Compared to programs for other kinds of drug problems, addiction treatment programs for opioid or alcohol problems are unique. That’s true because they feature a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The common shorthand for this combination is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). An MAT program takes a holistic approach to your well-being. As a result, you not only get help overcoming the effects of addiction, but you also receive additional benefits that can increase your quality of life.
For medication-assisted treatment in Philadelphia, turn to the specialists at Promont Wellness. We feature a customized approach that maximizes the holistic benefits of MAT. Our goal is to restore your ability to lead a fulfilling, substance-free lifestyle.
Research shows that medication is an excellent option for effective opioid or alcohol addiction treatment. Studies also support the use of a kind of psychotherapy called behavioral therapy. Both medication and therapy can help when used on their own. However, they’re much more effective in combination.
It is this understanding that led to the development of MAT programs.
MAT programs typically involve the use of medication, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, which work to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid addiction. These medications are typically administered in a controlled environment and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. However, it is important to note that not every medication works equally well for everyone.
In addition to medication, MAT programs also provide behavioral therapy and counseling to help individuals address the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies for managing cravings and triggers. This may include individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. These therapies and counseling services are also adjusted to best fit the need of the patient.
The ultimate goal of an MAT program is to help individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery. MAT has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid use, decreasing the risk of overdose, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals in treatment.
There are several medications that we use in our MAT programs. These medications are:
Buprenorphine helps ease the effects of opioid withdrawal. In fact, buprenorphine is often the preferred option for MAT. That’s true, in part, because it’s more widely available than other medications. In addition, buprenorphine is weaker than other MAT medications. For this reason, it can be safer to use. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction without producing the same intense euphoria or “high” as other opioids.
Naltrexone is used after you complete an opioid withdrawal. It effectively prevents any new opioids in your bloodstream from reaching your brain. In this way, it reinforces your efforts to stay drug-free. Naloxone is included in Suboxone to prevent misuse or abuse of the medication, as it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if injected or used improperly.
For more information about medications used in standard PA MAT drug rehabilitation, contact us today at 866.939.4243.
Medication-assisted treatment centers can combine medication with multiple kinds of behavioral therapy. The list of therapies recommended for this purpose includes:
This is a psychotherapy that is focused on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health problems. CBT is based on the idea that the way we think about a situation can affect how we feel and behave, and that by changing our thoughts and behaviors, we can improve our mental health.
CBT is typically short-term and goal-oriented, with a focus on identifying and challenging negative beliefs and behaviors. The therapy process involves working collaboratively with a therapist to develop coping skills and strategies that can be used in daily life.
This type of psychotherapy focuses on improving communication and relationships within a family unit. FBT is based on the belief that family dynamics and interactions can contribute to mental health issues, and that by improving these relationships, individuals can experience better mental health outcomes.
FBT typically involves the entire family, including parents, children, and sometimes extended family members. The therapy process involves identifying patterns of communication and behavior within the family that may be contributing to problems, and developing strategies to improve these patterns.
This is a behavioral therapy approach that focuses on reinforcing desired behaviors and discouraging undesired behaviors through the use of rewards and consequences. The approach is based on the principles of operant conditioning, which suggests that behavior is shaped by the consequences that follow it.
In contingency management, individuals are rewarded for engaging in positive behaviors such as sobriety, attending therapy sessions, or adhering to medication regimens. These rewards can be in the form of vouchers, prizes, or privileges.
Many MAT treatment plans include more than one behavioral therapy option. That’s because different therapies can help you in different ways, so a combination can often be most effective. Your plan will include options that best fit your current situation and personal background.
Medication-assisted treatment in Philadelphia and elsewhere has a range of known benefits. Chief among these benefits is increasing your chances of avoiding an opioid relapse. In turn, this reduced risk decreases your chances of dying from an opioid overdose, and decreases your withdrawal symptoms. People who receive MAT also have higher odds of completing their treatment due to increased treatment retention—essentially through reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can make it easier for patients to remain engaged in the process. In addition, MAT participants tend to have an easier time finding work when treatment ends. They’re also more likely to stay employed over time.
Overall, MAT can be an effective and safe treatment option for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. It can help individuals overcome the physical and psychological effects of addiction and improve their overall quality of life.
Need an MAT program in Philadelphia? Contact the specialists at Promont Wellness. We follow all current guidelines for effective MAT treatment. In addition, we feature a compassionate recovery approach that always treats you as a whole person. Regardless of the source of your opioid problems, we can help.
Those in treatment at our drug rehab in Bucks County can receive MAT in any of our outpatient programs. This flexibility makes it possible to recover from addiction while continuing to lead your daily routine. To learn more, just call us today at 866.939.4243. You can also reach us through our brief online message form.
After we determine what treatment options work best for you, our patient advocates will assist you throughout the entire intake process from start to finish.
