Are Psychiatric Medications Overused in Addiction Treatment?

Addiction treatment can be complex and challenging, mainly when underlying mental disorders exist. As a result, psychiatric drugs like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers are often prescribed to individuals with addiction to help manage these conditions and improve their chances of recovery. However, the use of psychiatric medications in addiction treatment is a controversial topic.

Some argue that these drugs are often used as a substitute for other treatments or to control behavior. There are also cases of overuse, especially when patients receive drugs for conditions they aren't suffering from.

Psychiatric medications can be effective in managing symptoms of mental disorders. But there's a growing concern about their potential for misuse or abuse and their side effects. With that said, the decision to use psychiatric drugs in addiction treatment should be made on a case-by-case basis. Treatment providers should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of these drugs and use them in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments, such as behavioral and group therapy.

What Are Psychiatric Medications?

Psychiatric medications are prescription drugs used to treat various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. They work by altering the chemicals in the brain that are associated with these conditions.

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In addiction treatment, psychiatric medications help manage the symptoms of underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to the addiction. According to SAMSHA, mental health and substance use disorders often co-occur, with each condition leading to the other about 50% of the time. Someone with depression or anxiety may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, and vice versa. A comprehensive approach to dual diagnosis can help ensure both conditions are addressed, helping patients manage their addiction more effectively.

Use of Psychiatric Drugs in Addiction Treatment

Psychiatric drugs can be effective in helping individuals manage the underlying mental health conditions that contribute to their addiction. They can:

Help individuals manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for them to stay sober.
Help improve an individual's overall quality of life. For example, antidepressants may help those with treatment-resistant depression manage symptoms and improve their mood and quality of life.
Manage symptoms of anxiety disorders and reduce the risk of relapse. In some cases, antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to patients with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, to help manage their symptoms and improve their ability to engage in other aspects of treatment.
Manage underlying mental health conditions, helping individuals maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

Overuse of psychiatric drugs in addiction treatment

While these medications can effectively treat symptoms and improve the quality of life for some patients, there are concerns about overprescribing and potential side effects. Studies show that many Americans take prescribed medication that may be inappropriate or not work for their mental health problems.

Prescription medications are not always the safest or most effective route for patients. Atypical antipsychotic drugs like Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, etc., have been shown to cause deviations in blood pressure and Tardive Dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by abnormal, uncontrollable, and repetitive movements of the torso, face, and other body parts.

They also cause common side effects like blurred vision, confusion and agitation, erectile dysfunction, hallucinations, and drowsiness. Yet, many Americans go to their primary health care providers and leave with a prescription drug without knowledge of other evidence-based treatments that might be more effective and without the side effects.

According to the CDC, many patients are now receiving psychotropic medications without proper evaluation by mental health professionals. This is concerning as proper evaluation and diagnosis by a mental health professional is essential to determine the appropriate course of treatment for a patient's specific condition. Additionally, overreliance on medication as the sole treatment option can overlook other critical interventions, such as therapy or lifestyle changes, that can improve a patient's mental health and well-being.

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In addition, some medications used to treat mental health conditions, such as benzodiazepines or stimulants, can have the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms if not properly managed. And to worsen the situation, some withdrawal symptoms can mask mental health conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and overprescription of medication. Such cases can cause life-threatening consequences, exacerbate underlying conditions, increase the risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and compound mental health issues.

Overusing psychiatric medicines may create neurobiological changes that affect long-term mental health recovery. According to research, these permanent changes can turn transient symptoms into chronic and lifelong mental disorders.

Alternative Treatment Options to Psychiatric Drugs

While psychiatric medications can effectively manage certain mental health conditions, they should not be the only treatment option offered to patients. Instead, a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes should be considered alongside medication use.

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can help individuals develop coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms of mental health conditions and addiction.
Holistic approaches like yoga and mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. These approaches can be used with psychiatric medications or as an alternative treatment approach.
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can provide individuals with addiction a sense of community and support.

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Psychotropic drugs can be beneficial in addiction treatment and can be life-saving for some patients. However, it is essential for a mental health professional to prescribe psychiatric medications after proper evaluations that include a patient's family history of mental health conditions and any past experiences with medication.

At More Than Rehab, we take a holistic approach to addiction treatment, utilizing evidence-based therapies and medications as appropriate and prioritizing individualized care that addresses the root causes of addiction. Our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to ensuring that medications are used responsibly and appropriately as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

We recognize that psychotropic drugs can have significant side effects and potential for dependence and therefore prioritize careful evaluation and monitoring of each patient's medication use. Ultimately, our goal is to help patients achieve lasting recovery and improved quality of life through a personalized approach to addiction treatment.

888-249-2191

The Importance of Counseling & Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes physical and psychological harm to the individual and affects their relationships and ability to function in society. While various treatment options are available, counseling and therapy are often considered essential components of an effective addiction treatment plan. These therapies can help individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and rebuild their lives in a healthy and sustainable way.

This article will explore the importance of counseling and therapy in addiction treatment and discuss some of the key benefits and methods involved.

What is Addiction Therapy, and How Does it Help?

Addiction therapy is a multifaceted approach to treatment that helps individuals address the psychological, physical, and social factors that contribute to their addiction. It includes various techniques such as behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), and family therapy. All these aim to help the individual:

Acknowledge and accept their addiction
Identify and address any mental health issues or emotional trauma that may have contributed to their substance use
Develop new coping strategies and skills to manage their cravings and prevent relapse
Rebuild broken or strained relationships with family and friends in a healthy way
Help individuals recognize and avoid triggers to stay on track with their addiction recovery goals
Rebuild their self-esteem and increase their sense of self-worth
Identify and build a robust support system with family, friends, counselors, and other members of the recovery community
Develop an effective relapse prevention plan that combines strategies for managing cravings, avoiding high-risk situations, and developing healthy coping skills

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Alcohol or drug use can interfere with how a person functions. It can change how they think, act, learn, remember, or even pay attention. Addiction counseling and therapy can help restore cognitive functioning and provide the individual with essential tools for managing their addiction.

In cases where one struggles with mental illness and addiction, therapy and counseling can help them manage both conditions. It can also educate them on the relationship between their mental health and substance use and strategies for managing both.

How Addiction Counseling and Therapy Works

Counseling is an integral part of the addiction treatment process. It's always used in conjunction with other treatments, such as detox and medication, and typically happens in a professional rehab center. Different types of rehab options exist, including:

Inpatient rehab: Where an individual stays at the facility for a while, usually between 30 days to 6 months.

Outpatient rehab: Where an individual receives treatment at the center regularly, such as daily or weekly, but does not stay overnight.

During therapy, you'll work with your counselor to understand the root causes of your addiction and develop strategies for managing it in day-to-day life. Therapy sessions may include individual, group, or family counseling, depending on the treatment plan.

But since addiction is a relapsing disease, likely, you will still have cravings that draw you back to abusing substances. Long after you rid your body of the drugs, the brain will still remember the pleasure it felt when you used drugs and will continue to send signals of wanting more. That's why ongoing therapy is so important in addiction recovery.

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Behavioral therapies

These therapies focus on helping individuals change the behaviors and thought patterns that lead to addiction. Examples of these types of treatment include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)is an effective treatment for addiction and mental illness. It helps individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction. CBT is based on the idea that an individual's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected and that changing one aspect can lead to changes in others.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was developed specifically for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, but it is effective in the treatment of addiction as well. DBT focuses on both acceptance and change, helping individuals to accept their current situation while also working towards positive change. It helps one understand the cycles between intense emotions and impulsive behavior, as well as how these can be effectively managed.

Motivational interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing helps individuals overcome ambivalence and develop strategies to cope with existing problems. It focuses on the individual's capacity for self-change, inviting them to consider the consequences of addiction, explore values, and negotiate goals leading to meaningful change. MI practitioners use active listening techniques and specific questions to support clients as they engage in an interactive conversation about their intrinsic motivation and potential roadblocks.

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Contingency Management

Contingency management uses positive reinforcement to encourage individuals to abstain from substance use. It rewards individuals who remain abstinent with tangible rewards, such as vouchers or other incentives, whenever they engage in desired behaviors, such as attending support groups or social activities. This can help individuals stay motivated while developing healthier habits and behaviors.

Family and Individual Therapy

Family therapy helps to repair and strengthen relationships between family members. It also often focuses on understanding how addiction has impacted the entire family, identifying needs, and developing strategies for communication and problem-solving. Individual therapy can help individuals process past traumas, build relationships and activities outside of substance use, and foster healthy coping skills for managing their addiction.

12-Step Programs

12-step programs provide a support system for peers in recovery and can help individuals recognize their powerlessness over the substance. These programs emphasize accountability, acceptance, and responsibility to foster self-improvement. The 12-step fellowship helps individuals to identify their addiction as a disease and provides them with a structure and support system to help them cope with the complex emotions that often accompany addiction. Depending on the substance of use, one can join Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, etc.

Get Help Today

It's never too late to seek help for addiction. With the right combination of therapy and support, recovery is possible. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us today.

You don't have to go through this alone – help is available now. Reach out today and take the first step on the road to recovery. We're here for you.

888-249-2191

Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Dual diagnosis is the treatment of addiction with another co-occurring disorder.

In the field of addiction treatment, when someone has a substance use disorder, coupled with another form of mental health issue, we call this a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis. Sometimes addiction treatment alone is not enough. We have helped many people in the Houston, Texas area by identifying a co-occurring mental health issue that was adding to their substance abuse problem. In a dual diagnosis treatment program, your treatment plan is customized to meet your specific individual needs. A personalized addiction treatment plan is the best chance for a successful recovery in these cases.

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For someone who has silently struggled with a mental health issue for years, often the only solace they find is to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. Many patients say this helps quiet the voice in their head telling them that everything is wrong. People with depression may experience a boost of confidence when they use, even if it is only temporary. For someone dealing with and trying to hide their own troublesome internal thoughts, an addiction can develop quickly. If they receive treatment for their substance use disorder, but not for their mental health issue, they will be more likely to drop out of treatment, or even relapse into abusing drugs and alcohol.

Since mental health issues can lead to someone abusing substances, it is often hard to tell which one caused the other. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes look like a mental or behavioral disorder to the untrained eye. Feelings of lethargy, depression, hopelessness and sudden weight gain are common signs of clinical depression. These same mental and physical symptoms can come from the early acute withdrawal symptoms from alcoholism. In most cases, it is not entirely clear if the mental health of the patient led them to abuse drugs and alcohol or if the abuse of substances created the mental problems they are experiencing.

Detox from drugs or alcohol is the first step in diagnosing an underlying mental health issue.

Cognitive impairment from long term drug and alcohol abuse can often interfere with the proper diagnosis of a mental illness. Once a patient undergoes a full medical detox, cleansing the chemicals from the body and mind, clinicians can start to assess the patient’s underlying mental health. This is a crucial part of addiction recovery, as many patients might not even realize they have been living with a mental health disorder. Some people have been using drugs or alcohol on a daily basis, filling up most of their daily life with intoxication. This can go on for years and years, without them ever realizing they have an underlying struggle with mental health.

When a patient finally experiences sobriety for the first time in a long while, the emotional stress can be very difficult to overcome. Stress, anxiety, sadness and guilt are all commonly experienced when someone first enters addiction recovery services. This is why it is important for someone who struggles with drugs or alcohol to seek rehab from a professional treatment facility. These facilities should offer detox and recovery services for addiction treatment while a dual diagnosis drug rehab will offer help with emotional recovery, medication management, stress reduction and other crucial mental health services. With the support of the right program it is entirely possible to transform your life and rebuild yourself from the ground up.

How mental health and substance abuse can develop together.

The US Department of Health and Human Services notes that, mental health and substance use disorders may share similar, underlying causes for their development. These include changes in brain chemistry, genetic vulnerabilities and childhood exposure to extreme stress or trauma. These problems are further compounded when the person begins using drugs or alcohol to hide their symptoms. Studies have shown that people who struggle with anxiety or mood disorders are almost twice as likely to struggle with addiction than the average person is.

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The four most common mental health issues where substance abuse is more prevalent are:

Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Personality disorders

These types of disorders, when complicated with drug or alcohol abuse are often very difficult to treat. They may require months or even years for someone to fully recover towards a high-functioning state of well-being.

How is a dual diagnosis treated?

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Treatment for co-occurring disorders at a drug rehabilitation facility will commonly include a variety of physical, mental and behavioral therapies. These are designed to work together on an individual basis, to help the patient with their mental health and to overcome their addiction. These will typically be conducted through a combination of individual and group therapy sessions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an individual therapy session that helps the patient identify and change negative behaviors and thought patterns.
Integrated Group Therapy (IGT) is specifically for patients who experience bipolar disorder and substance abuse.
Therapeutic Communities (TCs) are focused on the reintegration of the individual into society. They integrate broad-based community programs and help the patient learn how to socialize and function outside of an institutional setting.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) will emphasize the treatment of severe mental disorders with outreach to patients in small, community-oriented group settings.

Your treatment providers will work with you during your stay at rehab to formulate an aftercare plan that will help you stay focused on your recovery after you leave their direct care. Outpatient programs, 12-step support groups and relapse prevention strategies will help you during the crucial, early phase of your recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, consider seeking treatment right away. The pain experienced through a mental illness can have devastating consequences when left untreated. We employ a social model of addiction recovery in the Houston, Texas area. More Than Rehab is available 24/7, so we can get you the help you need, right away. Please call us: