Many individuals with schizophrenia face difficulty coping with their symptoms. Although there is no known cure for schizophrenia, it is important for one with a severe case, to maintain treatment for effective management. Schizophrenia relapses are also common, but sticking to a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may help promote long-term recovery. Many individuals facing challenges with schizophrenia find great benefit through taking on a MAT approach at Renaissance Ranch while in recovery.
What Is Schizophrenia?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), schizophrenia can be defined as a serious psychiatric disorder that alters how an individual feels, thinks, and behaves. Those facing challenges with schizophrenia commonly feel as if they often fall out of touch with reality. This can make one feel severely distressed. Family and friends may also be greatly impacted by their loved one’s condition. There is no known cause of schizophrenia but several risk factors play a role in why an individual develops the mental health condition. For example, genetics, the environment, and one’s brain structure and function can impact an individual’s mental state.
How Does It Feel to Live with Schizophrenia?
Living with schizophrenia can make one feel anxious, paranoid, or angry. If schizophrenia symptoms are left unaddressed, the condition can affect many aspects of an individual’s life. Many individuals having problems with schizophrenia experience false beliefs and delusions, and often hear or see things that do not exist. Severe schizophrenia can make one feel as if someone can read their mind or control their thoughts. Warning signs that can help one recognize the effects of their condition include:
- Finding it challenging to plan or follow through with certain activities
- Feeling low levels of anticipation or decreased motivation
- Showing a small range of facial expressions
- Talking with a very dull tone
- Experiencing catatonia
- Having difficulty making safe decisions
- Experiencing problems using information directly after receiving it
- Having trouble focusing when spoken to
What Is the MAT Approach?
There is a link between schizophrenia and substance abuse. Knowing it can be difficult for one to cope with and manage the effects of schizophrenia, some individuals misuse harmful substances in hopes of finding relief from their symptoms. Substance abuse has been proven to worsen an individual’s mental health and overall quality of life. Once treatment is completed this does not mean an individual is cured. Even the most motivated individuals may not feel confident transitioning into recovery. Continuing care can provide the support needed to stay on track to a healthy recovery.
According to the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH), many individuals facing serious challenges with schizophrenia and substance use disorder (SUD) find great benefits through medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT can be defined as a whole-person approach to care. This type of treatment combines behavioral health counseling and pharmacotherapy to help an individual manage symptoms.
Why Choose a MAT Approach?
Knowing there is no known cause of schizophrenia, recovery often pans out differently for everyone. Therefore, medication alone may not be very effective in warding off symptoms. Due to persisting symptoms, It can be easy for one with schizophrenia to trail off in recovery. Combining outpatient therapy with prescribed medications can further enhance an individual’s recovery progress. Speaking with a therapist every week can help one gain new coping mechanisms, alter negative behaviors, and increase motivation to keep pushing forward.
What to Consider Before Moving Forward With a MAT Approach
Choosing to move forward with just one or the other may leave an individual facing complications with trial and error while in recovery. Considering a MAT approach can be a wise choice, as this type of treatment typically addresses all areas of care. Although this may be true, it is important for one to become aware of the drawbacks of medication-assisted treatment. For example, MAT typically requires close medical management. Not everyone has the time for outpatient care. It can also take time for one to become adjusted to prescription medications. Prescription use can also put one at an increased risk for prescription abuse.
Understanding the Benefits of a MAT Approach
Although there may be some drawbacks, breaking down the pros of treatment can help one decide if moving forward makes the most sense. Prescription medications can help reduce hallucinations and delusions, and cope with disordered thinking. Attending therapy and taking medications can also improve an individual’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Emotional and social support is critical to maintaining healthy healing. Taking medications as advised can work to reduce symptoms while attending therapy can teach one coping mechanisms to effectively manage them.
Dual care can also improve one’s ability to decipher fantasy from reality. Attending outpatient therapy can increase new opportunities while providing community support. A medication-assisted treatment approach may improve communication and positively enhance relationships with loved ones. Knowing prescription side effects can be problematic. Sometimes discussing new symptoms or concerns with a chosen specialist can help one cope while in recovery. Additional benefits that can come from planning a MAT Approach at Renaissance Ranch include:
- Reduced substance cravings
- Decreased relapse rates
- Increased levels of involvement and length of participation in therapy
- Complete comprehensive care
- Increased flexibility without being hospitalized
- Improved ability to make wise decisions
Our guidance and assistance do not stop once you or your loved one has completed our addiction recovery program. We understand the significance of addressing an individual’s mental well-being throughout their recovery journey. At Renaissance Ranch, our comprehensive approach empowers both men and women beyond immediate healing. At Renaissance Ranch, we firmly believe in the essential role of mental health in long-term recovery and personal growth. Our MAT approach ensures that our patients receive the necessary support and resources to achieve lasting sobriety, reclaim their lives, and embrace a future filled with hope and mental well-being. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 to gain ongoing care and support for mental stability.