What is the medication-assisted treatment? The answer is fairly simple. This term refers to the use of medication to treat drug or alcohol addiction. When combined with a treatment program that includes detox, rehab, and aftercare, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is effective in sustaining long-term recovery from substance abuse.
An addiction treatment center in Colorado offers a wide range of treatments at different stages of addiction to reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms and cravings while deterring a client to relapse back into addiction. Different types of FDA-approved medications are available on the market today. What is the medication-assisted treatment? To learn about your opioid addiction treatment options, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment? Three Types of Medication
As it stands, more research is needed to discover the benefits and effects of medication-assisted treatment. Currently, the FDA has approved three different types of treatment, including:
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine, otherwise known as suboxone, is an opioid medication that a specialist uses to suppress the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and decrease the cravings a person may experience going through detox and rehab. Buprenorphine can block the effects of other opioids so that a person completes their treatment program.
It is effective in reducing illicit opioid use that is becoming more common in the U.S. While buprenorphine is similar to other opioids, it is less addictive and more controlled and monitored. At our buprenorphine treatment program, we offer this medication for short-term use to help individuals recover from addiction.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist that works in the brain to prevent the effects of illicit or prescribed opiates. When taken, a person may no longer have the desire to use opiates. Unlike other types of MAT, naltrexone can also be used in helping a person who is in recovery from alcoholism. It decreases the desire to drink.
Naloxone
In some cases, people return to using opioids even after entering treatment. In that event, they may try to use the same level of opioids as they did before treatment, which can lead to overdose and possible death. Fortunately, with the new medication, naloxone, we can now reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. At our naloxone treatment program in Colorado, we teach our clients and their loved ones how to effectively use naloxone to prevent a deadly opioid overdose.
Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment
One of the most common misconceptions about MAT is that a client is transferring their addiction from drug to another. However, this is not the case. Doctors prescribe MAT as a short-term solution, not a replacement for opioids. There are several benefits to medication-assisted treatment, such as:
- It is safe to use
- Medication is an affordable option for recovery
- Clients who take MAT are less likely to overdose
- MAT promotes sustainable recovery from addiction
- It is far less addictive than regular opioids
- Doctors use it as a part of a comprehensive treatment program
When you first start your treatment for addiction, a specialist will assess your addiction and any co-occurring disorders you may have. From there, they can decide if you need MAT and what type is best for you. Treatment can begin as early as detox and continue through rehab. The goal is to get you off of the drug as soon as possible so that you can recover independently of the treatment.
Learn More About Medication-Assisted Treatment at CMAR
What is the medication-assisted treatment? Learn more about MAT at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We offer medication-assisted treatment as a part of our addiction treatment therapies in Colorado. Contact us at 833.448.0127 to find out more about our addiction treatment program.
Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers hope for individuals and families struggling with opioid addiction. Our Thornton, CO medication assisted treatment programs and dual diagnosis treatment programs provide comprehensive treatment to lead each individual to lasting recovery. To learn more, visit our website.