During addiction treatment, a mix of medication, therapy, and holistic approaches may be used to reverse the harmful effects of a sustained substance use disorder. Our community at Avedis Recovery is skilled at initiating a long-term recovery. In our inpatient detox, rehab, and outpatient treatment programs, we often provide medication-assisted addiction treatment for those battling alcohol use and an addiction to certain types of drugs. Find out how MAT at our Los Angeles outpatient rehab may be able to help you avoid using the drugs that cause harm in your life. Contact us online or call 833.514.0579 today.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted addiction treatment (MAT) refers to the use of medications, in conjunction with different psychosocial treatments and various therapies, to provide a holistic approach to treating your substance use disorder. The medication involved in this treatment approach is to support your recovery, not to replace your treatment plan and recovery efforts. As with any treatment, there are risks involved when you treat addiction by adding a drug. For this reason, medication-assisted treatment is only used for people with treatment-resistant substance use disorder.
Avedis Recovery provides medication-assisted treatment in our Los Angeles rehab center. Medication-assisted treatment is clinically driven and focuses on individualized care. In situations where medications alone are not enough to treat addiction, some patients find success by including psychosocial treatments and additional support to heal the mind, body, and spirit with the goal of enjoying long-term recovery.
Safe and effective medications are currently available and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
- Nicotine use disorder
Specifically, medication-assisted addiction treatment for opioid use disorder has proven to be the safest approach and is considered to be the best practice in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
What Kind of Medication Is Used?
Medication-assisted treatment for addiction is designed to support treatment and recovery efforts for people who want to work to overcome substance use disorders. MAT combines doctor-prescribed medications, monitoring, counseling, and behavioral therapies with the goal of assisting your recovery efforts.
Medication-assisted addiction treatment has proven to:
- Reduce overdose risks
- Increase retention in treatment
- Reduce the use of drugs and alcohol in people with substance use disorders
- Help with gaining and maintaining stable employment
- Improve birth outcomes for women with substance use disorders
The type of medication used during a medication-assisted treatment in Los Angeles will depend on several factors, including the substance you are using. For example, if you are suffering from heroin addiction or another opioid use disorder, you may be prescribed:
Naltrexone
After a successful detox, you may be prescribed Naltrexone, a non-addictive and non-sedating medication to help minimize cravings for the drugs while at the same time blocking the euphoria those drugs deliver during your withdrawal period.
Buprenorphine
This medication is often prescribed to treat opioid use disorders because it also can reduce the effects of withdrawal and reduce cravings.
Managing Alcohol Cravings
If it is alcohol that you have been abusing, there are different prescription medicines that may be used during your medication-assisted addiction treatment. Some which may help play a role in your recovery include Naltrexone and the following pair of medications:
Campral
This medication can be used to help people manage their cravings for alcohol.
Antabuse
You will be encouraged to avoid alcohol when using Antabuse because it produces unpleasant side effects if you do take another drink.
More than Medication
Federal law requires medication-assisted addiction treatments to include pharmacologic treatments for patients suffering from substance use disorders as well as access to counseling and a variety of behavioral therapies from a trained professional. This fuller approach to treatment is meant to engage patients in their recovery, help alter their behaviors for the better, and treat their co-occurring mental health issues. Interventions during MAT will be personalized to the client’s unique needs and ongoing to increase the chances of a lifetime of recovery.
Learn More at Avedis Recovery in Los Angeles
If addiction is damaging your family, relationships, and career, and you are ready to stop using harmful substances today, learn how medication-assisted addiction treatment at Avedis Recovery can be one effective step to reimagining your life. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 833.514.0579 today.
