What is Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Independence has universally been acknowledged as an important principle guiding recovery, rightfully prioritized. This well-studied Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), which consists of FDA-approved medications combined with other meaningful treatment options such as counseling or behavioral therapies, is evidence based to the extent that it can help manage Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Wishope Recovery understands that each person’s journey toward sobriety will be unique and feel strongly that MAT provides a proven option for alcohol-dependent individuals.
How MAT Fulfills Role in Alcohol Addiction Recovery
While classical stories go with wanting motivation or only consulting therapy, MAT drug treatment addresses the physiological and psychological needs present in addictions. After all, alcohol dependence changes the chemistry of the brain, making it almost impossible to quit without experiencing overwhelming cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Thus, medications consume the norm for the brain and reduce cravings and risk for relapse.
FDA-Approved Drug Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
With drugs approved by the FDA, alcoholism is treated: This treatment model is set up according to the principle that recovery requires the homeostasis of the brain to be restored into a disturbed state.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia)-blocks euphoric effects of alcohol and reduces cravings, thereby allowing a person to resist drinking.
Acamprosate (Campral)-helps to rebalance the brain and diminish post-acute withdrawal symptoms making the maintenance of abstinence easier.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)-inserts an adverse reaction to alcohol and discourages drinking by the induction of nausea, vomiting A headache, and malaise on alcohol consumption.
Here’s how MAT can help you stay sober for the rest of your life.
- Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms Are Reduced
Perhaps the most important aspect of recovery is dealing with the intense cravings for alcohol and the withdrawal symptoms. MAT helps ease these symptoms so that therapy, personal growth, and lifestyle changes can be focused on without the constant battle against urges.
- Improves Mental Health and Stability
In fact, many people who present with alcohol dependence have another condition, such as anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress. MAT, along with therapy, has also been beneficial to getting emotional steadiness so that some primary causes of addiction can be tackled.
- Complementing Therapy and Counseling for Long-Term Recovery
Wishope Recovery believes that even MAT cannot be implemented alone. Medication-Assisted Treatment-MAT is quite effective along with behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Motivational Interviewing(MI), and group therapy. These methods would then supplement the patients with an opportunity to learn and practice healthy coping mechanisms and enhanced decision-making skills while increasing their support systems.
- Preventing a Relapse and Making a Commitment to Sobriety
When talking about recovery, one of the biggest concerns is relapse; however, it has been noted that alcohol medically assisted treatment reduces the chances of going back to alcohol. While cravings are managed and withdrawal distress is minimized, the patient is less likely to resort to old habits to enable focusing on necessary long-term sobriety goals.
- Prompt, Individualized, and Flexible Approach
MAT is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The ‘medication, dose, and time period of treatment are individualized’ for each person based on their specific needs. This makes certain that people are provided with a suitable level of medical support while being reintroduced to controlling the ways of their lives.
Clearing Up Common Myths About MAT
Despite its undeniable effectiveness, many myths have surrounded MAT. Below are some of those myths clearly demystified:
- MAT replaces one addiction with another.
- MAT requires continuous supervision by doctors. MAT does not produce or induce the new type of addiction; it rather serves as a brain function stabilizer and recovery support.
- MAT is only for severe alcoholics.
- It works differently for different stages of alcohol use disorder, which can range from moderate consumption to severe addiction.
- An individual can do away with using medication if he/she has strong will power.
- Addiction is a disease and not an issue of willpower. Thus, similar to the taking of medication for diabetes or high blood pressure, MAT is responsible for the effective management of AUD.
Taking the Initial Step Toward Sobriety with Wishope Recovery
Wishope Recovery has all the help you need. For alcohol addiction in yourself or someone else, we have compassionate professionals who make individualized treatment plans including MAT, therapy, and holistic approaches to a successful recovery.
Final Thoughts
Medically Assisted Treatment creates a bridge to recovery for many individuals who are hoping for a longer-term sobriety. Cravings are reduced; relapses prevented; and mental health significantly improved by using MAT. Anyone ready to take that next step should reach out to Wishope Recovery—because recovery is possible, and you do not have to do it alone.
Contact Wishope Recovery today to know about MAT and to kick-start your lifelong sobriety journey.