Alcohol & Opioid addiction is affecting many people, their families, as well as the communities they live in. Due to the amount of people dealing with this situation, as well as their specific challenges and needs, different treatment approaches have been developed.
One of the most effective ways that gets used frequently to treat addiction is using medications that can help with it, called medication-assisted treatment or MAT.
This approach targets both the physical and mental challenges caused by addiction that each person is dealing with. MAT is often combined with therapies & counseling, which is one of the first steps towards starting a recovery journey.
Instead of solely relying on the willpower of the patient or therapy, MAT stabilizes the body’s chemistry. This stabilization helps patients to better manage cravings & withdrawal symptoms. Helping patients gain control over their lives once again. The FDA has approved several medications for this treatment. Each of these medications can help patients in a specific way to achieve recovery.
The Role of Family & Community
The support of the family and community can be a motivation to the patient during the challenging journey of recovery. Helping them feel understood by learning about their journey’s challenges. Our family therapy sessions are meant to help families learn more about addiction, as well as their loved one’s treatment plans. The sessions can also improve communication, which can make patients feel supported in the environment they are recovering.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
- Disulfiram: Works by discouraging alcohol use by causing negative effects when alcohol is consumed.
- Naltrexone: It reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol. This can reduce the urge to drink. This can be helpful to prevent relapse
- Acamprosate: Helps stabilize brain chemistry to minimize cravings and anxiety during the times that alcohol is not used.
Each medication has its own strengths and is typically selected based on the person’s health status and recovery goals.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the good feeling that opioids make. It’s typically administered in a structured, supervised setting.
- Buprenorphine: Known for its safety profile, buprenorphine can be prescribed in various settings and has a lower risk of dependency than methadone.
- Naltrexone: Similar to its use for alcohol. Naltrexone also helps block the euphoric effects of opioids, helping reduce the risk of relapse.
How MAT Complements Counseling and Therapy
Medication alone isn’t enough to achieve long-term recovery. That is why MAT at 12 South Recovery is always used together with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Using this method, clients can learn to:
- Identify & Challenge Triggers: By recognizing and addressing the situations that contribute to their substance use, patients can take proactive steps toward avoiding relapse.
- Develop Coping Mechanisms: With therapeutic support, clients gain skills to manage cravings and handle stress without relying on substances.
- Build a Support Network: Connecting with peers in recovery and building supportive relationships can significantly impact a person’s journey.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Reduces the Risk of Relapse: Studies show that MAT significantly lowers the risk of relapse. Making recovery a more achievable goal.
- Improves Physical & Mental Health: By managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, MAT helps people feel more stable. It leads to improvements in both physical and mental health.
- Supports Long-term Recovery: Combining medications with therapy provides a comprehensive approach. Through this, clients are equipped with the tools they need for long-term sobriety.
- Safe & Supervised Care: Under the guidance of medical professionals at 12 South Recovery, clients can have peace of mind knowing their treatment is monitored by a team dedicated to their well-being.
Start Your Journey Today
We believe in the potential of every person to overcome addiction. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) offers a path to recovery, especially for those facing the challenging effects of alcohol or opioid dependency. With a team of trusted professionals and a comprehensive range of services, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you or someone you care for is struggling with substance use, contact us today to learn more about our treatment options. Begin your journey to a brighter, substance-free future.
