Medications

Milwaukee Detox Center, is affiliated with Horizon Healthcare, Inc. (“Horizon”), a provider network of Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers, Psychiatrists, Addictionologists, and Physician Assistants who are experienced in the administration and management of psychotropic medications. Horizon has agreed to assess and provide psychotropic medications to Milwaukee Detox Center clients who need may need the medicines.

At Milwaukee Detox Center, all clients are provided consultative and educational services by a registered pharmacist or a healthcare professional with a Master’s degree in pharmacology and toxicology in order to help them get the best results from medications through enhancing consumer understanding of medication therapy, increasing adherence to medications, and preventing drug complications, conflicts and interactions.*

*Staff: The above services are currently provided by:
Hazem Gammoh

    • MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology
      Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRN) Certificate Program
      Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
    • Bachelor of Science, Pharmacy
      University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

Effective medications exist for treating opioidalcohol, and nicotine addiction and lessening the symptoms of many other mental disorders. Some medications may be useful in treating multiple disorders.

NIDA. 2021, April 13. What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions? Retrieved May 2, 2021 from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/what-are-treatments-comorbid-substance-use-disorder-mental-health-conditions

MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT) FOR SUDs

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs.

Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery. MAT is also used to prevent or reduce opioid overdose.

MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used.

MAT Effectiveness

In 2018, an estimated 2 million people had an opioid use disorder which includes prescription pain medication containing opiates and heroin.

MAT has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for these individuals. MAT provides a more comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication and behavioral therapy that address the needs of most patients.

The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been shown to:

  • Improve patient survival.
  • Increase retention in treatment.
  • Decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders.
  • Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment.
  • Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant.

Research also shows that these medications and therapies can contribute to lowering a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by reducing the potential for relapse. Learn more about substance misuse and how it relates to HIV, AIDS, and Viral Hepatitis.

MAT Medications

FDA has approved several different medications to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. MAT medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. Medications used for MAT are evidence-based treatment options and do not just substitute one drug for another.

Alcohol Use Disorder Medications

Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are the most common medications used to treat alcohol use disorder. They do not provide a cure for the disorder but are most effective in people who participate in a MAT program.

Opioid Dependency Medications

Buprenorphinemethadone, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid use disorders to short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. These MAT medications are safe to use for months, years, or even a lifetime. As with any medication, consult your doctor before discontinuing use.

Opioid Overdose Prevention Medication

Naloxone is used to prevent opioid overdose by reversing the toxic effects of the overdose. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), naloxone is one of a number of medications considered essential to a functioning health care system.

SAMHSA, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Retrieved September 13, 2021 from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment

PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS FOR MENTAL DISORDERS

In addition to psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”) medications can play a critical role in treating certain mental disorders.  These medications are capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior and are referred to as “psychotropic medications”.  They include:

    • Antidepressants – used to treat depression. The most popular types of antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
    • Anti-Anxiety Medications – help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks, or extreme fear and worry. The most common anti-anxiety medications are called benzodiazepines.
    • Stimulants – stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.
    • Antipsychotics – medicines which are primarily used to manage psychosis. The word “psychosis” is used to describe conditions that affect the mind, and in which there has been some loss of contact with reality, often including delusions (false, fixed beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not really there).
    • Mood Stabilizers – used primarily to treat bipolar disorder, mood swings associated with other mental disorders, and in some cases, to augment the effect of other medications used to treat depression.

Source – Edited and excerpted verbatim from – National Institutes of Mental Health – “Mental Health Medications” – accessed on 3.28.2021 from

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml

Various prescription drugs