Getting sober can be a difficult process. It is physically demanding to come off of substances and mentally exhausting. Many people are afraid of the detox process and hold reservations about their sobriety. Some individuals may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during the first stages of detox and into further treatment. Medication is used to manage people physically and emotionally as they deal with the effects of substances. MAT is meant to be a tool that assists you in getting sober and makes the transition easier. Bright Mission Recovery utilizes MAT as a way to personalize treatment for each person who stays with us.
There are many different ways to detox and treat substance use disorder (SUD). MAT should be used alongside therapeutic intervention and group therapy to get through detox and into further treatment. This treatment is managed by a professional team that uses medication to help assist the sobriety journey. The main goal of all treatment is to make a change that will help our clients live healthy and sober lives, even after they leave us. Understanding the different forms of treatment available to you will help you to decide on where you should receive your care.
Treating Substance Use Disorders
Understanding what SUD is defined as is integral to being able to understand the treatment available to you. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states, “Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.” The goal of treatment is to gain control back from substances and take control of your life.
Many different forms of treatment can make a difference in the treatment of SUD. The main goal of treating SUD is to achieve sobriety and avoid relapse. We do not aim to “cure” but instead to provide the skills necessary to stay sober. This process starts with detox, which is assisted at a hospital or facility. After detox, treatment usually consists of a residential program where individuals receive daily care and assistance. It may also include outpatient care, depending on the individual’s needs. These treatments include therapeutic care, such as talk therapy and group therapy. During detox, withdrawal and symptoms associated with substance use may require MAT.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is a type of treatment for SUD in which medication is used in the treatment of addiction. SAMHSA states the goal is to use “medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a ‘whole-patient’ approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.” Providers prescribe FDA-approved drugs to mitigate the symptoms of withdrawal and the effects of substances. These medications are meant to stabilize the individual, whether it be physically or emotionally. At times, medications may also help to control cravings and avoid relapse.
MAT is done alongside both individual and group therapy and with the assistance of a care team and clinical providers. Relapse prevention is also taught, and tools are given to move into the next phase of treatment and beyond. Individuals may only need medications when going through detox, and others may continue with a provider after detox and into the next phase of treatment. MAT is meant to be a tool that helps to address every need of the individual. Some people may need only therapeutic interventions after detox, whereas some may continue using medications to assist their sobriety.
MAT at Bright Mission Recovery
Bright Mission Recovery offers various forms of treatment to those who stay with us. Each client’s care plan is individualized to them and their specific needs. Depending on what substance you are coming off of and other co-occurring disorders, you may need a specific level of care. We aim to help each person get sober and stay sober. An individualized plan will ensure you have all the tools you need once you leave us.
Getting sober can be hard. Many people may feel overwhelmed when approaching their care. Detox especially may seem daunting to someone getting sober for the first time. MAT is meant to make the transition of getting off substances safer and easier for the individual. It may also help alongside therapy to make a difference in the inner struggles that may have caused someone to turn to substances. The goal of every treatment is to give you the skills and the push you need to stay sober.
Finding a treatment facility that you trust is integral in getting the care that you need. The facility and care team that you choose should offer many different forms of therapy for your care and options to make detox easier. Bright Mission Recovery specializes in individualized care and therapy that will make a long-term difference in your life.
Facing the reality of getting sober is overwhelming for most people. A detox may seem scary, especially if it is your first time coming off of a substance you are addicted to. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is meant to aid in getting and staying sober. Approved medications can help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and the effects of substances. They can help stabilize an individual both physically and mentally, giving them something to rely on as they get sober. Some people may continue MAT as they go beyond detox. The goal of MAT is to make a lasting impact on your sobriety. If you are interested in learning more about MAT offered at Bright Mission Recovery, call us at (747) 444-3284.