Some individuals need additional support coping with withdrawal during the detoxification process. Severe symptoms, a history of relapse, or co-occurring mental health disorders may complicate detox. Some symptoms cause emotional or physical distress, taking focus away from treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a service that addresses these factors and provides relief from symptoms and side effects of detox. Bright Mission Recovery offers a professional, medically informed approach to addiction treatment. Clinicians use MAT alongside other modalities to treat withdrawal. Understanding medication-assisted treatment can help you heal more effectively.
What Is MAT?
MAT involves combining prescription medications and psychotherapy to address physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. Clinicians at Bright Mission Recovery collaborate closely with clients and their loved ones to determine the best approach to care. Individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol abuse often benefit from MAT services. According to the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, “MAT has a substantial potential to offset consequences for patients with OUD.”
MAT may include the following:
- Medications to reduce cravings
- Individual and group therapy
- Medications to reduce anxiety or other mental health symptoms
- Peer support meetings
Everyone has different needs during detox. MAT gives you the resources and tools to address your condition and build resilience. Withdrawal symptoms vary significantly in severity depending on many factors, including the type of substance abused and any co-occurring conditions. MAT addresses those issues using prescription medications and other treatment modalities.
The Importance of Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment
Some common misconceptions may cause people to avoid MAT despite the many health benefits. Bright Mission Recovery educates clients and their loved ones on the realities of MAT and how it can improve overall health during treatment. Making informed decisions about your care is easier if you understand the various treatment options and how they may improve your overall health. Collaborating with clinicians while engaging in MAT increases the effectiveness of traditional detox treatment.
Withdrawal management is also more effective when you understand what to expect from various stages of the treatment process. Bright Mission Recovery offers multiple programs and levels of care. Clinicians will provide detailed explanations for each service and program to ensure you fully understand how specific services may help you achieve treatment goals.
Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment in the Context of Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis affects how clinicians approach detox and has the potential to cause complications during rehabilitation. Bright Mission Recovery uses integrative care to ensure clients receive the level of support they need to heal from chronic substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues. Some individuals with dual diagnosis may have multiple co-occurring mental health disorders impacting their ability to function. MAT can reduce symptoms of all active conditions and improve your treatment outcome.
Detox programs use MAT to address symptoms of SUD and dual diagnosis. The primary benefits of using MAT to address multiple co-occurring conditions include:
- Greater engagement in therapy
- Improved quality of life
- Increased treatment retention
- Emotion and mood stabilization
- More effective stress management
MAT can significantly improve your quality of life during dual diagnosis treatment. Detox treatment programs use MAT and other services to help you focus your energy on healing and developing healthy ways of managing your condition.
Addressing Mental Health Symptoms During Detox
Mental health symptoms impact how you react to the care team, treatment services, peers, and family involvement in therapy. Addressing mental health disorders during detox reduces their effect on long-term sobriety by lessening or eliminating issues caused by mental health symptoms. The clinical team will conduct comprehensive assessments during intake to determine if you have any co-occurring conditions impacting your physical or mental health. Treatment plans address these conditions using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies.
Utilizing and Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment at Bright Mission Recovery
Bright Mission Recovery explains the potential benefits and drawbacks of specific medications before prescribing them to ensure you fully understand the possible effects. You will collaborate with the care team to determine if MAT will provide you with the best support. The clinical team carefully monitors all medications and their effects, adjusting prescriptions and other treatments as needed to manage symptoms.
MAT is essential for individuals with persistent or severe symptoms and a history of chronic relapse. Clinicians can provide you with context about how combining medications and psychotherapy improves the effectiveness of detox programs. Psychoeducation is an essential part of residential or outpatient treatment during the detoxification process. Understanding your condition and how it may impact your mental health reduces the risk of relapse and keeps you more engaged in treatment.
Using Medication and Psychotherapy to Improve Detox Treatment
Bright Mission Recovery offers the following medications to individuals participating in MAT services:
- Methadone
- Suboxone
- Vivitrol
The clinical team uses prescription medications when appropriate to help clients manage cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal. Individuals with a history of chronic relapse may benefit from the additional support offered by MAT services.
Misconceptions and stigmas surrounding medication-assisted treatment may stop you from getting the care you need to navigate detox and other stages of treatment successfully. Chronic substance abuse sometimes causes severe or persistent withdrawal symptoms. Specific substances, including alcohol or opioids, may be dangerous to stop “cold turkey.” MAT allows the body to taper off the drug at a rate that reduces symptoms and side effects. Bright Mission Recovery offers MAT and other support services to help you heal from the impact of substance abuse. Professional detox programs reduce the risk of relapse and improve treatment outcomes. To learn more about our programs and detox services, call our office today at (747) 444-3284.