Some individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) require additional support to sustain healing and successfully manage symptoms during detoxification. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a standard treatment service used to support people in treatment for SUD. According to the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, “MAT has resulted in reductions in overdose deaths, criminal activity, and infectious disease transmission.” Bright Mission Recovery uses MAT to help clients sustain healing during rehabilitation.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is a combination of therapy and prescription medications used to address detox during rehabilitation for substance use disorder and dual diagnosis. The treatment can help you manage symptoms and create healthy new routines to support sobriety and positive mental health.
MAT may involve the following:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Psychotherapy
MAT is primarily used if the substance being abused has the potential to cause severe symptoms during detox and withdrawal. Individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) are more likely to require MAT for a safe detox experience.
Does MAT Sustain Healing for All Clients?
MAT promotes sustained healing from SUD and dual diagnosis for some individuals. However, not everyone in rehabilitation requires MAT to successfully maintain abstinence. You may not need prescription medication to successfully manage symptoms during treatment.
Many factors contribute to whether you may benefit from MAT and other support services, including:
- Severity of symptoms
- Type of substance abused
- Health issues caused by chronic substance abuse
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
Detox has a profound impact on the mind and body, causing a variety of symptoms and side effects. Certain substances may cause significant health issues and discomfort during detox unless you receive essential support services to manage withdrawal. In addition, detoxing from addictive substances may cause emotional and behavioral changes. We encourage clients to take advantage of all support services during the detox period.
When Is MAT the Right Choice for Clients Recovering From Substance Abuse?
MAT is often a critical component of client treatment. In some cases, traditional treatments do not provide enough support for individuals with severe or complex symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with psychotherapy and other therapeutic tools. Utilizing a range of support services may help you focus on healing.
MAT is an excellent tool to support long-term sobriety. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “These medications also increase the likelihood that a person will remain in treatment, which itself is associated with lower risk of overdose mortality, reduced risk of HIV and HCV transmission, reduced criminal justice involvement, and greater likelihood of employment.” MAT is often a vital part of treatment for individuals with AUD and OUD.
Clinicians monitor client progress during detox. If you struggle to remain focused on treatment or experience persistent symptoms, you may be given the option for MAT to help you safely navigate detox and treatment. Individuals recovering from chronic substance abuse can experience more severe symptoms and require additional support. Bright Mission Recovery tracks client progress and adjusts treatment plans to meet client needs.
Using MAT to Sustain Healing
Medication-assisted treatment sustains healing by reducing cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. MAT is often used as part of a comprehensive care plan. The services ensure you feel supported, heard, and valued as you build essential skills for managing long-term sobriety. MAT empowers you by stabilizing brain chemistry and reducing the risk of relapse. Bright Mission Recovery offers tailored detox services to ensure all clients receive the level of care they need to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Individuals recovering from substance abuse often have multiple underlying issues or co-occurring conditions impacting their health. Using MAT gives you a foundation of support for building healthy routines and skills for addressing all active disorders and factors affecting mental health.
How Clients Sustain Healing With MAT at Bright Mission Recovery
MAT fosters a sense of hope for the future, builds resilience, and increases self-efficacy.
Medication-assisted treatment at Bright Mission Recovery offers clients the following:
- Access to multidisciplinary support
- Effective relapse prevention strategies
- Holistic and integrative therapies
- Customized care plans
- Medication management
- Aftercare support
MAT can help you move safely through the detox phase of treatment with minimal discomfort.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Supports Long-Term Sobriety
Long-term sobriety starts with detox and the first stages of treatment. Individuals who have access to more comprehensive detox support services, including MAT, often report fewer complications with ongoing abstinence. By developing essential coping skills and other tools earlier in treatment, you can focus all your time and energy on healing.
Everyone has a different treatment experience. Some individuals may require additional support to meet their goals. MAT supports long-term sobriety by doing the following:
- Reducing cravings
- Stabilizing brain chemistry
- Reducing symptoms of withdrawal
- Fostering gradual healing
- Decreasing the risk of relapse or overdose
Rehabilitation programs often integrate MAT into personalized care plans to ensure clients feel safe, comfortable, and in control of their treatment.
Not every client needs medication-assisted treatment. Some individuals have mild symptoms, a strong support system, and effective coping skills. However, people who struggle to cope with withdrawal symptoms during detox often benefit from MAT services. Combining prescription medication, evidence-based therapies, and complementary modalities helps people heal from the effects of substance use disorder. Clinicians use comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine which clients may benefit from MAT. Bright Mission Recovery encourages clients to take advantage of support services if they find detox challenging without additional support. Clients and their families are educated on the various MAT options to ensure they make informed decisions. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (747) 444-3284.