Medication Assisted Treatment

The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a serious issue in the United States. In fact, 3 million in the US suffer from opioid use disorder and 16 million worldwide. (1) Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction recovery. MAT is an evidence-based, cost-effective approach approved and regulated by the FDA.  It is known to lead to better outcomes.  Furthermore, it can significantly improve the lives of individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

Combining medications with therapy and supportive services, MAT reduces cravings, the risk of overdose, mortality rates associated with opioid use, criminal activity, and the overall quality of life for those suffering from opioid abuse. Additionally, it increases retention in treatment programs. It also promotes long-term recovery from opioid addiction.

What Is MAT Exactly?

MAT involves carefully prescribed medications such as methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone), as well as counseling services like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of this approach is full recovery from opioid abuse, not just short-term sobriety. These medications are designed to reduce both the intensity and extent of withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process.  This helps establish lasting patterns that lead towards healthy living without drugs in the long term.

MAT medications are specifically designed to prevent or reduce overdoses.  They have also been shown to improve patient survival rates, resulting in decreased illicit opiate use.  

The multi-disciplinary approach of MAT includes medical care, psychological support, and social services tailored to each individual’s needs. This ensures that the patient will receive help in all aspects of their life.  This combination has been shown to greatly improve the success rate of those looking for long term sobriety. 

Studies have shown that 68.2% of patients on Medication-Assisted Treatment have reported improved overall health

Individualized Treatment with MAT

The creation of an individualized plan for each patient based on their unique circumstances while also providing:

  • Medication monitoring
  • Education about safe drug practices
  • Close patient monitoring to ensure safety throughout the process.

Every patient is different. They are taking different doses, have different tolerances and different mental health issues.  Addiction often starts at the mental health of a patient, which is why it is so important that you seek out a treatment facility that offers help in this area. 

Overall, MAT is a valuable tool available today for treating those suffering from substance use disorder due to opioids or other drugs. It helps promote recovery from opioid addiction while saving lives along the way.  

Be specific about your goals. For example, you want to lose weight. This is very vague. You should set an achievable goal: I want to lose 50 lbs by this time next year. You then set up ways to do that by watching portion control and adding in an exercise routine.

Why MAT Is So Helpful For Opioid Addiction Recovery

MAT is highly effective at helping people reduce or eliminate their opioid use by providing medications that manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Also, the medications block the effects of opioids.  This means that if someone is exposed to them, they won’t experience the same euphoric response as before treatment. Additionally, MAT provides people with a safe and supportive environment where they can work towards recovery goals and stay in long-term recovery from opioids.

If you’re looking into treatment options for yourself or someone you know who’s struggling with an addiction to opioids, consider Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)!  It’s one of the most effective ways to kickstart your journey toward successful sustained recovery!

Understanding How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works For Opioid Addiction

The benefits of MAT over other treatments include improved outcomes compared to traditional treatment approaches.  This is due to its ability to reduce cravings while providing support in managing withdrawal symptoms at the same time. Many people might feel that you are just trading a medication for another addiction. However, this isn’t further from the truth.  These medications are not formulated to get a person high, but to help the patient recover.  It is no different than taking blood pressure medications or mental health medications.  (2)

It’s important for individuals considering MAT for their own recovery journey from opioid addiction to understand any side effects or risks associated with taking these types of medication before beginning treatment. Common side effects may include nausea, constipation, and dizziness. Additionally, it’s important for individuals taking these types of medications not to mix them with alcohol or benzodiazepines.  There are potential risks related to drug interactions. Therefore, individuals should always check with their doctor first before engaging in any type of substance use while on this medication-assisted therapy program.

The patient must take all aspects for this into consideration before choosing the right opioid program for them.  You want to be sure that you understand the associated risks of taking medications in a MAT program but also that you understand the overall effectiveness of these medications.  

How MAT Can Assist With Opioid Abuse

Opioid abuse remains a growing problem in the United States. To help individuals struggling with opioid addiction, medication-assisted treatments (MATs) have become essential tools. MATs are clinical interventions that use medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction. When combined with psychotherapy and other therapeutic methods, they can be highly effective in treating opioid disorders.  

Clinically safe and effective, MAT has been approved by the FDA .  Furthermore, there is strong evidence of better outcomes compared to non-medication-based approaches. MAT protocols reduce the risk of relapse and improve a person’s overall quality of life. Furthermore, medication assistance provides patients with opioid use disorder a safer withdrawal from opioids and longer recovery periods than without medication assistance.

What to Expect in a MAT Program

MAT requires direct supervision from a medical professional through a licensed program. Treatment is typically offered on an outpatient basis, although short or long-term inpatient programs are available depending on individual needs. Specific medications used during MAT can better control a person’s opioid receptors while reducing the intensity and extent of withdrawal symptoms experienced during treatment.  These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. MAT also helps decrease cravings, thereby reducing the likelihood of relapsing back into using opioids again once treatment is over.

Overall, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one way to support people who struggle with opiate abuse to find relief from their addiction. This type of treatment provides support throughout their recovery journey.  This allows patients to remain on track towards sobriety for the long term. It also offers many benefits to those suffering from addiction, making it an invaluable tool for those seeking help overcoming their addictions today!

If you are interested in learning more about MAT and the recovery process, contact us at Life Line Services today. We would be happy to discuss this in further detail.

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