The medication assisted therapy benefits are immense. This goes for those who struggle to maintain their recovery and for those who are first-time sobriety seekers. It can help individuals looking to attain long-term recovery to achieve their goals.
MAT can help individuals build a solid foundation that can aid in the recovery process. Understanding what MAT is, and how it works can help someone to make an informed decision when starting this form of therapy.
An Overview of Medication Assisted Therapy
Addiction is a complex condition. Recovery entails having proper care and support during the treatment process, as well as continued support as recovery continues. MAT combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the complex nature of addiction in those who are struggling.
Medication assisted therapy benefits those struggling with addiction, whether it be opioid addiction or alcohol addiction. It is effective when it comes to improving treatment outcomes, reducing drug use and overdose risk, as well as promoting long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
What is the Process?
Much like any form of substance use disorder treatment, MAT begins with an in-depth assessment to shed light on the scope of the individual’s struggle. This helps to determine the medical needs, substance use history, and treatment goals of the individual. After this assessment, a medical professional can then lay out a plan of action for medication use.
It can also help clinical staff to gather an approach that would be effective, therapeutically, to help the individual attain and maintain their recovery. Medication education including dosage instructions, side effects, and the importance of medication adherence is necessary. Monitoring and follow-up with professionals are also important to assess progress and adjust medications as needed.
Are There Different MAT Types?
Medication assisted therapy benefits individuals who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction in ways that traditional treatment methods may not. However, understanding the different types of MAT is vital when deciding which is the best approach. When it comes to MAT, assessing the scope of the struggle is crucial for determining the best approach, as the different types can be more or less effective for different individuals.
Medical professionals can turn to opioid agonists or antagonists. Agonists can include methadone and buprenorphine which can help to control and reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Antagonists like naltrexone can block the response of opioid receptors, interfering with the effects that opioids can produce and reduce the rate of relapse. MAT medications can also include medications to combat alcohol addiction. This is why undergoing a complete assessment is crucial, as it helps determine which route is best.
Benefits and Pros of MAT
The medication assisted therapy benefits and pros can help in decision making surrounding MAT. The benefits can include reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing for individuals to become stable and focus on their recovery. It also helps to enhance treatment outcomes, reducing the risk of relapse.
MAT also helps to improve social capabilities, as well as employment retention. This allows these individuals to maintain relationships, as well as become valued employees in the workforce. Lastly, co-occurring mental health conditions can be treated in depth through a MAT protocol.
Side Effects and Risks
When it comes to MAT, there can be some side effects and risks involved. Medication assisted therapy benefits individuals seeking long-term recovery, however, understanding the risks involved is important. These risks and side effects depend on the medication used, and having proper medical and professional monitoring can help reduce the risks.
Medications like methadone and buprenorphine can cause constipation, nausea, and drowsiness. Naltrexone can cause G.I. issues and headaches. MAT medications such as disulfiram, used for alcohol addiction, can cause adverse reactions if alcohol is consumed while taking the medication.
While MAT is meant to aid in combating the struggle with drugs and alcohol, it carries a risk of abuse. This is why it is crucial to maintain proper supervision and monitoring while using the medications. The risk of misuse, dependence and diversion from the treatment plan can be great, further enhancing the necessity for proper medical supervision.
MAT for Opioid Abuse
Medication assisted therapy benefits individuals who struggle with opioid addiction. Often, these individuals struggle to maintain recovery long-term. MAT helps them to gain their footing, allowing them to focus on their goals for recovery and in life. Co-occurring mental health conditions can be addressed and monitored, allowing the individual to achieve their goals for long-term recovery.
Often, those who struggle with addiction also struggle with mental health. Having the capability of addressing these conditions while also treating addiction allows for a head start in recovery.
Alcohol Withdrawal and MAT
Similarly to opioids, medication assisted therapy benefits those who struggle with alcohol as well. It helps them to fend off cravings, which helps to prevent relapse. Alcohol addiction is characterized by an obsessive and compulsive need or desire to drink.
Being able to control and alleviate the desire can help create a space where these individuals can achieve long-term recovery from alcohol addiction.
Let MAT Help You
Learning to live without drugs and alcohol can be overwhelming. Having the added support provided by MAT can be beneficial to creating a space of healing and growth. If you or a loved one are struggling with substances, we can help.
At Brentwood Springs we offer care to those who have found themselves struggling and are looking for a better life. Our team of professionals is standing by to help guide you through the beginning process.
Call us today and begin your recovery journey.
