Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an addiction treatment that uses medications to promote recovery. Treatment centers may offer this option to clients suffering from opioid and alcohol addiction. Many people are wary when they first hear about MAT recovery. They may question whether the approach just replaces an addiction with dependence on a different substance. In reality, addiction treatment providers are careful when implementing MAT. MAT programs ensure patient safety through tapering schedules, close supervision, and constant evaluation. Moreover, the benefits of MAT are undeniable for those in need of an opioid or alcohol addiction treatment program. Learn more about how Vertava Health utilizes MAT for recovery by calling us today at 844.470.0410.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
The opioid crisis has captured public attention like few other health issues over the past few decades. The number of overdoses and deaths directly resulting from the opioid epidemic is staggering. One method that has become an effective solution for treating opioid addiction is MAT for recovery. The benefits of MAT, when used by reliable, trustworthy treatment providers, are clear. A few of the top benefits of medication-assisted treatment are detailed below.
Allows for a Safer Detox
One of the most challenging periods of recovery is detox and withdrawal. When people stop taking a drug, numerous side effects can result. These are referred to as withdrawal symptoms. In the case of opioid and alcohol withdrawal, medications offer a safe way to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and stabilize the body. Without intervention, withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and may even derail someone’s recovery.
Improves Treatment Retention Rates
Simply entering treatment does not guarantee results. Many people exit treatment before they have put in the time and effort required to overcome an addiction. A variety of factors influence this. One of these factors is the potential difficulty in withdrawal. Navigating that period effectively is paramount for treatment retention. The severity of cravings is another factor that may cause people to end treatment prematurely. One benefit of the MAT approach is that it helps people stay in treatment long enough to realize transformational results.
Decreases Illegal Drug Use and Overdoses
MAT for recovery is a proven method for decreasing illegal drug use. For instance, someone who is addicted to opioids may also begin seeking out heroin or other illicit drugs because their opioid use is no longer as effective as it once was. Medications used in MAT programs tamp down on cravings and help people safely wean off whatever drug they are addicted to without seeking an illegal, more dangerous replacement. Less illegal drug use naturally means fewer overdoses.
Prevents Relapse
MAT is just one component of a comprehensive addiction treatment strategy. When used in combination with therapy and support groups, MAT is proven to reduce the likelihood of relapse.
What to Consider when Seeking MAT for Recovery
The benefits of MAT make it a preferred approach to treating opioid and alcohol addiction. However, it may not make the most sense for every person’s recovery journey. These are a few more factors that contribute to the success of MAT and influence whether or not it is a good fit for someone entering treatment:
- MAT requires close supervision, which makes it best suited for inpatient or residential treatment rather than an outpatient structure
- Medications used during MAT sometimes produce adverse side effects
- MAT is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan
Discover the Benefits of MAT at Vertava Health
Vertava Health offers MAT for recovery services to aid you or someone you love in overcoming addiction. MAT may be beneficial for people who have tried opioid or alcohol addiction treatment before and have not found success. Trust your recovery to Vertava Health by calling 844.470.0410 today.
