Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of addiction treatment that utilizes a number of medications to aid in the recovery process. These medications make it easier for a person to avoid relapse and work through recovery with fewer withdrawal symptoms. Many people who try to stop using fail because of those complications. At Blueprint Recovery, we offer this type of care as a component of a larger treatment plan.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?
Medication-assisted treatment works to trick the brain into believing the drugs are still present. In that way, it gives the brain time to readjust to functioning without access to the drugs. Most often, MAT is a component of an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment program. It is done alongside other types of therapy to ensure a safe process.
Why Is MAT So Valuable?
There are several key advantages to using MAT as a component of addiction treatment. This includes:
- Aiding in the treatment of mental health disorders in a safe manner
- Minimizing withdrawal symptoms
- Reducing the presence of cravings
- Ensuring better willingness to work through treatment
- Enabling emotional stability so treatment can help
The type of medications used in MAT differs based on the drugs being used. For example, for those with a heroin or opioid addiction, methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine are commonly used. For alcohol addiction treatment, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are commonly used to aid in the detoxification process.
When these drugs are not used, a person is more likely to relapse right away. It also makes it less likely they will relapse when they enter aftercare as well.
Why Are Medications So Necessary
During drug addiction and dependence, the brain’s chemistry changes due to the presence of the drugs. These drugs create a feel-good experience which the brain continues to desire. This encourages continued use of the drugs. Over time, dependence forms. That makes it nearly impossible for a person to stop using the drug without feeling withdrawal symptoms.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some are life-threatening, such as seizures and irregular heartbeats. Many people feel intense pain, headaches, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and irritability. Some also experience intense moments of paranoia or hallucinations. Many of these complications drive a person to find the drug to continue to use it. When they do, these symptoms dissipate.
How Blueprint Recovery Uses These Medications During Addiction Treatment
When a person has an assessment, our therapists will determine the need and benefits of medication-assisted treatment. Those who have a moderate to severe level of addiction are most likely to benefit from the use of MAT. If that is the case, a prescription is written, and treatment starts.
At the same time, addiction treatment will also involve talk therapy and mental health treatment. This may improve confidence, mental clarity, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and past trauma. This often includes individual, family, and group therapy sessions. It may include both holistic and evidence-based treatments.
At Blueprint Recovery, the use of medication-assisted treatment is the starting point to gain stability. From there, a treatment plan is created to meet the specific needs of the individual. This type of care is available through many of our programs, including:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient treatment program
- Women’s rehab programs
- Men’s rehab programs
Examine the Treatment Options Available at Blueprint Recovery
Medication-assisted treatment is an effective strategy for managing drug and alcohol addiction. MAT works because it gives the brain time to heal while controlling the symptoms of withdrawal. It is a component of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan. At Blueprint Recovery, our team works closely with you to ensure the best outcome possible. Learn more by calling 833.654.1004 or connecting online.