What is the best way to help people overcome drug addiction? Do you use a type of medication to help victims cope or rely on good old-fashioned abstinence and behavioral conditioning? Unfortunately, this is an all-too common discussion nowadays, thanks to the boost in the opioid epidemic. Now, treatment centers like JourneyPure (Murfreesboro, Tennessee) are forcing patients to integrate medication-accompaniment therapy alongside regular activities including animal therapy, fitness, and a required 12-step program. Although some forms of medication are necessary to help addicts cope with agonizing withdrawal symptoms, a line must be drawn in regards to patient well-being. Let’s take a closer look at the great battle between abstinence and medication during addiction treatment.

Obstructing Treatment

Keep in mind that medication can be an essential part of therapy, particularly during the withdrawal and detox processes in recovery programs. However, these drugs are supposed to be administered in tandem with program activities. According to addiction specialists, however, one of the biggest problems with this procedure is the fact that two medication are opioids (which makes the issue a little counterproductive). In response, the public is arguing that this practice is inhibiting recovery and promoting the Opioid Crisis.

A Dangerous Change in Policy

For the people at JourneyPure, the tensions have only begun to rise. Officials have argued that medication should only be offered as an alternative, if practicing abstinence is not effective or not safe for a patient. Even Secretary Tom Price (President Trump’s first secretary of Health and Human Services) has argued that the substation of one opioid for another is not going to solve the problem whatsoever. However, Secretary Alex Azar (successor to Secretary Price) has argued in favor of this new approach, emphasizing the importance of utilizing medication to prevent death or injury during the potentially hazardous withdrawal process.

Nevertheless, medication-assistance therapy has yet to gain the full favor of the public. On the surface, we can see why, but sometimes (to battle addiction) do you need to fight fire with fire?

Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction

Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.