Overcoming a substance addiction may feel impossible, but medication-assisted treatment (MAT) makes the process achievable. Although individuals are able to reach sobriety without the assistance of medication, it can make the process more comfortable. MAT combines medication with counseling and therapy. Sometimes, using a doctor-prescribed comfort medication is the difference between relapse and lifetime sobriety. There’s no shame in taking medication for substance addiction. Let’s explore what recovery can look like with the assistance of MAT.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Simply put, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment plan that implements medication with therapy to help recover from substance addiction. Substance abuse modifies the brain’s response to its environment, so it becomes dependent on the drug. Different types of substances activate the brain’s neurochemistry differently. Yet, all substance abuse creates abnormal messaging between neurotransmitters. This leads to the brain’s inability to function normally without the substance it’s dependent on. Understandably, the cycle of addiction continues because the brain constantly craves more and experiences withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxing from drug use is necessary but uncomfortable, so treatment centers use medication to help reduce withdrawal during detoxification. Afterward, they can include medication in a patient’s long-term recovery plan to help reduce daily triggers and cravings. The individual will also participate in behavioral therapy sessions to complete the inner work of unpacking their addiction.
How Does MAT Help with Substance Abuse?
As such, treatment centers like Aliya Health Group’s facilities use medically assisted treatment to increase individuals’ recovery results. Not only does prescription medication make it easier to detox from substances initially, but it also makes long-term sobriety more possible. In reality, preventing relapse is a lifetime battle. Individuals will face triggers and cravings to return to opioids or alcohol. Yet, MAT offers some important assistance in the battle against addiction.
Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms
As mentioned, medication is used in MAT to specifically target withdrawal symptoms. The medications we use in our programming are FDA-approved for their proven results. Medication assistance aids in reducing withdrawal symptoms by targeting the brain and body.
Reducing Cravings for Drugs or Alcohol
Cravings for more of a substance are one of the most difficult withdrawal symptoms an individual faces when recovering from addiction. Medication-assisted treatment provides individuals with medicine that reduces cravings, as well as therapeutic approaches to persevere over triggers.
Stabilizing Brain Chemistry
Further, medication can help stabilize an individual’s brain chemistry to overcome dependence on drugs. Although substances have changed your neurofunctions, MAT prescriptions normalize your brain chemistry to make sobriety possible. They also help your body reset back to normal by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and stopping the positive effects of substances. In time, your mind and body will be free from substances and their damaging effects on the self.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamWhat Substances Can MAT Help With?
Fortunately, MAT can help individuals recover from substance addiction to opioids and alcohol. This includes prescription painkillers, narcotics, and opiates. The list includes:
- Heroin
- Opium
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydrocodone
- Tramadol
Opioids are powerful drugs. Many people require MAT in order to reach sobriety. At Aliya Health Group’s facilities, we provide opioid medication-assisted treatment that helps individuals detox from and function without opioids. Additionally, we provide alcohol medication-assisted treatment for those struggling to overcome alcohol use disorder (AUD).
MAT for Opioid Use Disorder
Medication-assisted treatment for opioids focuses on repairing the alterations drugs make to the brain and body. The FDA approves methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for the use of opioid use disorder (OUD). Further, MAT for opioid abuse includes counseling and therapy. Patients unpack why they turn to drugs and learn how to create new habits.
Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist, meaning this medication blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. It effectively reduces cravings and prevents a “high.”
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid antagonist that acts similar to an illicit opioid. Yet, it’s used to help patients overcome opioid addiction by preventing the effects of a high and reducing cravings. Suboxone medication-assisted treatment uses the branded medication Suboxone, which is composed of both buprenorphine and naloxone.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that produces results for opioid and alcohol addiction. Individuals with dual diagnoses benefit from this prescription medication, as do those with opioid addiction.
MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder
Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol abuse uses FDA-approved medications for overcoming AUD. Just as with MAT for opioid abuse, MAT for alcohol abuse also includes counseling and behavioral therapy as a key component of healing.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram inhibits the positive effects of alcohol consumption, making it possible to avoid alcohol while overcoming addiction. For example, mixing disulfiram and alcohol may result in nausea, vomiting, headache, and stomach pain.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate helps balance neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. As a result, it makes long-term alcohol resistance easier.
Naltrexone
As discussed, Naltrexone also fights alcohol addiction by diminishing cravings and blocking the intoxicating effects of alcohol when consumed.
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Check Your CoverageBehavioral Therapy and Medication-Assisted Treatment
Notably, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) also includes behavioral therapies in programming. We understand that true sobriety is achieved when a person unpacks the trauma and pain surrounding their addiction. Counseling and therapy help prevent self-medication with drugs and alcohol. Instead, it offers individuals a healthy outlet for their feelings, as well as teaches positive coping mechanisms. For this reason, MAT is always accompanied by behavioral therapies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)for Addiction
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an research-based behavioral therapy option that teaches how to reframe thinking and modify actions. By using talk therapy and behavioral practices, individuals gain recognition of their harmful patterns and take accountability to change their lives.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Addiction
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) stems from CBT with a deeper emphasis on emotional regulation. DBT is effective for those in rehab for addiction because it teaches them to better understand their feelings and connect the link between their emotions and their actions.
Find Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction
If you’re struggling with opioid addiction or alcohol addiction, MAT at an established treatment center is the right step. Fortunately, we have facilities across the United States, so finding a rehab location is simple. Our opioid detox centers provide a safe and supportive environment for you to get well. You will encounter staff and peers who understand what you’re facing, whether opioid addiction or alcohol use disorder.
Reach out about our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) today to start your sobriety journey.
