Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medication to reduce drug cravings so a person can focus on recovery. Medications are blended with various therapies to provide comprehensive care for addiction. Medication-assisted treatment programs provide medicine to help treat addiction and its effects. Some drugs, like opioids, cause a person to have physical and mental cravings even after detox. This makes it challenging to focus on recovery and often leads people to relapse.
At The Bluffs, we provide a medication-assisted treatment program in Ohio for people who are ready to leave addiction behind. For more information about our MAT program in Ohio, contact The Bluffs today online or at 850-374-5331.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?
MAT uses medication that targets the same areas of the brain as the drug of use. Some medications block the effects of these drugs altogether, while others produce a mild effect that takes the edge off cravings. Medication alone does not heal addiction. MAT programs offer therapy and counseling alongside medication to help the individual overcome substance use and live a healthier life.
Medication-assisted treatment may include therapies like:
Behavioral therapy is a vital component of addiction treatment that produces positive behavior by altering negative thought patterns. Wellness programs encourage nutrition and physical activity to heal the body from the devastating effects of addiction. Other treatment methods teach coping techniques and life skills that help individuals resist relapse and find fulfillment. Nurturing the mind, body, and spirit during addiction treatment increases the chances of long-term recovery.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Wellness programs
- Recovery support groups
- Art therapy
- Spiritual support
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Effective?
The National Institute for Drug Use (NIDA) reports that medication-assisted treatment can be very effective. Studies show that people are more likely to stay in treatment with the aid of medication, which increases the chances of successful completion.
MAT also decreases the chances of drug-overdose death. Some people who stop using opioids during treatment relapse and take the drugs at the same dose as before. Not realizing that their body can’t handle the same amount anymore, they overdose. A person who remains in a rehab program is less likely to overdose and has immediate access to medical attention to prevent overdose death.
Medication-assisted treatment is also helpful for pregnant women and their babies. NIDA reports fewer instances of issues related to substance use in newborns whose mothers were in a MAT program. Some individuals are concerned that medication-assisted treatment replaces one drug with another. However, the medications used are milder than most used substances, and many people successfully wean off all drugs through MAT.
The Bluffs Medication-Assisted Treatment Program in Ohio
At The Bluffs, our medication-assisted treatment programs take an individualized and holistic approach. We offer many evidence-based and experiential therapies, such as trauma therapy and yoga, to encourage whole-person healing.
Our residential care provides 24-hour monitoring, so our clinical staff can ensure each person’s safety and adjust medications over the course of treatment.
Overcome Withdrawal Symptoms with The Bluffs’ Medication-Assisted Treatment Program in Ohio
Many people have found that The Bluffs’ medication-assisted treatment program in Ohio provides the care they need to get through the initial stages of recovery. Our team is dedicated to helping people overcome their withdrawal symptoms as safely and comfortably as possible.
If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about our MAT center in Ohio, contact The Bluffs today by calling 850-374-5331 or completing our online contact form.
