Many treatment programs around the country that help those struggling with addiction and mental health use medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The use of medications is encouraged throughout the treatment process to help manage symptoms and reduce the chance of relapse as long as the person is using them under careful supervision and the doses are managed.
While some advocate against MAT in addiction recovery, other programs find it helpful in facilitating long-term recovery. By understanding MAT and its benefits, those that will gain the most from it can get the help they need.
What Is MAT?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a form of addiction rehabilitation that uses counseling and behavioral therapies to treat those recovering from addiction. All medications used in the treatment are FDA approved and tailored to the individual’s needs.
The most common medications used in addiction recovery are those used in opiate replacement therapy, such as methadone, naltrexone, and suboxone. These help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for those withdrawing from opiates.
However, other forms of MAT use medications that treat symptoms of mental illness that may affect the person’s recovery. Managing mental health symptoms helps the person focus on their sobriety without worrying about negative episodes. This can prevent relapse down the road which promotes long-term recovery.
Benefits of MAT
There are numerous benefits that MAT offers individuals in recovery. The benefits outweigh any consequences MAT may have, thus giving those recovering a better chance at success. Over time, individuals that undergo MAT have an easier time retaining what they learn in treatment and applying it to their lives. In addition, when they leave treatment, they are less likely to return to addiction, get into legal trouble, or lose employment. While there are risks involved, treatment staff must ensure they are avoided to give patients the best possible outcome in recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an integral part of many addiction recovery programs around the country. While some question how using medication in addiction recovery is helpful, there are benefits that give individuals a better chance at maintaining sobriety and avoiding relapse. At Alta Loma Transformational Services, we believe that MAT helps to treat co-occurring disorders successfully. Using MAT, many patients are now alumni leading happy, healthy, and sober lives. At our Texas-based facility, we provide men of all ages with individualized treatment to ensure lifelong recovery. Call us today to learn more at (866) 457-3843.
