If you or your loved one suffers from addiction, you might have
heard about medication-assisted treatment. You might have also wondered where
you can access "medically
assisted treatment near me."
The term "medication-assisted treatment" (MAT) refers
to the use of legally prescribed drugs to treat substance use disorders,
particularly alcohol and opioid addiction, along with counseling. Even though
it's still debatable, current evidence suggests that carefully supervised MAT
is beneficial when used as a component of an all-encompassing, tailored
strategy for addiction therapy. These interventions work together to address
the emotional, social, psychological, and social causes of addiction that
frequently lead to relapse.
The best results for any detox will come from ones that are
properly monitored and prevent harmful withdrawal symptoms. The dread of
experiencing withdrawal symptoms during detox is frequently a deterrent to
getting help. MAT can significantly ease the discomfort of the detoxification
process and open the door to a good recovery with a lower risk of relapse.
This blog explores some facts about medically assisted treatment
and the goals it aims to achieve.
What is medication-assisted
treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the process of treating
addiction by combining pharmaceutical medicine with traditional treatment
approaches, including behavioral therapy and counseling. MAT has changed lives
for those receiving therapy for many years. For those battling opioid or
alcohol use disorders, it is frequently a vital component of the healing
process.
Since many physiological factors of addiction are deeply
ingrained, efforts to alter them through behavioral therapy alone frequently
have limited success. At a detox treatment facility where prescription drugs
are incorporated into therapy, the success rates for recovery programs are
noticeably increased. Suboxone therapy, for instance, can assist patients in
concentrating on therapy and counseling because this drug relieves symptoms of
withdrawal.
How does medication-assisted
therapy work?
You can stop using opioids with the use of medication that
mitigates the side effects of addictive substances. These medicines consist of:
1. Suboxone
Suboxone, which combines buprenorphine and naloxone, binds to
the same receptors in the brain as oxycodone, heroin, and morphine. To lessen
cravings, it decreases the effects of these opiates. It is less prone to abuse
because it doesn't have the same euphoric effects. Suboxone helps you get back to more regular life when
combined with therapy.
2. Vivitrol
For a wide variety of reasons, Vivitrol is among the most
effective treatments for opiate and alcohol use disorders. Vivitrol injections
that are not addictive block receptors. It offers an extended-release form of
naltrexone to assist you in breaking your alcohol or drug addiction.
3. Sublocade
Buprenorphine, which blocks the opioid receptors in your brain,
is a component of the partial opioid agonist Sublocade. Used once a month,
Sublocade injections can speed up your recovery. The drug lessens cravings
without making the user "high." Additionally, it lessens the
uncomfortable physical side effects of withdrawal, helping people maintain
their sobriety while they start recovery.
What is the purpose of
drug-assisted therapy?
In order to feel normal during therapy and the early stages of
addiction recovery, medication-assisted treatment aims to stabilize your body
and mind.
Addiction therapy may be difficult if the physical reliance on
addiction is not addressed. Your body and mind anticipate that using drugs or
alcohol would feel pleasant or perhaps merely normal. Without drugs, your focus
may be more on using than on mending.
1. Reducing the negative psychological and
physiological withdrawal effects
If you don't have help, withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating,
unpleasant, and even fatal. You may be in a "flight or fight" state,
which makes you feel uneasy without drugs. You cannot develop and flourish when
you are in survival mode.
With MAT, you may focus on your treatment plan without being
interrupted by cravings or urges. Because your central nervous system must
acclimate to not having drugs or alcohol, substance misuse treatment takes
time.
2. Gain momentum as you start your road to recovery
The desires and urges that sometimes make you feel uneasy while
undergoing therapy are lessened with MAT. You won't be able to benefit much
from treatment if your main thought is getting high. Without drugs, your body
gives the impression that you are in danger and survival mode.
3. To help you become sober with the use of
medicines and gain the skills you need to stay sober
In order to develop new coping mechanisms and relapse prevention
techniques in the early stages of treatment, MAT supports both your mind and
body during treatment.
For people with severe addictions, MAT can stop overdoses
and other life-threatening situations during the detoxification process.
What benefits does medication-assisted treatment
offer?
There are various benefits you get when you search for 'medically assisted treatment near me.'
When compared to procedures without it, medication-assisted treatment has a
demonstrated track record of success in terms of recovery results. If your
addiction is so serious that a detox program is required, a MAT program can be
your best option. The following are some of the main advantages of
medication-assisted therapy over other forms of care:
1 - Minimising the chance of an overdose and relapse
2 - Pain relief from the crippling symptoms of withdrawal
3 - Rising levels of engagement and duration of their treatment
participation
4 - Reducing or eliminating the acute cravings for drugs and
alcohol that come with withdrawal
5 - Improved client retention in rehabilitation programs
One of the main factors contributing to the success of MAT
treatments is the reduction of withdrawal symptoms. People are more likely to
stay in a treatment program for the full duration if they are not experiencing
the pain or suffering of going through detox. The road to recovery is also made
considerably safer by drugs, which lower the risk of relapse and overdose.
Medication use can assist people in regaining control of their
lives when it is done as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also
includes counseling and support.
Conclusion
For opioid and alcohol addiction, medication-assisted treatment
is a highly effective treatment option. When opiate or alcohol addiction is
treated in its early phases, it dramatically lessens withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, MAT lessens or eliminates psychological issues that result in
brain chemistry imbalances contributing to addiction.
MAT, when used properly and under clinical and medical
supervision, enables patients to move away from opioid or alcohol addiction in
a safe manner. MAT offers a controlled dose of medication. You can connect with
Cooperative Recovery to learn more about Medication-assisted treatment.