No two human beings are alike. With unique DNA, personality temperaments, and life histories, each person is wired differently. When it comes to seeking treatment for a substance use disorder, a recovery program that works beautifully for one person could fail abysmally for another.

In fact, one of the biggest challenges providers of addiction treatment face each and every day is successfully aligning the right mix of treatment elements to each patient’s recovery needs. Medication supported recovery (MSR) is one such treatment element that, when matched with the right individual, can greatly increase recovery success. MSR applies the use of medications that aid in the recovery process.

MSR Improves Recovery Outcomes for Many

The days of applying a cookie cutter approach to treating drug and alcohol addiction are, thankfully, waning. Too often, the revolving door of rehab re-admittance belies the unfortunate reality that a one-size-fits-all program really doesn’t fit all. Instead, each patient should be equipped with a customized care plan that addresses the unique features and history of their particular substance use disorder.

For individuals who have enrolled in multiple abstinence-based programs, only to return to substance use, MSR may be the answer for them. MSR uses medications, such as buprenorphine and naltrexone, to support long-term recovery efforts. This medical approach to recovery has yielded impressive results, allowing the individual’s brain chemistry to gradually adjust to the absence of the opioid of abuse. This translates to stability in recovery, allowing the individual to move forward productively while avoiding reoccurrence of drug use.

MSR as a Core Aftercare Component

Too often, individuals will complete a 30-day inpatient program and be anxious to put rehab behind them. Ignoring the importance of aftercare treatment, however, is a mistake that too often results in reoccurrence. It takes months and months to stabilize following inpatient treatment, necessitating patient engagement in important outpatient services. Attending weekly group therapy sessions, participating in individual psychotherapy, and active engagement in 12-step meetings provide the ongoing support needed to navigate the challenges in early recovery.

MSR is another aftercare component that can dramatically increase stability in recovery. As a medical intervention, MSR involves a continuing relationship with the patient after they have completed the formal treatment program. This results in ongoing communication between the provider and the patient while retaining them in outpatient treatment. Not only is MSR a protective measure against drug use reoccurrence, but the net effect of this form of aftercare is a progressive improvement in quality of life.

MSR is Not Appropriate for Everyone

As beneficial as MSR is for those individuals who remain unstable even after completing several abstinence-based programs, this program is not a fit for everyone. A physician will assess patients to determine whether MSR would be helpful in their particular case. There are instances that the medications are not going to be efficacious or advantageous. Some examples of these include:

• Individuals with the available resources to remain in residential treatment for an extended period, such as six months. With this length of time in a structured treatment environment, it is quite possible to achieve an abstinence-based recovery.
• Individuals who have a poly-drug addiction profile. These individuals may default to abusing other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, while on MSR. This could possibly introduce dangerous drug interactions, such as depressed respiratory function, as well as defeating the purpose of MSR.
• Individuals who are not fully committed to adhering to required maintenance appointments with their provider, or to participating in ongoing outpatient therapy.
• Individuals who engage in unstable, violent, illegal, or aggressive behaviors. These behaviors could interfere with treatment.
• Individuals who exhibit symptoms of psychosis or have suicidal tendencies.
• Individuals with a medical condition, such as serious lung disease, liver disease, or heart arrhythmia that may put them at risk while using MSR.

When the patient profile aligns with the benefits of MSR the recovery results can be very encouraging. MSR is one more tool used in aftercare that substantially increases the odds of someone eventually overcoming an opioid addiction.

Ashley Addiction Treatment is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their long-term recovery goals. For more information about MSR or about our luxury rehab program, please reach out to our team at (866) 313-6307.