Read instructions and then students answer. Add more information about NIDA Commonly Abused medications chart and SAMSHA's MAT resource per instructions. Cite and reference in APA 7th edition.

Clients are often recommended to take medication to support recovery for severe opioid use disorders. Clients may also be prescribed medication for mood or anxiety disorder as treatment for a co-occurring disorder. Clients and some professionals often state taking medication for treatment is replacing one medication for another. Why may medication-assisted treatment be important? What are the benefits and potential risks for at least two of these medications? What education and resources can you provide? What professionals would you collaborate with to help the client make an informed decision about treatment options to include medication? Review NIDA Commonly Abused medications chart and SAMSHA's MAT resource in the topic resources to inform your discussion.

This discussion question is informed by the following CACREP Standard:

5.C.1.d. Neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders.

REFERENCES

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. (Eds.). (2024).Foundations of addictions counseling(5th ed.). Pearson. Retrieved fromBibliU - Reader

Sinclair, D. L., Sussman, S., Savahl, S., Florence, M., Adams, S., & Vanderplasschen, W. (2021). Substitute Addictions in Persons with Substance Use Disorders: A Scoping Review.Substance Use & Misuse,56(5), 683-696. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2021.1892136

STUDENT

Topic 7 DQ 2 (Obj. 7.1, 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a crucial role in the recovery journey for those facing severe opioid use disorders alongside mood or anxiety disorders. By significantly alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms, MAT enables patients to concentrate on therapy and additional recovery resources. For example, medications like methadone and buprenorphine are utilized to stabilize brain chemistry, diminish the euphoric highs associated with drug use, and restore equilibrium to the brain's neurochemical systems (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2024). Some people believe that MAT merely replaces one drug with another, but these therapies are essential for not only preventing possible misuse but also for addressing the neurobiological factors of addiction. Although there are risks such as medication misuse and side effects, the advantages frequently surpass these risks when managed by a qualified healthcare provider.

To assist clients in making educated decisions about MAT, resources from agencies like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can deliver reliable information. Teamwork with a multidisciplinary group, including addiction counselors, psychiatrists, and pharmacists, is vital. This ensures holistic care that takes into account the psychological, medical, and behavioral facets of addiction treatment, thus facilitating the recovery process (Sinclair et al., 2021). By providing clients with accurate insights into the benefits and risks of MAT, professionals can help them make informed choices that are customized to their unique needs.

REFERENCES

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. (Eds.). (2024).Foundations of addictions counseling(5th ed.). Pearson. Retrieved fromBibliU - Reader

Sinclair, D. L., Sussman, S., Savahl, S., Florence, M., Adams, S., & Vanderplasschen, W. (2021). Substitute Addictions in Persons with Substance Use Disorders: A Scoping Review.Substance Use & Misuse,56(5), 683-696. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2021.1892136