For those who are struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction, the early days of recovery can be challenging. Strong cravings and painful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to maintain sobriety. However, one tool we use at Midwest Detox Center is medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
While no medication can cure addiction, several have been approved by the FDA for use in treatment programs alongside counseling and therapy. These medications can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings in clients who are working to overcome opioid or alcohol addiction.
Learn more about how medication-assisted treatment can help you or your loved one in recovery from addiction. Reach out to Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392 today.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The FDA has approved three drugs to treat opioid addiction:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
These safe, effective medications work to block the effects of opioids if they are taken during recovery and help curb cravings.
Buprenorphine is often combined with naloxone, which is used to treat opioid overdoses – together, they form Suboxone. This medication can ease withdrawal symptoms and is approved for long-term use.
Methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms and can also curb cravings. Methadone can be addictive and must always be used under the direction of a physician.
Finally, naltrexone can treat both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. It blocks the effects of both opioids and alcohol and can help those in recovery feel less motivated to use again.
Medication-assisted treatment is always used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral support. This means that while taking these medications, patients must participate in a treatment program that includes individual therapy and group therapy, which could include 12-step programs.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment is not for everyone. Before beginning this type of treatment program, clients need to have been sober for at least a week, so medication-assisted treatment often begins after detox is complete. Your doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment before starting it.
At Midwest Detox Center, we believe that medication-assisted treatment, along with counseling and therapy, can lead to positive long-term outcomes. The goal of an MAT program is to help clients develop the healthy coping skills they need for long-term sobriety while curbing cravings in the short term.
Some of the benefits of medication-assisted treatment at Midwest Detox Center include:
- Lower risks of relapse after detox
- Fewer painful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms
- Helps patients stay in treatment for longer
- Decreases the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C
- Help patients find and maintain employment
- Can help reduce illegal activities
Talk to an addiction treatment specialist today about medication-assisted treatment and find out if this program could help you heal. At Midwest Detox Center, our MAT program is designed to help you achieve lasting, meaningful sobriety.
Contact Midwest Detox Center Today for Medication-Assisted Treatment
In addition to medication-assisted treatment, Midwest Detox Center offers a wide range of addiction treatment programs. Starting with detox, clients discover how to live free of drugs and alcohol and develop the healthy coping skills they need for lifelong recovery. In our residential programs, you will find support, encouragement, and science-backed therapies to help you on your journey. Our specialized treatment programs include:
- Alcohol addiction treatment program
- Drug addiction treatment program
- Painkiller addiction treatment program
- Prescription drug addiction treatment program
- Opiate addiction treatment program
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help today. At Midwest Detox Center, you’ll find the medication-assisted treatment you need to start recovery with a strong foundation. Take back your life today by contacting us at 833.647.0392, or contact us today by filling out our convenient online form.