Substance abuse can greatly affect quality of life. Many of those who are addicted end up hurting themselves and the people they love in both a physical and mental capacity. They can end up losing their jobs and damaging their relationships.
Substance abuse can be difficult to deal with, but there is help available to those that are suffering. Read on to find out more about how AMS takes a customized approach to helping our patients recover through substance abuse therapy.
There are many factors that can cause substance abuse. Some people use substances to escape the stresses of every day life. Some take them to relieve depression and feel better about themselves. For some, it’s a matter of peer pressure and friends urging them to drink or do drugs. Many people use substances to self-medicate for other mental disorders they may be experiencing. Substance abuse sessions in Houston could treat the abuse and its underlying cause.
While medication can fight their addiction, as soon as they are back in the world, these same stressors arise rekindling the urge for addicts to start using again.
At AMS, we believe in treating addiction and its underlying cause. We may use medications to help patients overcome their addictions in the short term, but then we use therapy and other methods to get to the root of their problems making relapse less likely. We customize treatment plans that include behavioral therapy, evaluation for co-occurring disorders, and follow up care to prevent chances of relapse.
There are several medications that can be used to treat substance abuse. The two that are most popular are Naltrexone and Buprenorphine.
Naltrexone is recommended for opioid abuse. It works by blocking the receptors in the brain that opioids bind to and activate making them incapable of eliciting their addictive high. It is safest to use this medication under medical supervision because it can cause severe withdrawal if used when opioids in the body are still active.
Naltrexone has also been made available in an injectable extended-release form called Vivitrol. Vivitrol is administered via injection once a month and is known to keep alcoholics sober.
Unlike Naltrexone, Buprenorphine does not fully block the activation of opioid receptors in the brain. Rather, it partially activates them. This helps to create a ceiling to the opioid effects making the high the drug provides less potent. In this way, the medication can lower the potential for misuse and reduce withdrawal symptoms that can lead to relapse.
Although both of these medications can be effective in treating addiction, they are problematic. Patients take them to keep them from feeling the urge to use. However, once life sets in, they can be faced with other stressors that can lead them to start using again.
Substance abuse is difficult to deal with but our specialized approach has proven to be successful in helping our patients overcome their addictions and move forward to lead successful, productive lives. Call us today to schedule your first appointment for substance abuse treatment sessions in Houston.
