5 Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication isn’t usually thought of when we say, “addiction treatment,” but it’s actually scientifically proven to be highly effective in long-term recovery. From reducing overdose rates and relapse, to helping people get through detox, the benefits of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in addiction recovery are substantial for countless people fighting addiction.
Maybe you’re worried about relapsing during your first month of treatment. Or maybe you’re concerned about withdrawal symptoms when undergoing alcohol or drug detox. However, research shows that long-term MAT maintenance, like using suboxone, naloxone, buprenorphine, and others, helps most people with addiction achieve recovery. No matter your addiction type or treatment goals, MAT has a variety of uses and benefits that can help you achieve recovery.
With over a dozen psychiatrists, nurses, doctors, and providers expertly trained in using MAT at Master Center, we fully understand the impact MAT can have on saving lives and overcoming the disease of addiction. So, if you’re worried about relapse, overdose, or withdrawals, MAT might be something to consider when seeking professional help.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a treatment plan that uses medications in conjunction with counseling and therapies to treat an addiction. These medications are used to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, and relieve detox symptoms and physical cravings.
For instance, you may know about some of these medications, like suboxone and methadone, which are used to prevent opioid cravings. Or you may know of buprenorphine, which can help with withdrawals. However, it’s important to know that the medications used for MAT are not meant to substitute one drug for another; rather, they provide medical stability and make it easier to adjust to life without substance use.
5 Main Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication in addiction treatment is an underutilized piece of recovery programs; with stigma, gaps in understanding, and lack of awareness, many people who could benefit from this treatment type aren’t receiving it.
That’s why it’s important to know the main benefits of medication-assisted treatment, so that when you take that first step to getting help, you’ll be better prepared. Our licensed providers have identified these 5 main benefits, scientifically backed by years of research:
- Decreases the risk of relapse.
- Reduces the risk of overdose.
- Creates a safer withdrawal management (detox) experience.
- Increases treatment retention.
- Increases chances of success in therapy programs.
1. MAT Decreases the Risk of Relapse
Relapse is a very real concern for many people battling addiction, as well as their loved ones. Usually, the warning signs of relapse are usually there before the actual episode, and it can be a painful experience for many in recovery.
However, MAT is proven to significantly reduce the risk of relapse at any point in one’s treatment program. In fact, studies show that detox without using medication is associated with higher relapse rates. This isn’t to say that you need medication to prevent relapse, but if you’ve had experience with relapse or believe it to be a major barrier in your recovery, then MAT may be a substantial help for you.
2. MAT Greatly Reduces Drug Overdose
One of the greatest breakthroughs in addiction treatment is using medication to prevent overdose. You may have heard of Narcan, which is actually a type of MAT; known as naloxone, it reverses the effects of the drug and “wakes up” the person. Medications like these are instrumental in addiction treatment and save countless lives.
Overdose is a heartbreaking experience for many people battling substance abuse or who have someone they love with an addiction. But using medication in addiction treatment can reduce mortality rates by 50% and has been proven to be one of the most effective treatments in preventing drug overdose. Research also shows that people who use MAT are 76% less likely to overdose in 3 months and 59% less likely in 12 months.
If you’ve had experience with an overdose or are concerned about the risk, consult with a medical provider about using MAT, as it might just save your life.
3. MAT Provides a Safer Withdrawal Experience
Undergoing alcohol or drug detox can be an unpleasant experience for many people. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening, and they prevent many people from getting help for fear of these symptoms.
One of the biggest benefits of medication-assisted treatment is facilitating a safer withdrawal process. Medications such as buprenorphine and suboxone relieve these dangerous symptoms and control cravings, which in turn can reduce relapse and increase detox success.
Detox is usually the first step for many people seeking addiction help, and using medication can make that process much safer and more comfortable for you, so it’s worth considering when talking to a specialist.
4. MAT Increases Treatment Retention
The reality of rehab and recovery is that treatment is just the start, and true recovery takes time, effort, and patience. Experts say that staying in treatment for 90 days or more leads to the best recovery rates, and patients are 5x more likely to stay in recovery when in treatment for at least one year.
Using MAT greatly increases your chances of long-term success by helping you reach that retention threshold. When using MAT alongside your treatment programs, you’re significantly more likely to stick with your program and hit your goals. So, if you’re worried about sticking with your recovery program, consider MAT for treatment maintenance when consulting with a provider.
5. MAT Improves Therapy Program Success
Therapy—whether it’s group, individual, or part of another program—is one of the most crucial pieces to recovery success. Using MAT alongside your therapy program can significantly improve your chances of the program working for you, as it allows your brain to focus on things other than your substance use, helps build healthy habits, and makes you more receptive to treatment.
Whether you’re in Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, intensive outpatient, individual therapy, an inpatient support group, or any other behavioral program, MAT has been proven to help you get the most out of therapy and facilitate better recovery outcomes.
There are dozens of benefits of individual and group therapy for addiction, and MAT can be a useful component to success. With that said, if you’re in a therapy program or want to join one, you can always consult with a medical professional to see if MAT can help you alongside it.
MAT is Just One Piece of the Recovery Journey
Of course, there are pros and cons to using medication for addiction treatment, but it’s definitely worth talking to your doctor or medical provider about when undergoing treatment. The benefits of medication-assisted treatment are vast, and it can not only help you overcome addiction and prevent relapse, but it can also save your life in the event of overdose or dangerous withdrawals.
Keep in mind that MAT is just one piece of a comprehensive recovery plan and isn’t just a standalone option; it’s most effective when integrated into a treatment plan that includes counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes.
At Master Center, we don’t force MAT on anyone—we just offer it as one part of an overall recovery plan. So, if you’re interested in MAT or want to learn more about the program, call us today to schedule a consultation appointment with an addiction medicine provider for an assessment on if MAT is right for you, and get started on your path to recovery.
About Master Center
Master Center is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.
Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.
