During a detox to remove all harmful substances from the body, and during an ongoing rehab, patients may receive a mix of medication and undergo different therapies and holistic approaches to encourage long-term recovery. A medication-assisted addiction treatment program is common for anyone battling an addiction to certain drugs. To learn the pros and cons of medication-assisted treatment and discover how our medication-assisted treatment program can help you get clean and sober safely, contact us online or call 833.514.0579 today.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
During a medication-assisted addiction treatment program, various helpful medications, used in conjunction with different psychosocial treatments and various therapies, can provide a holistic approach to treating your substance use disorder(s). These specific medications are designed to support your treatment and recovery, not replace your treatment plan and recovery efforts. They are used judiciously and under the supervision of your trained medical team.
There are pros and cons of medication-assisted treatment, and at Avedis Detox, our clinical program will be focused on your individualized care. In situations where medications alone are not suitable to treat your addiction, you may experience psychosocial treatments and ongoing support to help your mind, body, and spirit heal, with the goal of you enjoying a lifetime of recovery. There are safe and effective medications currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of:
- Opioid use disorder
- Alcohol use disorder
- Nicotine use disorder
Medication-assisted addiction treatment for opioid use, specifically a heroin addiction, has been proven to be the safest approach and considered the best practice in the treatment of most people looking to overcome opioid addiction. While pros and cons of medication-assisted treatment exist, there is no denying the success for millions of individuals who once struggled with addiction.
What Kind of Medication Is Used?
The type of drugs used during a medication-assisted treatment will depend on several factors, including the substance you are using. The following medications are commonly used with success in helping patients overcome their drug and alcohol use:
- Naltrexone: If you are suffering from heroin addiction or another opioid use disorder, you may be prescribed Naltrexone. After a successful detox, Naltrexone, a non-addictive and non-sedating medication, can be prescribed to help minimize cravings for the drugs. At the same time, during your withdrawal, this medication can block the euphoria that drugs deliver.
- Buprenorphine: This medication is often prescribed to treat opioid use disorders because it also can reduce the effects of withdrawal and reduce cravings.
If it is alcohol you have been abusing, different prescription medicines may be used during your medication-assisted addiction treatment. Some of these medications which may help play a role in your recovery include Naltrexone and the following pair of medications:
- Campral: Campral is used during detox to help manage a patient’s withdrawal symptoms.
- Antabuse: When prescribed Antabuse, you will be inclined to avoid alcohol because this medication produces unpleasant side effects if you do take a drink.
The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Among the benefits of medication-assisted treatment is that it is designed to support your recovery efforts as you put the work in to overcome your substance use disorders. To do this, MAT mixes doctor-prescribed medications, professional monitoring, and behavioral therapies. 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
Federal law requires medication-assisted addiction treatments to include not only pharmacologic treatments for patients suffering from substance use disorders but also important access to behavioral therapies from trained professionals. This is one of the benefits of medication-assisted treatment. It promotes a fuller approach to treatment, helps alter your behaviors better, and treats your co-occurring mental health issues. Interventions during MAT will be personalized to the patient’s specific needs to increase the chances of a lifetime of recovery.
Learn More at Avedis Detox
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 can be a part of your complete recovery. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 833.514.0579 today.
