The integration of medical management with recovery

Patients recovering from alcohol and other drug addiction have unique medical and pharmacological needs. Careful selection of medications call decrease the risk of relapse. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel-blocking medications are excellent choices to treat hypertension. Most gastrointestinal problems resolve with abstinence and can be treated nonpharmacologically. In managing pain, physicians should avoid narcotics and use nonpharmacological treatment whenever possible. Treating recovering patients with HIV can be challenging because of the side effects of many of the antiviral medications. The newer antiviral agents have fewer side effects and contraindications. Commonly used remedies for colds and cough can cause a relapse to drug use. Patients with diabetes mellitus need to be monitored very closely in early recovery to prevent hypoglycemia. Frequently a team approach is helpful in managing the medication needs of patients in recovery.