The opioid epidemic is affecting numerous people across the United States on a daily basis. In recent years, using MAT for opioid addiction has become increasingly popular. What is MAT? Is it effective? What are its benefits? These are all valid questions, and crucial to making an informed decision about using this for treating opioid addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a protocol increasing in popularity throughout the United States to treat opioid addiction. MAT for opioid addiction combines the use of medications as well as other proven therapies to treat the symptoms of opioid addiction. These therapies include behavioral therapy and counseling.
MAT for opioid addiction has proven to be a beneficial way to help someone reach long-term, sustainable recovery. Some of the proven effective forms of therapy used in a medication-assisted treatment regimen include:
MAT for opioid addiction includes using medication in conjunction with therapy to treat those who suffer from opioid addiction. But what medication is used? There are a variety of medications that can be used. The main ones used are Suboxone or Subutex, Vivitrol, and Sublocade. These medications all help to manage cravings while simultaneously blocking the opioid receptors from feeling the effects of opioids were they to be used. This helps to keep those using MAT for opioid addiction from returning the dangerous drugs that led them down the wrong path to begin with.
Using MAT for opioid addiction has many benefits. The main benefit is helping clients during withdrawal, as well as with any prolonged cravings. In addition, clients get the therapeutic support needed to learn positive coping skills to deal with everyday life.
Another of the benefits of MAT for opioid addiction is the way it assists in returning brain functionality back to normal. It helps by stabilizing the brain chemistry, blocking the effects of these dangerous opioids, and managing any withdrawal symptoms someone may be experiencing.
When the brain is trying to return to normal after the substances are removed, it is crucial to allow this process to be as smooth as possible. Especially when the withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating for those enduring them. Using MAT for opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms is a beneficial way to begin someone on the path to recovery with minimal discomfort.
MAT for opioid addiction does not mean that one addiction replaces another. The reason that MAT programs have proven to be so effective is that, while the body is transitioning from being opioid dependent, it is being helped along through that process by these medications, alleviating painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Typical opioid withdrawal can include symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, muscle cramps, irritability, and headaches among other symptoms. Opioid addiction medications alleviate these symptoms.
When opioids leave the body as it returns to normal functioning, mental and physical cravings can occur. This is one of the main triggers of someone returning to using opioids. These cravings can be so physically and mentally overwhelming, that the only relief is using them again. MAT provides relief from these cravings, allowing for long-term, long-lasting recovery to take place.
Addiction to opioids is a national epidemic affecting millions of Americans. It can be a difficult habit to break, and cause some severe life-altering consequences to occur. If you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, there is help. There is hope. At Louisville Addiction Center we have personalized plans available to address the needs of our clients and strive to provide the best care possible to those coming under our wing.
Contact us today and let our team guide you through the beginning stages of the rest of your life.
Hear directly from those who have walked the path to recovery. Our patients’ stories highlight the compassionate care, effective programs, and life-changing support they’ve experienced. Let their journeys inspire you as you take your first steps toward healing.
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