5 Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Recovering from any addiction can be a long and challenging – yet rewarding – journey. Relapse can be extremely common during this journey, and the Master Center for Addiction Recovery is here to support you wherever you are along your route.
Whether or not you have sought treatment before, you may be considering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. You may also be considering MAT programs if you have experienced relapses or similar struggles related to your addiction. Reach out to one of our healthcare professionals today at www.mastercenter.com/contact to discuss the benefits of our medication-assisted treatment options.
Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a treatment plan that uses medications in conjunction with counseling and therapies to treat an addiction. We are committed to healing our patients through our combination of MAT and therapy. Our programs are tailored to fit our patients’ specific needs and comfort levels. At the Master Center for Addiction Recovery, we aim to ensure that you feel safe and supported throughout your time with us.
Scientific research has proven that the combination of therapy and medication can be incredibly successful in treating substance use disorders. For many, MAT can help maintain recovery as there are several benefits to MAT during detox. MAT has also been proven to prevent and reduce opioid overdoses. MAT is most often used for treating addictions to drugs such as opioids and prescription painkillers.
The medications used for medication-assisted treatment are used to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of both alcohol and opioids, and relieve detox symptoms and physical cravings.
Effectiveness of MAT
Ultimately, the goal of MAT is for our patients to maintain full recovery, which includes living an independent lifestyle. There are many benefits of medication-assisted treatment during detox. MAT has been proven to be clinically effective and reduce inpatient services for patients going through withdrawal symptoms. Our MAT program has been shown to:
- Increase client survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Decrease opiate use
- Increase client’s ability to gain and maintain employment
- Decrease the potential for relapse
Medications Used for MAT
The medications used for MAT are not meant to substitute one drug for another. However, the FDA has approved several medications to treat both alcohol and opioid addictions. Some examples of common medications used to treat alcohol addictions are:
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
- Naltrexone
Some examples of medications used to treat opioid addictions are:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
These medications are all safe to use throughout your treatment and afterward. Consult your doctor before discontinuing the use of any of these drugs.
Five Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Many patients have chosen MAT as a treatment program when struggling with an opioid or alcohol addiction. This is because there are numerous benefits of medication-assisted treatment.
- Extremely Effective
Medication-assisted treatment has been proven to be extremely effective. Rather than choosing to rely on only medication or therapy, MAT programs use the support of both medication and counseling, making it an extremely strong option for recovery.
- Freedom
MAT allows the patient to have more freedom than an intensive outpatient program. Master Center for Addiction Recovery uses MAT throughout the detoxification process and the treatment. MAT allows you to maintain your day-to-day life while receiving the care you need to maintain your recovery.
- Safer Withdrawal
MAT facilitates a safer withdrawal by relieving symptoms and controlling cravings with the help of both medications and therapies. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous for some, especially if you quit cold turkey. Consider the safer option of MAT.
- Risk Reduction
MAT reduces the risk of death due to overdose or overconsumption by monitoring the patients medically.
- Increases Retention
MAT increases retention in treatment through the use of safer, controlled medications as well as weekly meetings with your therapist.
MAT at Master Center for Addiction Recovery
If you or a loved one has struggled with addiction, you may believe that medication-assisted treatment could benefit you. Reach out to one of the Master Center for Addiction professionals today at www.mastercenter.com/contact or 804.332.5950 to begin discussing our MAT program and our range of treatment options.
