Substance abuse is a serious issue, and addiction can take a toll on both the addict and their loved ones. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help with this difficult problem. One of these treatments is called Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
MAT combines prescription medications with other forms of treatment to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for an addict to stay sober. Let’s take a closer look at what Medication Assisted Treatment is and how it works.
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a form of addiction treatment that combines counseling and therapy with medication to treat substance use disorders. The most commonly prescribed medications are buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications are designed to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction. MAT also includes regular counseling sessions to help the patient work through any issues related to their addiction and learn strategies for avoiding relapse.
How Does It Work?
The main goal of MAT is to reduce the physical, psychological, and emotional distress caused by drug or alcohol use disorder. The medication helps by targeting the brain’s reward system in order to reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol.
Counseling works by helping patients identify triggers that lead them to use substances as well as developing healthy coping skills so they can avoid relapse in the future.
Benefits of MAT
There are numerous benefits associated with Medication Assisted Treatment for people suffering from addiction. These include reduced cravings, improved mental health, increased ability to stay sober longer-term, improved social functioning, improved physical health, decreased risk of overdose death, reduced criminal activities associated with substance abuse, improved family relationships and better employment opportunities.
In addition, MAT is typically more affordable than other forms of treatment since it utilizes both medications and counseling which may be covered by insurance or government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. Finally, many studies have shown that people who receive MAT have higher rates of long-term sobriety than those who receive traditional forms of treatment alone.
The Impact of MAT
Using medications to treat addiction has been shown to be one of the most effective methods for managing substance use disorders. Research has found that people who receive MAT have a better chance at achieving long-term sobriety than those who do not receive medication-assisted treatment. In addition, MAT helps lessen the risk of relapse and improves outcomes for those who are struggling with addiction.
Finding a Detox Near You
For those struggling with addiction or their loved ones looking for help dealing with an addict’s struggles – medication assisted treatment offers hope for recovery from substance abuse disorders. This combination therapy provides addicts with access to both medications that target physical aspects of addiction as well as cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals develop positive behaviors for lasting sobriety success!
By combining these two aspects into one comprehensive program – individuals may find greater success in overcoming their addictions than if they were only focusing on one form of treatment alone! If you’re considering seeking treatment – consider talking to your healthcare provider about whether medication assisted treatment may be right for you!