Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment used to help people with drug and alcohol addiction to break their addiction and restore their health. This type of addiction treatment is beneficial to those who have dependence, a condition that occurs when drugs or alcohol are used over time, and the body becomes reliant on the substance. Could it help you? To find out, reach out to Midwest Detox Center today at 833.647.0392.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is one of the more sought-after types of treatment for addiction. In it, doctors use medications to ease the withdrawal symptoms and cravings brought on by addiction and dependence. It does not necessarily speed up the detox process, but it helps you by reducing the presence of pain and discomfort that often comes with it.
Doctors choose medications that combat the effects of the drug you are using. They may mimic the drug’s effects or reduce the pleasure that you experience from the drug. Used over a period of time, these medications make the drugs less potent or desirable. In that way, you don’t have the intense cravings for it or the pain from withdrawal.
The medications used are always FDA approved for detox patients. They are always selected based on the type of drug you are using as well as the severity of your addiction. It’s also important to know that you’re unlikely to have to use those drugs on a constant basis for the rest of your life. Rather, these drugs are used for a short period of time until your brain re-learns how to function without them. After that period of time, your body and brain no longer need the drug, and symptoms of withdrawal will not happen.
The Benefits of MAT
Medication-assisted treatment offers clients a number of benefits.
1. Detox Is Easier
For those who are struggling with detox and remaining drug-free, MAT makes it a bit easier. You still have to go through the process, but there are fewer withdrawal symptoms and pain associated with it. Because you don’t have cravings, you’re more likely to stick with it.
2. Better Chances of Long-Term Recovery
Using medications to get through detox may help you stick with your recovery goals, reducing the risk of relapse down the line. For many who are struggling with long-term sobriety, MAT may help even in some chronic relapsers.
3. Clients Begin Therapy Right Away
Because MAT controls many of the negative aspects of detox, it allows you to reach stability and clarity sooner, allowing you to begin psychotherapy sooner. That may help you start to feel better faster.
Is This the Right Approach to Treatment for You?
Medication treatment is used for many people with addiction to drugs or alcohol. It can be safe in most cases. To determine if it is right for your needs, your doctor and therapist will determine the benefits it can offer and how well it fits in your overall treatment plan. This is a part of an overall treatment plan that involves multiple treatment options and therapies.
At Midwest Detox Center, we offer a range of services as a part of our addiction treatment services. It is a combined effort that can give you the best opportunity for long-term health. Some of those treatments include the following:
- Women’s drug rehab program
- Men’s drug rehab program
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Residential drug treatment programs
- Medical detox programs
Explore Each of Our Treatment Options at Midwest Detox Center
Medication-assisted treatment is a tool we offer at Midwest Detox Center. This, along with other types of addiction treatment, may help you heal from the damage of drugs and alcohol. To learn more about MAT or our treatment center in Ohio, call Midwest Detox Center today at 833.647.0392 or connect with us online.