Medication-assisted treatment is a methodology employed to treat the syndrome of substance use. In addition to therapy and counseling, which causes the patients to adapt to the medicine given to them, MAT, or Medication-Assisted Treatment, is proved to be effective in helping minimize drug abuse and in bringing a big positive change in an individual’s life. MAT has proven to be highly effective in helping individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term addiction recovery. Here are five key things to know about MAT:
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Medication Assisted Treatment Is The Gold Standard:
Addiction professionals, as well as clinicians, have universally accepted medication-assisted treatment as a gold standard treatment for opioids. It is associated with reduction in the following:
- Death by overdose: The MAT insulates the effects of an opioid or mitigates the cravings of a recovering addict.
- Relapse rates: MAT makes it easier for the people to stay in abstinence and not feel as if they should backslide.
- Drug-related criminal activity: Much of the criminal activity linked to addiction is reduced by MAT.
- Transmission of HIV and HCV: It helps in the prevention of hepatitis C and HIV transmission.
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These MAT Medicines Are Safe And Effective:
These FDA-approved medications are MAT specific and they are designed for treating the ups and downs of substance abuse. These FDA-approved medicines work through:
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Methadone and buprenorphine are used to treat an addiction to opioids by diminishing withdrawal and cravings, making detoxification easier.
- Opioid Antagonists: Naltrexone is used to block opioid-induced euphoric effects preventing cravings to use such a substance.
- Stabilizing Brain Chemistry: MAT medications can restore the balance of the brain’s reward system of an individual who is recovering from addiction, which has been destabilized by addiction.
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MAT Is Wider Above Drugs Only:
Medication-assisted treatment uses drugs, but that is not all about it. Medications are used within MAT but are not just treated alone but are part of a whole array of drug and alcohol addiction treatment, such as:
- Individual and group briefed psychological/counseling methods: The psychological and emotional matters beneath the addictive process that have accrued over time require individual or group therapy, and in some cases, involving the entire family.
- Behavioral therapies: Used when required, it involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and enables a recovering addict to develop coping strategies, as well as motivational strategies to bring about a fine balance of healthy and unhealthy behaviors.
- Social support: Availability of certain types of social services among some MAT users such as support groups, peer recovery coaches, and other social support services.
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MAT Is Responsive To Individual Care Of A Recovering Addict:
It is not just any kind of drug and alcohol addiction treatment for someone because MAT is a totally personalized approach that is different for all cases. There would be considerations like:
- Type of Substance Dependence: Different medications are used for different substances.
- The Intensity of Dependency: Depending on the strength of the addiction, they may vary in terms of the severity and treatment period.
- Dual Mental Health Disorders: A recovering addict with dual mental disorders may require additional help and care.
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The Destigmatization Of MAT Is In Itself Vital:
Despite the scientific acceptance of medication-assisted treatment, there is a lot of misinformation weigh heavily against its gains, which includes myths about:
- MAT is simply substituting one drug for another: MAT medications are not addictive, and are used for medical purposes by prescription for serious medical conditions.
- MAT is not real addiction recovery: Among parts in a much wider system of recovery, MAT might be an important keyfob to the solution, which could help individuals in long-term sobriety and overall well-being.
- MAT is only for severe cases of addiction: MAT can be beneficial for individuals at all stages of addiction, from early-stage use to chronic dependence.
It is important to address these misconceptions and promote understanding of MAT to ensure that individuals with substance use disorders have access to this life-saving treatment.
Combining Medication And Therapy For A Multifaceted Nature Of Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment is a scientifically proven and effective treatment for substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder. It combines medication with behavioral therapies to address the multifaceted nature of addiction. By understanding the key aspects of MAT, we can help reduce stigma, increase access to treatment, and improve outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.
