Mental health conditions affect a large portion of the population, and it can feel disheartening when attempts to manage symptoms fall short. This may cause a person to discontinue their medication, leading to an unexpected instability in mental health. For individuals faced with this difficult situation, there is hope. At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we offer medication stabilization in Atlanta, Georgia. We help clients in need better manage their mental health medications.
What is Medication Stabilization?
Medication stabilization is a form of on-site medication management provided by a psychiatrist. It is primarily used in individuals with severe thought disorders and clients who struggle with maintaining a healthy mental state.
Medication stabilization also helps those who have become medication non-compliant for an extended period of time. It is also used when the medication has ceased to work in its original capacity.
What is Medication Noncompliance or Nonadherence?
Medication noncompliance, also known as medication nonadherence, is when an individual does not take medications as prescribed. Missing doses, discontinuing medications, or taking different amounts than the prescribed dose is considered medication noncompliance.
Clients who have not been taking their mental health medication as prescribed may experience adverse effects. These effects may result from an unmanaged mental health condition or withdrawal from drugs that should ideally be tapered off.
Why Medication Noncompliance Occurs
There are many valid reasons why an individual may be unable to take medications as prescribed. These situations can range from financial to dual diagnosis or cognitive issues. Due to the rising cost of medications, it is understandable many people may be unable to pay for medication that was once affordable. For anyone struggling to afford prescription drugs, clients should consult their prescribing doctor to explore generic brands or alternative medications.
With dual diagnosis, a person may become inconsistent with taking medications while dealing with a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously. Additionally, people who have experienced injuries, trauma, or memory loss may struggle to take medication on schedule. In these instances, medical care and family support can help during medication stabilization.
Who Needs Medication Stabilization?
Medication stabilization is a solid option for anyone who has entered into a mental health crisis. While some medications may only be needed temporarily, they can provide relief from severe mental health symptoms.
Experiencing a mental health crisis has become increasingly common, and society is working to erase the stigma around understanding mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states one in five adults will experience mental disorders each year, with one in twenty adults experiencing serious mental disorders.
Additionally, medication stabilization may be used for clients no longer experiencing relief of symptoms on their current medications. This treatment may also be used for clients with an unmanaged mental health disorder who have either stopped taking medications or have not tried prescriptions.
How Does Medication Stabilization Work?
With unmanaged mental health disorders, think of medication stabilization as an essential building block to healing. In order to get the most out of therapy and develop necessary coping skills, people need to be well-rested and in the right head space. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to achieve if a person is unable to sleep or finish a thought without constant anxiety.
Therefore, during a crisis, medication stabilization helps clients by providing prescription adjustments. Since everyone reacts differently to medications, clients are monitored for potential side effects while medications are adjusted. Our goal is to provide the medication that is most effective with the least side effects.
Sometimes, this may require adjusting dosages or trying a new drug altogether. Anytime we are taking medicine that impacts mental health, it is beneficial to be in a structured, secure environment with help available.
Mental Health Conditions We Treat During Medication Stabilization
Southern Live Oak Wellness offers medication stabilization in Atlanta to help our clients break free of uncontrolled mental health symptoms. Our team of professionals is dedicated to seeing our clients heal while improving their mental health.
We understand mental health disorders can profoundly impact a person’s life. Thus, we offer treatment for a wide variety of complex conditions. Through our programs, clients develop coping tools for dealing with trauma and the stressful demands of daily life.
Some common mental health disorders we treat are:
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Personality disorders
- Dual diagnosis
- Eating disorders
We also provide treatment for anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Common Signs Someone May Need Help
Declining mental health can sneak up on a person, and signs may be gradual or sudden. These signals are usually paired with other signs of mental health decline, and loved ones can often detect that something doesn’t seem right.
It is helpful to watch for these signals someone may need support:
- Significant behavioral changes
- Unpredictable moods
- Withdrawal from social interaction
- Sudden impulsivity
- Changes in appetite
- Physical signs of stress
- Irrational fear or relentless anxiety
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation
Benefits of Medication Stabilization in Atlanta
Southern Live Oak Wellness in Atlanta provides a secure, structured, on-site environment for medication stabilization. Our psychiatrist is on-site 40 hours a week to monitor medications and make clients aware of potential side effects.
We also provide medication education groups led by RNs. These groups help clients understand the symptoms, causes, and necessity of medications. By giving our clients this crucial information, they will have the knowledge and autonomy they need to achieve and maintain good mental health.
Amenities of Our Residential Medication Stabilization Service
During residential treatment, clients develop essential skills for managing their mental health. Our compassionate team will guide and support each client throughout this process.
While our clients receive residential treatment, they can explore our wellness programs as they continue to heal. These therapies allow them to rediscover healthy habits, mindful practices, and fun activities. In addition, we create a peaceful environment where clients can develop life skills to aid their long-term success.
Southern Live Oaks Wellness offers an array of complementary therapies, which include:
- Nutrition and in-house chef
- Life skills
- Outdoor recreation
- Red light therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Music therapy
- Reiki
Find Medication Stabilization in Atlanta, GA
At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we guide our clients on the path to healing during medication stabilization. Our skilled clinical team will determine the best level of care needed after a detailed individual assessment.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, contact us today.
