Severe addictions are not easy to recover from, even if an individual is ready to commit to treatment and is prepared to maintain a sober lifestyle. Sometimes, the thought of detoxing and the fear of substance withdrawal symptoms can discourage even the most adamant of possible recovering addicts.
In cases like this, getting professional help and starting on a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program at the proper facility – such as a Suboxone detox center or a methadone detox center – could be the best way for individuals to start on the path to recovery.
What Is a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program?
There are many advantages and benefits of getting admitted into medication-assisted treatment programs (MATs). This type of treatment is characterized by the use of prescribed and FDA-approved drugs, in combination with other evidence-based therapies, in treating substance use disorders. MAT can help individuals going through the detox process that experience severe withdrawal symptoms. It can also make long-term recovery plans of individuals in recovery much easier to follow.
MAT can help negate painful withdrawal symptoms and help individuals maintain their sobriety – throughout their admission to detox programs, going through addiction therapy programs, and sticking to their addiction aftercare plans. Some people may need to get admitted into a detox program with MAT at the start of their recovery path because they would not survive or succeed in detoxing otherwise. MAT can normalize body functions and brain chemistry while relieving individuals of their physiological cravings.
Sometimes the need for MAT stops at the detox process – but other addiction treatment programs combine this type of therapy with other forms of care for much longer. However, medications are best used in inpatient settings like residential treatment programs. These programs make sure that individuals have access not only to medications but also to 24-hour medical supervision.
What Are the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs?
MAT is almost always needed to treat individuals struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction. However, any severe addiction may need MAT. There are many benefits of going through MAT, including the following:
- You can be sure that it works: MAT is more effective compared to other typical addiction treatments, such as behavioral therapy or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Having support from MAT while simultaneously undergoing other treatments only makes this method’s effects stronger.
- It’s affordable and worth the cost: MAT will give you the best value for your money. While addiction treatment is usually thought of as costly, the effects of MAT make it worth it. MAT is highly accessible in terms of cost and will help reduce future medical expenses. Being in recovery means that an individual is less prone to suffer from medical problems due to addiction.
- You can start living your post-treatment life as soon as possible: Getting MAT can bridge the gap between being in an addiction treatment program and going back to living your life at home and not at a health care facility. When physical and emotional symptoms linger, it can be challenging to focus on sobriety and rebuilding your life after dealing with an addiction. Continuing MAT during this time can keep you feeling stable and strong enough to handle any challenge that comes your way.
How Do You Go About Choosing a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program?
It’s no surprise that MAT is a highly controversial topic among individuals in recovery and even among trained medical professionals. Choosing a medication-assisted treatment program that’s right for you or someone you care about can get tricky, depending on whose opinions you consider. To make the decision easier, you must educate yourself and remain vigilant.
Remember that addiction recovery looks different for every individual. One method of treating substance use disorder may be effective for some individuals but can be ineffective for others. You may not even need MAT to be part of your addiction treatment program, even though experts may say you do. If in doubt, you can always get a second opinion or even refuse MAT outright.
However, it’s a good idea to at least choose an addiction treatment program at a healthcare facility that does offer MAT. You may not think that you need MAT until you feel the worst of your substance withdrawal symptoms. You may even experience constant substance cravings even when you’re trying to concentrate on something else – like forms of care that will aid in your healing. Make sure that you can refuse MAT but still have access to it if you’re worried that you may form an addiction to the medications this type of therapy uses.
