The advantages of medically-assisted treatment (MAT) are numerous and constitute a proven tool for substance abuse for opioid and alcohol addiction. With over two million Americans dealing with an opioid disorder today, learning more about ways to gain sobriety is valuable for you or for a loved one.
What Is the Purpose of MAT?
Medically-assisted treatment is endorsed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the American Medical Association (AMA). The FDA has approved certain drugs to block the euphoric effects of substance abuse, and you could say that is one of the main purposes of MAT.
The three main drugs utilized in medically-assisted treatment include:
- Methadone is prescribed to help those with heroin addiction and to minimize withdrawal.
- Naltrexone which stops cravings and is an opioid antagonist.
- Bupmenophene which helps minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Medically-assisted treatment is only available through licensed health care providers or through a certified opioid treatment center like Reliance Treatment Center of Statesboro.
It doesn’t matter whether the substance abuse started with prescription drugs or illicit drugs, the addition is the same. The goal of MAT is to wean patients off of opioids.
What Are the Advantages of a MAT Program?
MAT is more successful if there is strict supervision, plus counseling and behavioral therapy in conjunction with the prescribed drugs.
Some of the advantages of medically-assisted treatment include:
- Minimizes the psychological and physical craving of illegal substances
- Normalizes the body chemistry throughout treatment
- Safer withdrawal experience
- Reduces risks of overdose deaths
- Reduces relapse risks
- Increases treatment retention
- Decreases criminal activity
- Decreases infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C
Individuals may believe that MAT just substitutes one addiction for another. That is false. MAT does not give the patient the same high as with opioid addiction. In addition, the prescription meds restore balance to the brain affected by addiction.
Why You Shouldn’t Go “Cold Turkey”
Some may consider abstinence like going “cold turkey” as an option for MAT. This approach can be dangerous.
In fact, it may lead to:
- Overdose
- Higher relapse rates
- Life-threatening symptoms and complications
After considering MAT, if you believe this program may be helpful for you or someone you love, contact Reliance Treatment Center of Statesboro at (912) 489-7827, or request an appointment through our secure online form.