Menu
Addiction drug therapy is a key part of recovery from substance abuse, providing structured medical support to reduce cravings, stabilize brain chemistry, and lower relapse risk. At Sullivan Recovery in Mission Viejo, we use evidence-based addiction drug therapy options in our outpatient program to help patients manage opioid use disorder, alcohol dependence, and other substance-related conditions. This approach includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and peer support to address both physical and mental health needs.
Addiction drug therapy refers to the use of medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery from substance use. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are commonly used to treat opioid use disorder. Alcohol therapy may involve disulfiram or naltrexone to help reduce alcohol consumption and prevent relapse.
Therapy is often combined with counseling, such as dialectical behavior therapy or contingency management. At Sullivan Recovery, we integrate addiction drug therapy into our outpatient and PHP drug treatment programs, helping patients achieve abstinence while addressing co-occurring mental health conditions.
Medications support brain stabilization, helping the patient regain control over cravings and impulsive behavior. For opioids, MAT drug treatment includes buprenorphine or methadone, which bind to opioid receptors and reduce withdrawal symptoms. These medicines also decrease the risk of overdose and relapse.
In alcohol detoxification treatment, medication reduces withdrawal symptoms like high heart rate, shaking, or seizures. This is essential for patient safety, especially when alcohol abuse has affected the blood, liver, or brain.
Medication alone is not enough to sustain recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Behavioral therapies improve coping skills, motivation, and self-control. Dialectical behavior therapy helps patients manage stress, peer pressure, and emotional triggers that can lead to drug use.
Sullivan Recovery blends medication with structured therapy sessions and peer support programs such as SMART Recovery or Narcotics Anonymous. This combination supports long-term abstinence and lowers the risk of relapse, especially during early recovery when drug withdrawal is most intense.
Several medications are approved for drug and alcohol therapy, depending on the substance involved. These therapies help reduce the physical stress of drug withdrawal and support long-term abstinence. For opioid use disorder, addiction drug therapy focuses on stabilizing the brain and reducing relapse risk.
For alcohol therapy:
These medications are prescribed by a physician, based on detailed health assessments that consider the patient’s dose history, current blood pressure, and any co-occurring conditions like hepatitis or memory issues. Treatments may be adjusted based on gender, medical history, and family parent dynamics, especially in those exposed to peer pressure or early substance use.
Outpatient addiction drug therapy allows patients to receive effective care while staying active in their daily lives. It is ideal for those with strong community support, low relapse triggers, and manageable drug withdrawal symptoms. Sullivan Recovery offers outpatient and PHP drug treatment options that combine medication and behavioral health interventions.
Patients attend scheduled sessions with a health professional for dose adjustments, medical reviews, and therapy. These services often include dialectical behavior therapy, free drug counseling, and peer support programs like Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, which are crucial for managing coping strategies and stress.
Outpatient treatment is generally covered by insurance, making it more accessible for individuals managing addiction, mental health, and physical health challenges. Regular contact with a health care provider ensures proper monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and pain management—especially in cases involving benzodiazepine, fentanyl, oxycodone, or methamphetamine use.
Sullivan Recovery integrates holistic drug treatment principles into outpatient care, encouraging abstinence, healthy routines, and positive reinforcement through contingency management. Patients benefit from updated information, research-based interventions, and motivational tools that reduce risk and help prevent relapse.
Drug withdrawal is a painful and risky process, especially for opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. Addiction drug therapy helps manage symptoms like nausea, high heart rate, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia. Medications like clonidine or buprenorphine are used to stabilize the patient during detox.
At Sullivan Recovery, we supervise detox in a safe outpatient setting. Our trained medical team adjusts the dose of medication based on the severity of symptoms and monitors vital signs to prevent complications like seizures or blood pressure spikes. Withdrawal management is often the first step in a full drug treatment plan.
Several risk factors can affect how a patient responds to addiction drug therapy. These include genetics, mental health history, trauma, and exposure to peer pressure or advertising that promotes substance use. The type of substance also matters—methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone have high addiction potential and can cause severe withdrawal.
Gender and parental history may also affect addiction risk. Adolescents and young adults exposed to inhalants, phencyclidine, or alcohol may need early intervention and free alcohol counseling to prevent deeper substance abuse.
A licensed physician or health care provider evaluates each patient to determine the right addiction drug therapy plan. They consider physical health, drug use history, mental health conditions, and current medications. Physicians also screen for co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or hepatitis.
At Sullivan Recovery, our staff includes physicians, therapists, and certified counselors who work as a team. We provide drug treatment that respects individual needs while following current research and medical guidelines. Our programs also include free drug counseling for qualifying patients.
Relapse often occurs due to stress, memory triggers, or exposure to substances. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn to manage stress, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and recognize high-risk situations. Contingency management offers rewards for drug-free behavior, which can boost motivation.
Support from the community and peers is critical. SMART Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous, and peer support groups provide accountability and encouragement. These groups help patients replace old behaviors with healthier choices and reduce the impact of environmental pressure.
Some patients benefit from holistic drug treatment that includes mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, and acupuncture. These methods reduce stress and promote healing but are used alongside medical treatment—not in place of it.
At Sullivan Recovery, we offer holistic options that support physical and mental health. This includes wellness activities to complement medication and therapy. Holistic support can improve sleep, mood, and brain function—making it easier to stay engaged in recovery.
Addiction drug therapy is often covered by private insurance and public programs. Coverage may include detox, outpatient services, medication, and counseling. Patients should check with their provider to confirm benefits and copayments.
Sullivan Recovery works with most insurance plans and can verify coverage before starting treatment. We help patients access addiction care without unnecessary financial stress. Free drug counseling and medication support may also be available for qualified individuals.
Addiction is a disease that affects the brain and behavior. It changes how the brain processes reward, memory, and impulse control. Addiction drug therapy treats this disease medically, not morally, using proven medications and behavioral health tools.
Understanding addiction as a disease helps reduce stigma. Patients are more likely to seek help when they know treatment is based on science—not shame. At Sullivan Recovery, we educate families and patients with clear information about treatment options and long-term recovery.
Patients on opioid therapy should have access to naloxone, a medicine that reverses overdoses. Naloxone saves lives and is recommended for anyone taking methadone, buprenorphine, or oxycodone. It is available by prescription or through community programs.
We train patients and families on how to use naloxone safely. This is part of our broader commitment to safety, overdose prevention, and relapse risk reduction.
Addiction drug therapy offers a science-backed path to recovery for those struggling with substance abuse, alcohol addiction, or drug withdrawal. By combining medication with behavior therapy, peer support, and community care, patients improve their health and reduce relapse risk.
At Sullivan Recovery, we provide outpatient and PHP drug treatment, alcohol detoxification treatment, and narcotic withdrawal treatment. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of each patient through MAT, free drug counseling, and supportive therapies. Contact us to learn how addiction drug therapy can help you or a loved one achieve lasting recovery.
At Sullivan Recovery, as an in-network provider we work with most insurance plans, such as:
And More
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse, reach out to Sullivan Recovery today. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to support your journey towards lasting well-being. Give us a call at 949-836-7180.
Yes, in some cases, addiction drug therapy can begin while the person is still actively using substances. Medications like buprenorphine or methadone may be introduced to stabilize opioid use and reduce the risk of overdose. However, a health care provider must evaluate the patient’s condition, substance use level, and safety before initiating therapy.
The length of time varies based on the substance, severity of addiction, and patient response. Some individuals use medication short-term during detox, while others stay on long-term maintenance plans for opioid or alcohol use disorders. A physician regularly reviews the patient’s progress to adjust the dose or taper medications as needed.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for stimulant use disorders. However, ongoing research is exploring potential drug therapies. Behavioral therapies, peer support programs, and structured outpatient treatment are the primary approaches for treating methamphetamine or cocaine addiction.
Yes, certain medications like methadone and buprenorphine are considered safe and effective for managing opioid use disorder during pregnancy. They help reduce withdrawal symptoms in both the mother and baby, and lower the risk of complications. Pregnant patients should always consult a specialized health care provider for supervised treatment.
We are available around the clock to assist you, every day of the year.
© 2024 Sullivan Recovery. All rights reserved.
