Medication-Assisted Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Breaking the cycle of addiction and mental illness can be a difficult road. Co-occurring disorders are complex and effective treatment must be comprehensive. Medication-assisted treatment for co-occurring disorders can help with complete care for addiction treatment. Effective medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication with behavioral therapies to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Several types of medications are available for treating co-occurring disorders, and personalized treatment plans can find the best combination for you.

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, also referred to as dual diagnosis or comorbidity, refer to the presence of both substance abuse and mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Research has found that about half of individuals with mental health disorders also struggle with substance abuse. It is critical for co-occurring disorders to be treated simultaneously for effective recovery and to lower the risk of relapse. Both disorders can trigger the other and worsen the other’s symptoms.

Sometimes, individuals with mental health disorders may use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. As their mental health symptoms go untreated, they can worsen which can lead to using substances more frequently or at higher doses. This behavior can lead to substance dependence and eventually addiction.

Drug or alcohol abuse can also trigger or worsen mental health disorders. Addictive substances can alter areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. While not every person who uses drugs or alcohol will develop a mental health disorder, it is more likely to happen to someone who is predisposed to one, such as a person with a history of mental health illness in their family.

Diagnosing co-occurring disorders can be complex, as substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders often share similar symptoms. They also require comprehensive treatment plans that address both disorders simultaneously with various types of evidence-based therapies, including medication-assisted treatment.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT is a treatment model that combines behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with specific medications to treat substance use disorders. This is one tool that can be used to help people with substance abuse issues achieve their recovery goals. Medications can be used throughout recovery, especially during the initial stages. Medical detox will use various medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings which can greatly increase the success rates of stopping substance abuse. MAT can also be used to treat underlying causes, such as co-occurring disorders, through psychiatric medications that can treat mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression. There are also medications available to assist in relapse prevention which work by reducing cravings, hindering the effects of psychoactive compounds, or making people sick if they ingest a substance, acting as a deterrent.

Benefits of MAT for Co-Occurring Disorders

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help people with co-occurring disorders in many ways, including:

• Managing symptoms: MAT can assist people with symptoms of substance use disorders and comorbid mental health conditions. Medications can stabilize brain chemistry and reduce withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe enough to be life-threatening. Long-term benefits include stabilizing mood and other mental health symptoms.
• Improves treatment outcomes: medication-assisted treatment can reduce the risk of relapse and improve overall mental health, improving the likelihood of successful long-term recovery.
• Increased engagement: medications used to reduce withdrawal symptoms can help patients in recovery feel better making it easier to participate in counseling and behavioral therapies.

Common Medications Used in MAT for Co-Occurring Disorders

Medication-assisted therapy is most often used for opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, and benzodiazepine addiction. Medications are used to ease withdrawal symptoms and allow patients to more actively participate in various types of therapy. They can also be used to decrease cravings or the effects of substances to make abstinence easier. Some common medications used in MAT for co-occurring disorders include:

• Buprenorphine – a synthetic opioid used to reduce cravings for opioids without euphoric or sedative effects.
• Naltrexone – a synthetic opioid that blocks opioids from binding to receptors, preventing feelings of euphoria. It is also used to treat alcohol use disorder.
• Acamprosate – is used in people already in recovery to help avoid alcohol use.
• Benzodiazepines – can help manage anxiety symptoms and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• Anticonvulsants – used in alcohol detox to prevent seizures which can be a dangerous withdrawal symptom.

How MAT Integrates with Therapy and Counseling

Medications can be especially necessary during the initial stages of recovery to ease withdrawal symptoms and help individuals stop substance abuse. They are also useful long-term to help ease mental health symptoms, which can be triggers for drug or alcohol use. However, medication-assisted treatment is only one part of a comprehensive treatment program and is not the sole answer to stopping addiction.

MAT works best when combined with therapy and counseling. Through behavioral therapy, support groups, and counseling, individuals can address the root causes of their addiction and learn the necessary tools and skills needed to manage their addiction long after MAT has concluded. By easing withdrawal symptoms and mental health conditions, individuals can engage in therapy and support group sessions early on. They can stop substance abuse more easily and quickly so they can begin working on their co-occurring disorders.

Personalized MAT Plans: Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs

The most effective recovery programs are tailored to each patient. Every person’s experience with addiction is different. How they can heal from co-occurring disorders is unique too. This requires a personalized treatment approach for successful recovery. MAT plans will be tailored to the person depending on the type of substance abuse, severity of addiction, and which co-occurring disorders are present.

Using a thorough initial evaluation, clinicians will create a personalized MAT plan to address the root causes of addiction and help patients heal in a way that resonates with them. Recovery plans can include a combination of medications, various behavioral therapies, holistic treatments, relapse prevention, and aftercare programs. Personalized treatment plans also allow for clinicians to adapt treatment plans to the changing needs of each individual.

Success Rates of MAT for Co-Occurring Disorders

Success rates of MAT vary depending on several factors including patient adherence, underlying causes of addiction, type of co-occurring disorder, and if the person is receiving quality behavioral therapy. Medication-assisted treatment can greatly increase the chances of successful recovery, but it must be used alongside behavioral therapies that address the underlying issues and teach effective coping strategies. Medications used for psychological disorders can also help patients manage their mental health as they learn to manage their symptoms through therapy. An integrated approach that uses evidence-based therapies, holistic treatments, and support groups can offer the greatest long-term success.

How WhiteSands Treatment Utilizes MAT for Effective Recovery

Successful recovery is not possible with a one-size-fits-all approach. Personalized treatment plans at WhiteSands will create a flexible program that fits your needs and addresses the root causes of your addiction. We offer dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders which can include medication-assisted treatment.

Our highly structured MAT programs help to wean the patient off the addictive substance using slow tapers while using one-on-one therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction. After the patient is evaluated, our clinicians will determine which medications best suit them. We offer all levels of care including medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare to ensure we meet patient needs.

If you or a loved one are struggling with co-occurring disorders related to substance abuse, WhiteSands Treatment can help you stop the vicious cycle of addiction through MAT and other evidence-based therapies. Please give us a call at (877)855-3470 to start the intake process today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.