Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is an increasingly popular approach to addiction recovery. While taking prescription drugs for addiction recovery might seem counter-intuitive, MAT has been a successful addiction treatment since the 1930s. Medication-assisted treatment can provide the support most people need to get back to their lives, improve their mental health, and manage addiction in outpatient treatment.
If you or someone you love is looking for medically-assisted treatment in New Hampshire, we can help. A Better State provides comprehensive outpatient treatment for addiction and mental health. Our dual diagnosis treatment is here to help you thrive. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about the benefits of MAT for drug addiction.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment for Drug Addiction?
Addiction occurs when the brain becomes dependent on a substance for certain chemical processes. This often happens when the brain relies on drugs for dopamine, GABA, and other neurotransmitters common in drugs. When someone stops substance use cold turkey, they experience withdrawal. During this time, the brain tries to re-regulate.
Often, the longer someone takes drugs, the more severe withdrawal will be. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and hard to withstand without professional treatment. Unfortunately, withdrawal often leads to relapse or other drug use.
MAT uses specific medications and supplements to reduce withdrawal symptoms and help the brain and body recover with fewer side effects. Doctors may prescribe a short course of benzos for alcohol withdrawal and a range of supplements to lessen the effects of drug and alcohol withdrawal. Most popular for opioid and opiate detox, clinicians prescribe methadone, Suboxone, and other medications to slowly ween the brain off opiates. Because opiates and synthetic opioids change the brain, they can be especially difficult and risky to stop using without MAT.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Like any treatment, MAT may not be suitable for everyone in every stage of recovery. However, common benefits of MAT can include the following:
Lower Relapse Risk
Medications like Suboxone and methadone stop cravings. This allows people to build healthy habits and stabilize their mental health without worrying about cravings.
Flexibility
MAT is successful in both inpatient and outpatient recovery programs. MAT makes outpatient programs more successful and accessible.
Extended Medical Support
Medically-assisted treatment drugs usually provide clients with addiction treatment for months or years. This extended support can help clients recover at the pace that fits their lives.
Lower Risk of Drug-Related Death
For many clients, MAT prevents relapse and helps them avoid other drug use and potentially lethal overdose.
Higher Retention Rate
Clients who opt for MAT are more likely to complete a recovery program.
Cost-Effective
MAT can be more cost-effective and successful than other treatment options in both the short and long term.
These are only a few benefits of medication-assisted treatment for drug addiction. MAT can make a world of difference during early recovery, especially if other options have failed.
Start Medication-Assisted Treatment in New Hampshire Now
Medication-assisted treatment is a reliable approach to recovery. If you or someone you love would benefit from MAT, we’re here to help. At a Better State, we believe recovery begins by uncovering the root cause of addiction. MAT helps our clients do the work they need to get better. With an emphasis on trauma-informed treatment, our clients thrive in our outpatient treatment programs.
We specialize in:
- Drug addiction
- Alcohol addiction
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- PTSD treatment
With a range of evidence-based and alternative therapies, our outpatient programs provide daytime and evening hours to help people recover, no matter their schedule.
Learn More About the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment at A Better State
Are you still curious if MAT is right for you? Our experienced professionals will help you find the best addiction recovery plan for your lifestyle. With A Better State, you’ll have everything you need to find and sustain sobriety in New Hampshire. Contact us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about the benefits of MAT.
