Medication Management
Medication can improve outcomes for drug and alcohol addictions, as well as co-occurring disorders.
Once the psychiatrist has assessed a patient and established a diagnosis, he or she will provide recommendations for medication management.
For substance abuse, both cravings for alcohol and drugs and fear of withdrawal symptoms can be mitigated using medications such as Campral (Acamprosate) and Vivitrol (Naltrexone).
Campral (Acamprosate) helps alcoholics who have recently stopped drinking and gone through detox to abstain from drinking. It helps fight the craving for alcohol by restoring the chemical balance in the brain. However, Campral may not be as effective for someone who is also addicted to substances other than alcohol.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone) is a special non-addictive narcotic drug that helps fight the craving for narcotics by blocking the effects of addictive narcotic drugs such as pain relievers and injectable opiods. Vivitrol can also be used to treat alcoholism, as well.
For dual diagnoses, there are a variety of medications that can be used to treat the co-occurring disorder:
- For a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder, the psychiatrist might prescribe a mood stabilizer, an anticonvulsant, or an antidepressant medication.
- For depression, he or she may prescribe an antidepressant.
- For anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder, an antidepressant medication may be prescribed.
Cross-addictive medications are never prescribed. All medications must be medically-managed and used in conjunction with psychotherapy and counseling support.
