Risks and Benefits of Utilizing Medication for Mental Health Treatment

There are various prescription medications available today to aid in mental health treatment. Although taking medications can help promote one’s mental health, many individuals may feel indecisive on whether utilizing medication is the best treatment route for them. Although some individuals may have misconceptions about utilizing medication for mental health purposes, several benefits can come from taking medication. Moving forward with Avalon Malibu’s outpatient medication management program can provide a foundation for addressing medication management problems and reconciliation. For those who are not fond of taking prescription medications, holistic remedies at Avalon Malibu can be a great alternative to care. 

How Can Taking Medication for Mental Health Treatment Promote Healing?

Poor mental health can be difficult to manage without professional care. This can be especially so for those who are dealing with a severe mental health disorder. Although incorporating self-help strategies into one’s self-care routine can be beneficial, many individuals do find great benefits through taking prescription medications. Taking prescribed psychiatric medications on a daily basis can be safe if taken as advised. Prescription medications can also work to: 

• Reduce mental health symptoms
• Prevent a mental health relapse
• Increase focus and clarity
• Improve one’s overall mood
• Increase an individual’s treatment efficacy
• Improve an individual’s quality of life

Risks to Be Aware of When Taking Prescription Medication for Mental Health Problems

Whether they are limited or severe, every solution to a problem comes with some degree of side effects. Some medications can also interfere with other drugs or supplements. Knowing taking medication for mental health can be beneficial to one’s well-being, it may be wise for one to become more aware of the risks. There are a few things to consider before taking prescribed medications. Children and adults experience different reactions to certain drugs. If an individual is pregnant or in the postpartum phase, this may also limit their options. It is important for an individual to communicate any new symptoms or concerns to their healthcare provider for peace of mind during treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), not everyone may respond to the same medication the same way. Many individuals go through trial and error when starting new prescription medications. It may take several tries to find the most effective medication and dosage. An individual should give it some time for their body to adjust to certain changes that may arise. In some cases, symptoms may go away for a while but come back weeks after starting the medication. Therefore, it is important for one to maintain their treatment plan and take their medication as prescribed to gain the most benefit moving forward. 

Moving Forward With Avalon Malibu’s Outpatient Medication Management Program

Life can get really busy. Feeling overwhelmed with intense distress can potentially worsen an individual’s mental health. Knowing this, it can be incredibly hard for an individual who is already struggling to cope with their mental health to manage their medication routine alone.

It can be helpful for one to move forward with Avalon Malibu’s medication management program. Avalon Malibu can help clients determine if medications are a good fit for their healing journey. Their facility uses this program as one of their five levels of care. Avalon Malibu’s medication management program ensures that medicines prescribed to clients are taken and used in an effective and responsible way. The program includes several aspects and involves the collaboration of individuals, family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers for added benefit. Medication management can help decrease medication administration errors as well as create the best treatment route for those who face challenges with medication management.

Exploring Holistic Remedies as an Alternative Service to Care

Not everyone is keen on trying different medications. Some people prefer a natural approach to care. For those who mildly suffer with their mental health, it may be wise to entertain a holistic treatment modality first. Holistic services consider the person as a whole rather than their plain symptoms. Natural treatment can be a great alternative to prescription medications as it can be a great natural solution. Depending on the facility chosen, sometimes combining psychiatric medications with other forms of care can enhance one’s treatment progress.

Different Holistic Treatment Options Offered at Avalon Malibu

A typical holistic service addresses an individual’s mind, body, and spirit for a whole-person approach. Research indicates that holistic medicine can treat individuals with various mental health conditions. A specialist can help one understand their level of responsibility and better process past trauma that resulted in escaping responsibility for their destiny. Different types of holistic care provided by Avalon Malibu include: 

• Proven psychotherapies
• Yoga and meditation
• Acupuncture and massage
• Art, music, and writing therapy
• Gestalt therapy
• Experiential therapy
• 12-Step alternatives
• Pain management
• Psychodrama
• Neurofeedback
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 
• Physical fitness and nutritional support

By working together, our phenomenal staff provides an array of treatment options that combine both traditional and holistic techniques, utilizing a whole-person approach that goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our clients. Unlike facilities that focus narrowly on 12-Step programs, pharmacology, an Eastern mindfulness model, or some other singular methodology, we offer a tailor-made treatment plan that combines all the elements you need. In addiction medicine, this translates to incorporating therapies and modalities that focus on both the mind and the body into an individual’s treatment plan. Call Avalon Malibu at (844) 857-5992 to learn if our medication management program or holistic services are right for you.