our medical and clinical staff will work with you during the intake process to determine how medication management can best work to support you.

Some of the programs offered at our various treatment facilities:

Medical detoxification
Residential programs
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Traditional outpatient programs (OP)

Through a combination of evidence-based approaches that combine psychiatric medication, traditional therapy forms, and holistic treatments, our experienced medical and clinical staff are fully prepared to support you. Whatever your personalized needs may be, you can feel confident that Footprints to Recovery’s comprehensive treatment programs are here to ensure both your safety and the most effective treatment for your journey to recovery.

What To Expect During Treatment with Medication Management?

Once you’ve completed the intake assessment, the Footpinrts to Recovery team will help you through the detoxification process. After the detox has removed all addictive substances from your body, our team of psychiatrists, doctors, and nurses will determine if there is a need for medication to address withdrawals and/or psychiatric medication for co-occurring mental health disorders.

Should it be determined by our team of medical professionals that you require medication to manage symptoms of substance use and mental health disorders, our medication management services can help. For instance, those receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services can receive FDA-approved medications to minimize their withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Clients requiring assistance with psychiatric disorders can gain access to prescription medications that help manage their mental health symptoms. Throughout treatment, clients maintain consistent contact and collaboration with their psychiatrist and medical doctor to monitor their progress.

Continuing Care Services For Medication Management

During treatment at Footsteps to Recovery, you will attend regular follow-up appointments with our medical staff to track and discuss your recovery progress. For clients who are participating in medication management, these consistent appointments will provide an opportunity to address any concerns you may have during one-on-one time with doctors. This is an ideal time for you to discuss any potential side effects you may be experiencing and ask questions. By continuing to meet with our team during medication management, we can better ensure the proper usage of medication on your journey to recovery.

Can Medication Management Help Me Recover?

Medication management can be used to help treat and manage a large list of conditions, including:

Substance use disorders (SUDS)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Impulsive control disorders (ICDs)
Bipolar I and bipolar II disorder
Depressive disorders (Depression)
Psychotic disorders (i.e. Schizophrenia)
Anxiety disorders
Dissociative disorders
Personality disorders
Sleep disorders

Medication management services are adept at helping manage a wide range of symptoms, including:

Drug and alcohol cravings
Trauma and stress-related triggers
Anhedonia (lack of pleasure)
Emotion dysregulation
Low self-esteem and sense of worth
Misconduct and anger management issues
Restlessness and insomnia
Poor impulse control
Obsessive thoughts
Anxieties and phobias
Panic attacks
Manic episodes
Depressive episodes
Psychotic episodes

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Medication Management Services Near You

Finding the right healthcare provider can be hard. At Footprints to Recovery, our medication management services provide health care you can feel secure in. If you or someone you love needs dual diagnosis treatment, our facilities are fully equipped to best support your individual needs on the journey to recovery. With our medication management program, we can help share the load of finding your best treatment options.

Footprints to Recovery is proud to offer medication management services at our rehab facilities in the following locations:

Aurora, CO
Centennial, CO
Hamilton Township, NJ
Elgin, IL

If you or someone you know requires help for treating an addiction or co-occurring mental disorder, please call or reach out to us using our secure, confidential contact form.

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