What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders that involves using medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. At Steps to Recovery, we consider MAT a vital aspect of our substance abuse therapy. We believe that utilizing different types of MAT, such as Suboxone and Vivitrol, gives our clients the necessary resources to embark on the path to recovery from addiction.
Types of Medications Used in Treatment
Suboxone
Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is a common medication used in MAT therapy to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This medication binds tightly to the same receptors in the brain as other drugs. As a result, Suboxone blocks the intoxicating effects of other drugs, reduces cravings, and minimizes withdrawal symptoms. When included in a recovery plan, Suboxone can help relieve pain and reduce stress levels, allowing clients to fully engage in treatment and improve overall well-being by reducing cravings and increasing calmness.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol or naltrexone is a medication frequently utilized as a component of treatment at medication-assisted treatment centers. Vivitrol can be taken either through an injection or in pill form. A Vivitrol prescription is typically used after medical detoxification to reduce the risk of relapse by curbing cravings for drugs or alcohol.
Our clients are welcome to use medication-assisted treatment, such as Suboxone or Vivitrol, as part of their long-term recovery journey. By allowing clients to utilize Suboxone, we aim to give our clients the highest chance of success in navigating the early days of recovery. Ultimately, we strive to help individuals suffering from various addictions develop the tools to engage and communicate as they participate in our treatment programs.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can offer numerous advantages to individuals seeking to break free from substance abuse. By combining evidence-based medications with therapeutic interventions, MAT provides a multifaceted approach to addiction treatment that significantly enhances the prospects of successful recovery. Learn more about the key benefits below:
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- Craving Reduction
MAT plays a crucial role in reducing cravings for addictive substances. The medications used in MAT, such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, act on the brain’s receptors to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This reduction in cravings helps individuals manage the initial hurdles of recovery, making it easier to resist the urge to relapse.
- Craving Reduction
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- Stabilization of Bodily Functions
Substance abuse can wreak havoc on bodily functions, from irregular heartbeats to disrupted sleep patterns and impaired cognitive abilities. MAT helps stabilize these bodily functions, allowing individuals to regain physical health and mental clarity. This stabilization is fundamental for creating a foundation on which comprehensive recovery can be built.
- Stabilization of Bodily Functions
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- Improved Focus on Treatment and Recovery
The absence of cravings and withdrawal symptoms resulting from MAT allows individuals to shift their focus from the constant battle with addiction to their recovery journey. When individuals are not preoccupied with withdrawal’s physical and psychological distress, they can fully engage in the treatment process, absorb therapeutic insights, and develop essential coping skills.
- Improved Focus on Treatment and Recovery
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- Calming Setting
MAT fosters a more calming and supportive environment for recovery. When individuals are not in the throes of acute withdrawal symptoms, they can better engage in group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and other forms of treatment. This serene setting promotes a sense of security and encourages open communication, which is critical for addressing the underlying causes of addiction.
- Calming Setting
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- Comprehensive Approach
Medication-assisted treatment should be part of a comprehensive and engaged addiction recovery approach for the most effective results. While medications address the physical aspects of addiction, therapy, and counseling dive into the psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors that contribute to substance abuse. Combining MAT with therapy helps individuals gain a holistic understanding of their addiction and equips them with the tools to achieve lasting sobriety.
- Comprehensive Approach
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- Long-Term Success
The ultimate goal of MAT is not just short-term relief but long-term success in recovery. By tackling the physical cravings and stabilizing bodily functions while simultaneously addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction, MAT sets individuals on a path toward sustainable recovery. It provides a bridge to a life free from addiction, enabling individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential.
- Long-Term Success
MAT for Opioid and Opiate Use Disorder
At Steps to Recovery, medication-assisted treatment is an important component of opiate and opioid detox and residential addiction treatment. Our treatment for opiate and opioid addiction includes medication-assisted treatment that may involve prescription medications such as Vivitrol. This medication prevents full-blown relapse by blocking dopamine release when opiates are taken during recovery. Another medication-assisted treatment option is Suboxone.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Centers
As a part of our comprehensive and whole-person treatment, we offer medication-assisted treatment services at all Steps to Recovery locations and levels of care listed below:
- Silver Pines Treatment Center: Detox and Residential Treatment
- Steps to Recovery-Bucks County: PHP & IOP with recovery housing (STRIDE Program)
- Steps to Recovery-Lehigh Valley: PHP & IOP
We also provide a variety of other evidence-based methods, as well as holistic and experiential therapy, to enhance our clients’ chances of achieving long-term recovery.
