Maintenance Medication

2nd Chance

Addiction Medicine & Psychiatrists located throughout the greater Phoenix, AZ area

At 2nd Chance, maintenance medication is a powerful tool to assist men and women in their efforts to recover from drug or alcohol abuse. In combination with targeted therapy, this approach has improved the lives of many throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. If you have questions or concerns about how maintenance medication can help you move forward with recovery, schedule an appointment today. Online scheduling is available, or you can always call to speak with a member of the administrative staff.

Maintenance Medication Q & A

What is maintenance medication?

Maintenance medication is a treatment approach that uses certain prescription medications to improve recovery outcomes. A growing body of research supports the use of these drugs in assisting addicts with long-term recovery.

At 2nd Chance, maintenance medication is used to treat both drug and alcohol addiction. Some examples include:

Buprenorphine/naloxone
Naltrexone
Acamprosate
Off-label medications like Topamax and gabapentin

The right medication reduces your urge to use drugs or alcohol and lessens the symptoms of withdrawal.

How long do I have to continue with maintenance medication?

This is a simple question with a complex answer. Many factors influence how long you’ll need to remain on maintenance medication. Some men and women use this approach for a period of months until they feel strong enough to transition to the next phase of their recovery.

For others, maintenance medication is a necessary tool in avoiding drug use for many years, or even for the duration of their lives. There’s no way to predict your individual treatment path until you are actively involved in your own recovery and your progress is monitored and evaluated. Working with skilled psychiatrists is a great way to find the approach that is best for you.

Is maintenance medication right for me?

Again, there are many factors to consider in choosing whether to pursue maintenance medication. One issue is that there are no viable maintenance medications for certain drugs, so this approach may not meet your specific needs.

The dose of your drug of choice prior to entering recovery also affects how well maintenance medications work for you. If you abused more than one drug at the same time, treatment can be complicated.

If you’re struggling with underlying mental health disorders, you may not be a good candidate for maintenance medication. Alternative therapies can help treat your mental health needs, which can, in turn, lessen the urge to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medicating.

Maintenance medication is an excellent tool in the recovery journey, but it isn’t right for everyone. If you have questions or concerns about this option, schedule a visit at 2nd Chance today. Booking an appointment is as easy as a phone call or a visit to the online scheduling tool.

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