Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a universal experience. Whether rich or poor, urban or rural, young or old, substance use disorders can affect anyone. Quitting drugs and alcohol is one of the best things a person can do to ensure their physical and mental health, as well as their future. But the symptoms associated with withdrawal can be a major deterrent to someone abstaining from drugs or alcohol. These symptoms are often painful and unsettling. Medication-assisted treatment is one of the main ways of addressing these withdrawal symptoms and helping those who want to live a sober life.
If you are interested in building a new life in recovery, Promont Wellness in Southampton, PA, is ready to help you achieve your dreams. Our treatment center provides effective, evidence-based outpatient addiction treatment programs, including medication-assisted treatment. Our dedicated, compassionate team members give clients the support and compassion they need to begin their journey to recovery. Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or a loved one, we are passionate about serving our community and lowering the barriers to treatment. Our admissions team is standing by to answer any questions you have. Contact us at 866.939.4243 to learn more.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders that combines behavioral therapy and medications. The goal of MAT is to reduce the harmful consequences of substance use and to help people who are struggling with addiction. MAT involves the use of approved medications, such as buprenorphine and methadone, to treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While the medications help ease withdrawal symptoms, the behavioral therapy addresses the root causes of the substance use. MAT is commonly used for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
These medications generally work by binding to the same receptors in the brain that are targeted by drugs or alcohol, but they do so without producing the same pleasurable effects. This allows clients in treatment to focus on recovery without being constantly distracted by thoughts of using drugs or alcohol.
3 Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment offers clients a number of benefits while they enter recovery.
1. Reduced Drug and Alcohol Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
The cravings and withdrawal symptoms at the start of detox from drugs and alcohol are often overwhelming, and many people return to substance use to alleviate the pain that they experience. The medications used in medication-assisted treatment can help alleviate many of the withdrawal symptoms and restore the body’s ability to function normally. Many of the medications also help reduce cravings. Clients are able to focus on their recovery and treatment plan instead of worrying about withdrawal. They become less likely to relapse.
2. Better Chances of Long-Term Recovery
Those who undergo medication-assisted treatment have a better chance of sticking to their treatment plan. Staying in treatment and completing their treatment program gives them an increased chance of staying sober after treatment. For those who have struggled with long-term sobriety, medication-assisted treatment could be the key to abstinence.
3. Immediate Transition to Behavioral Therapy
The first requirement before behavioral therapy begins is that the client must be stable and past the detox phase. A combined approach to recovery that involves both medication and behavioral therapy has proven to be more effective than either treatment alone. Getting the client into behavioral therapy as soon as possible after starting recovery is one of the keys to long-term sobriety. The tools and knowledge that they learn during behavioral therapy will help them to better manage the urge to use drugs or alcohol.
Begin Medication-Assisted Treatment at Promont Wellness
Starting recovery doesn’t have to mean stress and pain lasting days, weeks, or even months. The many benefits of MAT for addiction treatment can help make sobriety an achievable goal. If someone you love wants to reclaim their life from drugs or alcohol, it’s time to reach out for help. Promont Wellness provides comprehensive addiction treatment in Southampton, PA. Call us today at 866.939.4243 or fill out our online form to learn more about available treatment options.
