Something that scares a lot of people when they think about going through detox. They fear the withdrawal symptoms that come with it. Because of this, we make sure we help reduce and even stop many of them. The result is that our detox programs feel more comfortable for people. Our medication-assisted treatment around Nashville, Murfreesboro, Bowling Green, or Franklin, TN is the starting point. It helps everyone cross the line and become sober for life.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment in Nashville, TN?
Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee. It has a population of almost 690,000 people as of 2020. Founded in 1779, Nashville has risen to become the jewel of the state. It is the capital of the country music world. What is more, it also attracts a lot of tourists.
People flock to the beautiful nature of the area, including mountains and rivers. Still, Nashville is not immune to the problem of drug and alcohol addiction. Therefore, many seek out medication-assisted treatment for this reason.
A recommended way to treat addiction involves the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines medication with counseling. It works for both drug and alcohol addiction treatment. MAT begins during detox. It helps treat the withdrawal symptoms that happen.
It also helps reduce substance cravings that happen during this time. This helps speed up the detox process. The person also enjoys a more comfortable time in detox. Our team monitors a person throughout MAT. This makes detox much safer than it is for those who try to do it alone.
All meds used during MAT are FDA-approved. MAT works best when used to treat alcohol and opioid withdrawal. People stay in treatment longer when they use MAT. Additionally, it has benefits that last past initial treatment. Long-term MAT increases a person’s ability to get a job and keep it.
What are Detox and Withdrawal?
When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it affects them physically. It means their brain has come to rely on the substances in their system. When the person stops using drugs like heroin or stops drinking, the brain reacts. The person will have cravings to start using again. Now they will need to go through detox, as it is the process of getting rid of toxins built up during addiction.
Detox can be hard to get through, hence most people have withdrawal symptoms. First of all, they can be physical or emotional in nature. Second of all, they are often uncomfortable or painful. If left untreated, some can be dangerous. This is why medication-assisted treatment in Nashville, Tennessee helps.
Medication for addiction is used during MAT detox treatment. It helps reduce or stop withdrawal symptoms. The 2 most common MAT detox programs are used to treat alcohol and heroin addictions.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol addiction can affect a person. This includes both physical and mental symptoms. They can last for just a few weeks. Alternatively, they can last longer if the addiction is severe.
The most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms are:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Tremors
People with long-term and severe alcohol addictions are also at risk of delirium tremens. This is also known as the DTs. This affects about 5% of all those addicted to alcohol when they stop drinking. The symptoms can include severe confusion, delusions, hallucinations, and seizures.
What is more, these symptoms can be life-threatening. This is part of what makes medication-assisted treatment in Nashville, Tennessee so important.
Alcohol Withdrawal Medications
Medication for alcohol addiction works by reducing withdrawal symptoms. This proves especially important for people at risk of experiencing DTs.
Common medications for alcohol addiction include:
Benzodiazepines
These are some of the most commonly used types of alcohol detox medications. They ease emotional side effects like anxiety and depression. They also help prevent seizures.
Naltrexone
This drug does not reduce withdrawal symptoms. However, it does reduce cravings for alcohol. This is because it prevents a person from getting drunk if they do drink. Instead, it causes a person to feel negative side effects. The result is that it takes away the fun of drinking; then, a person is less likely to drink again.
Clonidine
This works to help relieve withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and agitation. It also helps with muscle aches, sweating, and other flu-like symptoms.
Your journey toward healing begins today.
Brentwood Springs Detox is a leading drug and alcohol addiction treatment services. If you or a loved one are in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (615) 560-7545 to speak with us.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin abuse causes some of the worst withdrawal symptoms. MAT helps to reduce these symptoms. This makes the detox process more comfortable.
The most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Vomiting
Heroin Withdrawal Medications
There are several medications available to heroin users in a MAT program. Medication-assisted treatment in Nashville, Tennessee uses them to help those trying to stop abusing heroin. Fortunately, there are options available for treatment.
The options include:
Methadone
This type of slow-release opioid is commonly used for drug addiction detox. It tricks a person’s brain into thinking that they are still using heroin. Because of this, the withdrawal symptoms stop.
Buprenorphine
This medication is used to treat opioid addiction. It has the same effect as methadone. It produces low to moderate feelings of euphoria. This helps trick the body into feeling it is using heroin. It can be used as a long-term solution to help prevent relapse.
Clonidine
This drug helps relieve heroin addiction withdrawal symptoms. These include anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, and sweating.
Naltrexone
This drug blocks the opioid receptors in the brain. This means using heroin will not cause the feeling of being high. Instead, the person will experience withdrawal symptoms. They are less likely to use heroin again because of this.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Nashville, TN
Getting MAT detox in Nashville gives a person a real leg up. First, it means they won’t suffer for no reason. Time spent in detox goes by faster for this reason. Detox becomes more comfortable, as a result.
Additionally, a person is more likely to complete it. This often means a person will stay sober. Consequently, they will not begin a cycle of going in and out of rehab many times.
Another benefit involves the talk therapy that comes with MAT. This type of counseling is important for any addiction treatment. It allows a person to understand their addiction. It also teaches them how to avoid relapsing.
Sometimes people are tempted to use drugs or alcohol just one more time. Certain MAT drugs cause unpleasant side effects when they do so. Subsequently, they are less likely to be tempted to use again.
Begin Medication-Assisted Treatment in Nashville, TN, Today
When it comes to treating heroin or alcohol addiction, MAT is a very effective option. We combine MAT with other proven addiction treatments in order to help you detox safely. Because of this, you experience fewer withdrawal symptoms.
Brentwood Springs Detox Center helps people turn their lives around. We provide help to those near the Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Spring Hill areas. Visit our admissions page today. We also accept Cigna and UHC insurance. Find out how our medication-assisted treatment can help you find the path to lasting sobriety.
