The use of medication as a part of the addiction recovery process is becoming more common, yet many treatment professionals know little about the challenges of counseling those who are using medication. Gary Blanchard offers a look at some of the issues involved and offers tips for effective treatment in medication assisted recovery.
The use of medication in treating addiction can be controversial; some treatment professionals fully embrace it while others totally reject it. As more medications are developed, however, those cliniciams who decide to work with clients in medication-assisted recovery programs must look at the issues involved and develop the skills needed to help clients find success in this treatment modality.
Gary Blanchard has presented on this topic at several national conferences and in numerous trainings.
Excerpt
For many years treatment of addictive disorders has been provided by addiction professionals in sites dedicated to addiction treatment. Medication may have been used to assist in detoxification, but treatment was generally a drug-free process. The ultimate goal of treatment tends to be total abstinence from all mood-altering chemicals. The use of self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is highly encouraged, if not mandated.
With the recent introduction of medications like Suboxone for opiate dependence and now Campral and Vivitrol for alcohol dependence, treatment has begun to shift from dedicated addiction treatment facilities to the physician’s office. This shift presents new challenges to addiction treatment professionals.
Professional Reviews
Counseling for Medication Assisted Recovery
I was thrilled to find this title on Amazon. As a counseling professional about to start multiple support groups for Suboxone users I was looking for a book that would highlight the specific issues facing those in medication assisted recovery. I have worked in both mental health and substance abuse fields but during a hiatus of 10 years while I grew my family MAR came on the scene. I needed a book that would get me up to speed. This book did just that. I would recommend this book highly. Thanks to the authur for sharing their knowledge.
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