Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can take over anyone’s life quickly, impacting their physical and mental well-being and work and personal relationships. It’s not easy to break free and overcome addiction alone—especially if opioids are involved. Those that attempt to recover from opioid use disorder (OUD) on their own frequently find themselves relapsing. If this sounds like you or someone you know, you need to seek professional help. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provides another option for people looking to start fresh and eventually maintain sobriety.
But what is MAT? Our experienced staff at MD M.A.T.T. White Marsh has seen how MAT assists our patients in overcoming addiction and transitioning to a happy and prosperous future. For more information about MAT or to set up a consultation at White Marsh, MD, contact our team immediately by calling 410.505.7434.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT aims to treat addiction issues by combining FDA-approved medications with behavioral psychotherapy and other support services. This approach is effective and efficient, particularly when it comes to OUD.
Although various medications can be integrated into MAT, the three most used by rehab clinics are:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
Each of these medications operates uniquely to assist patients struggling with addiction by suppressing their cravings and some discomforting effects of withdrawal symptoms.
At MD M.A.T.T. White Marsh, our knowledgeable staff uses Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, in MAT programs for patients who need it. Suboxone helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while blocking the effects of other opioids that patients may take.
What Are the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is exceptionally effective in treating addiction and preventing relapse in OUD cases compared to other rehab intervention methods like behavioral psychotherapy alone. There are also many benefits that patients can experience while enrolled in a MAT program.
Improved Ability to Focus on Addiction Recovery
Medication-assisted therapy may assist patients in concentrating on their customized and comprehensive addiction treatment plans. It can be challenging to follow a rehab clinic’s regimen while under the influence of addictive substances or feeling withdrawal symptoms. MAT can help patients focus and feel more motivated to continue and eventually return to their lives as they maintain sobriety.
Improved Emotional Health and Sleep Pattern
Opioid addiction affects physical and mental well-being. Medication-assisted treatment can help improve patients’ feelings and sleep habits, which are critical components of good overall health.
The rush of dopamine that comes with opioid use often leads to a feeling of euphoria. When the effects of opioids wear off, patients may go through a slump—leaving them irritable, sad, and weary. MAT can help smooth out these mood swings, making it easier to deal with everyday stress.
In addition, struggling with OUD can cause sleep problems like insomnia. This unwanted health consequence can make it difficult for patients to focus and make good decisions. MAT can help improve patients’ sleep patterns, which can improve their overall health.
Reducing Cravings
Intense opioid cravings are one of the most common reasons for relapse. Medication-assisted therapy can assist patients in recovery as they fight these urges, making it simpler to stay on track to recovery.
Cravings are a direct result of addiction altering the brain. Changes to brain chemistry make it difficult to feel joy or satisfaction without taking addictive substances. However, MAT can help reverse these changes and reduce cravings.
Relief from Effects of Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting opioids abruptly might lead to noticeable discomfort and even a return to addiction. This discomfort is because quitting suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms to arise, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Medication-assisted treatment can help alleviate symptoms like these, making it easier for patients in recovery to adhere to their customized and comprehensive addiction treatment plans.
Get on the Path to Recovery with MD M.A.T.T. White Marsh
If you’re ready to start your journey to addiction recovery, our experienced staff can help. Learn more about MD M.A.T.T. White Marsh’s medication-assisted treatment program today by calling 410.505.7434.
