Treatment Options
For any treatment option, it is important that mothers have skills to manage their emotional regulation, decision making, problem solving, and trauma, in addition to the skills needed to avoid cues and temptations that may impact adherence to treatment/medication.
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medications are used to either mimic or counter the brain effects of addiction.
Mimic Medications tend to focus on harm reduction and help the addicted person to function better (Methadone, Buprenorphine, Nicotine Replacement) usually so they can quit. Some of the medications that mimic are very helpful for harm reduction, though they are also stigmatized among some addiction treatment professionals, addicted individuals, and the public.
Countering medications reduce the effects of the substance (Naltrexone, Vivitrol, Chantix, Zyban)
MAT is most effective when combined with other psychosocial supports like individual counseling, group counseling, halfway houses, mutual support groups, or residential treatment centers
Title
Medications for...
Methadone
- Pill, water soluble, or wafer taken daily
- Produces a strong sense of euphoria as it fits to opiate receptors, this tricks brain into thinking it’s using opiates
- Should not be prescribed without simultaneous counseling
- Can have long term side effects
Buprenorphine
- Semi synthetic opioid that binds to opioid receptors, preventing other opioids from attaching
- Used for detox, opioid maintenance, & pain management
- Short & long term substitute for opioid addiction and withdrawal management
Vivitrol, Revia (Naltrexone)
- Blocks the euphoric effects of opioids
- Injection or pill form, which should not be prescribed to individuals with recent opioid use, typically prescribed 7-10 days after abstaining from opioids
Antabuse (Disulfiram)
- Daily medication to assist in abstinence maintenance of alcohol
- Does not reduce the craving for alcohol. Therefore, there is often poor compliance with this medication
- If individual consumes alcohol while on medication, they will experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and throbbing headaches
- Should not be consumed if individual has consumed alcohol in the last 12 hours
Vivitrol (Naltrexone)
- Used to reduce cravings for alcohol
Campral (Acamprosate)
- Used to reduce cravings for alcohol, recommended to use right after detox
- Can be used along with Naltrexone
Nicotine replacement gum such as gum (Nicorette), patches, lozenges, inhalers, nasal spray
Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin)
- Counters effects of nicotine
Chantix (Varenicline)
- Counters effects of nicotine
Currently, there are no FDA approved medications to assist in treating cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamine use.
Motivation Not JUST Medication
To make change happen, it is important for providers to help people through the process of change and complete tasks of the stages of change. Many mother's using substances may:
• Need counseling and support using motivational communication
• Need skills to avoid the cues and temptations
• Need skills to manage life – emotion regulation, decision making, trauma, emotional problems, problem solving, assertiveness.
*If you would like to see Dr. Chris Welsh's full interview, please click here