An opioid epidemic continues to sweep the nation as well as devastate families. According to the CDC, the use of heroin by young adults has doubled in just the past decade. Now, most people who use opioids struggle with other drugs as well. Because use and addiction take such a toll on users and their loved ones, demand for safe and effective treatments continues to rise. But exactly what is medication-assisted Treatment? MAT is a popular form of treatment that is gaining popularity thanks to its effectiveness for struggling with one or more substance addictions.
Learning more about MAT and drug addiction detox can help you decide if this comprehensive approach to recovery is right for you or your loved one. It can also give you the confidence you need to succeed. At Tides Edge Detox, we use medication-assisted treatment when necessary to help individuals struggling with withdrawal symptoms.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
According to the Substance Abuse and Medical Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), medication-assisted treatment combines two main things. One is medications that ease the discomfort of withdrawal. Then the other is behavioral and other supportive therapies to break the cycle of addiction for good. Our medical detox programs use MAT in two key programs:
- Methadone detox
- Suboxone detox
Therapeutic Options
In each of these MAT programs, we offer several therapeutic options, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying how an individual’s negative self-image affects decision-making and how best to address and change this for the better.
- Group therapy: Part of making a successful recovery is building and becoming part of a supportive community. One way to begin to do so is through group therapy sessions where individuals learn from each other and find understanding and support.
- Individual therapy: Working one-on-one with a counselor or therapists, individuals can develop a secure, trusting relationship where they can explore issues affecting them and contribute to their substance use disorder.
- Yoga therapy: Because addiction is a disease with both physical and mental aspects requiring treatment, yoga is an excellent practice that addresses both. This form of therapy strengthens the body while teaching mindfulness.
- Nutritional support: Nutrition is an important part of a healthy recovery, and our team will provide guidance on developing the best meal plans to ensure individuals have the nutrients needed for overall life balance.
This “whole patient” approach considers all aspects of addiction and improves patient recovery rates and outcomes. MAT is relatively new and only accessible through select, approved facilities.
How Does MAT Work?
MAT combines supportive therapy and behavioral therapy with prescription medication designed to reduce opioids and other substances. The actual medications used will depend on the substance you are struggling with and vary from patient to patient. This approach is useful for loosening the hold of addiction and ease withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for someone struggling to achieve a full recovery.
While MAT uses prescription medications to aid recovery, patients are not replacing one addiction with another. What is medication-assisted treatment good at treating? Many substances. It offers supportive prescription drugs in a supervised setting. These programs can help to ease withdrawal symptoms, not provide users with a high. Treatment time will vary. It happens under the supervision of your Tide’s Edge team to ensure the best possible outcomes.
MAT is available through select Florida detox center locations for opioid addiction. Our specially trained physicians will administer these therapies. Therapy and behavioral services are part of treatment, further increasing long-term success rates and allowing patients and families to move forward.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Could Work for You
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, MAT can help because this innovative program combines both supportive methods and therapies with targeted medication to ease both physical and emotional needs. Most adults coping with addiction to opioids, alcohol, and other substances can benefit from this successful and integrated approach. Patients taking select anti-anxiety medications may need to choose an alternative therapy. MAT is not ideal for use with these medications.
The goal of MAT is to provide both therapeutic and medication support as part of an overall treatment plan. The medications used are specially designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so that individuals can focus on the behavioral therapies needed to address the underlying causes of their addiction. Additionally, MAT allows individuals to remain engaged in their recovery while going about their daily lives.
If you are struggling with addiction or have a loved one in need of support and help through the recovery process, you have options such as MAT. Of course, learning more about how MAT works can help you determine if this beneficial treatment is right for you.
Discover How Tides Edge Detox Can Give Hope to Individuals and Families in Florida
Hopefully, we can help answer your question of what is medication-assisted treatment. It offers hope for those suffering from addiction and their families. Since MAT treats the whole patient and includes various supportive measures, long-term recovery is possible, even for those who have struggled or relapsed in the past. The comprehensive and fully integrated MAT program at Tides Edge is also useful to support your needs and get you or a loved one the support you need to recover and resume a healthy lifestyle.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and needs medication-assisted treatment, you are not alone. Get in touch today to find out that MAT is right for you and take the first step towards recovery by calling 866.723.3127 or contact us online.
