The road to recovery can be a long and treacherous one. Relapse is more common than you may think, and Sophros Recovery is here to support you no matter what stage of recovery you are in. If you are experiencing relapses or any other struggles due to your addiction, you might consider a MAT or medication-assisted treatment program. Reach out to one of our healthcare professionals today at 904.760.4295 to discuss our medication-assisted treatment options.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a treatment plan which uses medications in combination with counseling and therapies to treat substance addiction. By combining MAT with therapy, we work to heal the whole person through their recovery. We tailor our MAT programs to our client’s needs, ensuring that you feel both safe and supported throughout your treatment.
Research shows that combining medication and therapy can successfully treat substance use disorders, and for some people, MAT can help maintain recovery. MAT can also prevent and reduce opioid overdoses. MAT is mostly used for treating addictions to opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers. These medications can normalize brain chemistry and block the positive or euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids. As such, it can relieve withdrawal symptoms and physiological cravings.
Is MAT Effective?
The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery for the client, including living an independent lifestyle. MAT has also been proven to be clinically effective and significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for those going through withdrawal symptoms. Our MAT program in Jacksonville offers the following benefits:
- Increase client survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Decrease opiate use
- Increase client’s ability to gain and maintain employment
- Decrease the potential for relapse
MAT Medications
The FDA has approved several medications to treat addiction to both alcohol and opioids. The medications used for MAT are not meant to substitute one drug for another: they are evidence-based treatment options.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
The most common medications used to treat alcohol addictions are:
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
- Naltrexone
Medications for Opioid Dependency
The most common medications used to treat opioid addictions are:
- Vivitrol
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
These medications are safe to use over the course of many months or even years. Please consult your doctor before discontinuing the use of any of these drugs.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT is a treatment program that many clients have chosen when combating opioid or alcohol addictions. This is because there are numerous benefits of MAT.
One of the benefits of medication-assisted treatment is how effective it can be. MAT programs treat multiple aspects of each client rather than choosing only to use medication or therapy. Having the support of both medication and counseling makes MAT a strong option for recovery.
MAT also allows the client more freedom than an intensive outpatient program. Sophros Recovery uses MAT during the detoxification process as well as throughout the treatment. Continuing MAT outside or after residential treatment allows you to visit the treatment facility once a day to receive medication. MAT will enable you to revisit your daily life while receiving medical and psychological support to maintain recovery.
One of the most challenging parts of completing treatment is transitioning back into your daily life or life at home. Continuing MAT after treatment can help keep you stable and strong enough to handle recovery with less assistance from professionals as you navigate daily life.
Begin MAT in Jacksonville at Sophros Recovery
If the benefits of MAT have left you searching for MAT programs in Jacksonville, look no further. Sophros Recovery is here to help. Reach out to one of our healthcare professionals today at 904.760.4295 to discuss your MAT program options.
