Will I get medication in rehab?

At Mount Sinai Wellness Center, one of the questions we’re most commonly asked is whether we give our patients medication during their time with us. This is understandable, especially if people are worried about their addictions worsening because of medication. While some rehab centers generally avoid giving patients certain medications during the recovery process, there are some situations where medication can be beneficial. At our Georgia facility, we’re proud to offer medication-assisted treatments to eligible patients.

When you start researching rehab centers, you’ll see that some offer “medical supervision programs” or “MAT,” which stands for medication-assisted treatment. This refers to treating a patient’s alcohol or drug addiction using FDA-approved medications that are administered by medical professionals. Medication can be used to manage a person’s symptoms, treat co-occurring issues like mental disorders, and prevent relapse down the road.

Knowing whether you’re eligible to receive medication-assisted treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including your unique addiction. Currently, MAT is often associated with opioid addiction treatments. Opioid addiction has increased steadily over the years and is classified in many areas of the United States as an epidemic – in 2018, an estimated two million people had an opioid use disorder. Commonly abused opioids include heroin and prescription painkillers.

MAT has shown to be effective in reducing a patient’s need for detox services for their addictions and increasing their ability to provide themselves when they complete rehab.

Some other known benefits of using medication to treat opioid addiction include:

• Improving chances of patient survival
• Increased retention in rehab
• Increased ability to gain and maintain work
• Decreased chances of relapsing after rehab
• Lowered risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C

Commonly Used MAT Medications

The FDA has approved a number of medications for use in treating alcohol and drug addictions at professional facilities. Some are used to treat dependency on drugs, while others can be used to prevent overdoses.

Some disorders commonly treated with medications include:

• Alcohol use disorder: People struggling with alcoholism may be eligible for medication-assisted treatments including oral naltrexone, acamprosate, and monthly injections of Vivitrol, an injectable form of naltrexone. However, it’s strongly advised that individuals who have drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms not take Vivitrol.
• Opioid use disorder: Naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine are commonly administered to individuals who are addicted to short-acting opioids, including codeine, oxycodone, and heroin.
• Tobacco use disorder: Mount Sinai provides MAT options for individuals who are addicted to tobacco, including nicotine patches, gums, and lozenges, Varenicline, and Wellbutrin. These medications work by blocking out the pleasant effects typically associated with nicotine and smoking.
• Opioid overdose prevention: The medication known as naloxone is designed specifically to reverse an opioid overdose. It accomplishes this by binding to opioid receptors and blocking out the effects of opioids as well as restoring respiration after an affected individual’s breathing has slowed or stopped.

It’s impossible to determine whether you qualify for medication-assisted treatment or know how much you may be able to take without consulting a physician or calling a rehab center. Every person’s needs are different, though at Mount Sinai you can expect our team to take a holistic approach to treatment and ensure your overall health is acknowledged.

Call Mount Sinai to Consult a Top Physician in Georgia

One of the many things that make Mount Sinai Wellness Center stand apart is the fact that we have a team of recovery experts. We boast a number of physicians, clinicians, and support staff that have helped countless individuals recover safely from addiction and can be trusted to handle your recovery plan.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment at our center, which is why our patients are abled to work closely with our experts to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective. We’re happy to sit down with you to discuss whether you’d benefit from receiving medication. We also offer a medical detox program so you can receive professional help in managing your withdrawal symptoms. Attempting to self-medicate on your own by going cold turkey or taking unapproved medications is dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences. We can help you begin the healing process one step at a time.