Medication-assisted treatment can assist individuals in maintaining their drug and alcohol addiction while making a comeback to long-term recovery. It uses FDA-approved drugs in conjunction with counselling, behavioural support, and continued care. This can help to decrease cravings, stabilize mood, and improve recovery for many.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a method that can be employed to help individuals with some substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol use disorders. Medication can help diminish cravings and withdrawal symptoms or reduce the risk of substance use returning.
Medication is only a component of care. Emotional, behavioral, and social issues related to substance use can be addressed through counseling, recovery support, education and regular follow-up.
Treatment will vary based on the material, the person’s medical history, their symptoms, their objectives, and their needs for treatment.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?
Some of the physical needs of substance use are addressed through medication-assisted treatment, while other services address thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and challenges of everyday life.
Care may involve:
- Assessment prior to medication is recommended.
- A personalized medicine plan
- Assistance in counseling and behavioral support.
- Support in managing urges and cravings, and withdrawal.
- Regular progress checks
- The treatment of co-occurring mental health issues is supported.
- Co-occurring mental health issues are addressed.
- Assessment and ongoing recovery planning and support.
It is not a matter of just replacing one with another. Medications, if medically appropriate, are judiciously chosen and supervised in a holistic recovery program that enhances the individual’s ability to function during the day.
Medications Used in Treatment
Based on the substance use disorder, the right medication may be prescribed.
Medications including buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone can be utilized for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine or methadone may also help to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and naltrexone may prevent opioid cravings and help reduce opioid effects.
Medications including naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram can be considered for alcohol use disorder. They are used in various ways and can be used to reduce drinking, promote abstinence or discourage the use of alcohol.
Medication selection should always be based on an individual’s needs and medical history. A qualified healthcare professional can discuss potential benefits, risks, side effects and monitoring.
Who Can Benefit From Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment can be beneficial for individuals who are unable to control their substance use, who are stronger on the craving and desire for the substance, or who have restarted using substances after trying to quit before.
It is also used as a consideration if quitting is hard because of withdrawal and/or if the use of drugs or alcohol is causing problems in the relationship, work, school, physical or emotional health.
Medications are not necessary for everyone. For some, counseling or other recovery services might be sufficient, and for others, a combination of services could be needed. An individualized assessment might be useful in determining assistance needed.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
One of the biggest advantages of medication-assisted treatment is that it can help with the physical aspect of addiction, while counseling can help with the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced cravings
- Less or less severe withdrawal symptoms
- Better treatment engagement
- Better stability in recovery.
- More stability in recovery.
- Reduce the risk of overdose if there are adequate medications available
- Support for long-term recovery targets
Not everyone recovers in the same manner. Medication is a very important tool but ongoing support and healthy changes in a daily routine are also important.
Medication-Assisted Treatment and Mental Health
An individual’s substance use and mental health issues can co-occur. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and other mental health issues can impact substance use and recovery.
If these concerns are happening together, it’s important to address both of these. The services provided for mental health can encompass counselling, psychiatric care, medication management, coping strategies, and planning for recovery.
By addressing the whole person, it will be easier to learn about triggers, practice managing more challenging feelings, improve relationships, and create healthier routines.
What to Expect From Care
The first step of MAT is the assessment. A qualified professional checks substance use patterns, current medications, health history, symptoms, and recovery goals.
The care plan can then be modified over time based on progress. Some require short-term assistance and support, and others do better with longer-term medication and recovery services.
It’s important to have open communication. Share any side effects, cravings, changes in substance use or anything that makes recovery more difficult. This care plan can then be reviewed and amended as necessary.
Get Support for Substance Use and Mental Health
Recovery is not something that you have to do on your own. If you have a problem with substance use, or feelings of craving or mental health issues are interfering with your life, seeking professional help may be a critical first step.
Please call WellMind Therapy Center (682) 432-1571 to talk with them about your needs and the mental health and recovery services they have to offer.
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Right for You?
No one-size-fits-all recovery plan. Some individuals may benefit from MAT, and others may not or may not. Some may need medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and others may not need it or may not need it.
An evaluation by a professional can help you decide if medication, counselling, recovery support or a combination of services is the right treatment. The best plan is one that takes into account your health, drug use history, mental health, personal aspirations and capacity for continued involvement in ongoing treatment.
If you are thinking about help, don’t think you need to have everything sorted right out. It just provides you with some insight into your choices.
Looking to move up? If you’re seeking recovery and mental health support, call WellMind Therapy Center (682) 432-1571 to speak with a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment is a combination of FDA-approved medications, counseling and recovery support services for the treatment of some substance use disorders. It can help to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and handle behavioral and emotional issues that affect the recovery process.
Is medication-assisted treatment only for opioid addiction?
No. MAT is frequently utilized to treat opioid use disorder and can also be used to serve those with alcohol use disorder. The correct substance and medication will be determined based on substance, health history, symptoms, and personal recovery needs.
Does medication-assisted treatment replace counseling?
Medication and counselling are often used together, No. Counselling can treat triggers, emotional issues, behaviour issues, relationship issues, coping and other issues that go with substance abuse and medication can be used to manage cravings or withdrawal.
How long does medication-assisted treatment last?
It can be different in length among different people. For some people, medication is needed for a shorter amount of time; for others, a longer term. The length of time will depend on progress, health requirements, healing objectives, and medical advice.
Can medication-assisted treatment help with co-occurring mental health concerns?
Yes. Individuals with SUD may also suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health issues. Treatment of both can offer a more holistic approach and help to determine factors that can impact recovery.