During your medical detox and addiction treatment program, a mix of medication, therapy, and holistic approaches may be used to initiate a long-term recovery and reverse the harmful effects of a chronic substance use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment is commonplace and a safe method of helping people battling alcohol use and drug addiction. Contact us online or call [Direct] today to find out what is MAT and how this medication-assisted treatment program at New Start Recovery can help you get clean and enjoy sober living.
What Is MAT?
A medication-assisted addiction treatment program (MAT) refers to the use of various medications, along with psychosocial treatments and other various therapies, to help you overcome your substance use disorder. The drugs involved in medication-assisted treatment work to support your treatment plan and your recovery. These medications do not replace your treatment plan or your recovery efforts.
New Start Recovery is a small, six-bed intimate detox facility in California with a skilled and compassionate staff. Our medication-assisted treatment program focuses intently on your individualized care. In situations where medications alone are not enough to treat addiction, some patients find success, including psychosocial treatments and additional support to heal the mind, body, and spirit to enjoy long-term recovery. Effective medications that are currently available and used, and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, are common in the treatment of:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
Our medication-assisted treatment has proven to be the safest approach and is considered the best practice in most people looking to overcome opioid addiction.
What Kind of Medication Is Used?
Ultimately, the answer to “What is MAT” is medicine, medications to help you overcome your addiction. These meds are designed to support treatment and recovery efforts for people like you, who want to work hard with professional help and overcome substance use disorders. This addiction treatment program combines doctor-prescribed medications, monitoring, counseling, and behavioral therapies to assist your recovery efforts.
Medication-assisted treatment has proven to:
- Minimize the risk of overdose
- Increase retention in treatment
- Reduce the use of drugs and alcohol in people with substance use disorders
- Help with getting and keeping jobs
- Improve pregnancy outcomes for women with substance use disorders
The medication used during the medication-assisted treatment will vary and be personalized to you and your situation. It can depend on several factors, including the substance you are using, how long, and the dosage of each drug. For example, if you are suffering from heroin addiction, you may be prescribed:
- Naltrexone: After successful medical drug detox, you may be prescribed Naltrexone. This non-addictive and non-sedating medication can help minimize your cravings for the drug(s). It also works to block the euphoria those drugs deliver during your withdrawal period.
- Buprenorphine: This medication is often prescribed to treat opioid addiction because it also can reduce the effects of withdrawal and reduce cravings.
If it is alcohol that you have been abusing, different prescription medicines may be used during your medication-assisted treatment plan. Some of the medications that may help with your recovery include Naltrexone and the following: - Campral: This medication is capable of managing your withdrawal symptoms.
- Antabuse: You will avoid alcohol use when on Antabuse because this medication produces unpleasant side effects if you take another drink.
MAT Is More Than Medication
It is required, under federal law, that medication-assisted treatment includes not only pharmacologic methods for clients but also access to a variety of behavioral therapies from trained professionals. Suppose you need MAT to help through detox and withdrawal. In that case, this fuller approach to treatment will engage you in your recovery, help alter your behavior positively and treat any co-occurring mental health issues you may be suffering from simultaneously.
At New Start Recovery, we use MAT judicious and personalized the medications to each client’s unique needs and ongoing situation. This will increase the chances of long-term recovery and a life of sobriety.
Learn More at New Start Recovery
If you or someone you love is suffering from substance abuse and you are ready to start down the path toward recovery, contact New Start Recovery using our secure online form or call us at [Direct] today.