Are you going to start treatment for addiction soon? One kind of treatment requires you to take medication. But how does that work?
It’s a hot topic among many, but some aid addiction through medication-assisted treatment. It aims to control specific conditions early on. So, most suggest using it in line with other methods, like therapy and support groups. Still, you might wonder what to expect from it.
Here’s a quick guide on what you should know about medication assisted treatment for addiction recovery.
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Comprehensive Program
A common misconception about medication-assisted treatment is that it focuses on the use of medication throughout the recovery period. In reality, it’s usually a part of the entire program.
MAT also applies therapy, counseling, and support group participation together with appropriate medication. The key benefits of this treatment include the following:
- Reduce lapses and overdose
- Relief withdrawal symptoms
- Block euphoric effects associated with substance
- Eliminate intense substance cravings
- Enhance their way of life
- Improve birth outcomes for pregnant women
- Assists with long-term recovery goals
Types of MAT Medication
MAT uses three types of approved medications to help manage patient withdrawal and cravings. Each of them caters to a different situation and brings in varying results. The medications are as follows:
Buprenorphine
Among other options, this medication is said to act similarly to opioids by stimulating similar effects at a milder rate. It acts as a substitute that harms patients less and primarily reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
It helps patients recover from addiction by slowly working their way towards disassociating highs with drugs. The medication comes in tablet or film forms and requires a prescription from a physician, doctor, or treatment facility.
Methadone
Another medication against drug addiction is methadone. It alleviates cravings and withdrawals for a longer period without causing opioid effects. In most cases, it reduces those feelings while blunting the effects most patients would expect.
When receiving methadone, patients can only get it at an opioid treatment center and follow a consistent dose.
Naltrexone
There’s also a medication that blocks all opioids and their effects. Unlike the other two that feed cravings and withdrawal in a milder manner, naltrexone decreases those cravings to prevent opioids from producing highs.
Consumption of this medication requires supervision from a professional. The patient should also not be on any other opioids before consuming them.
Milder Effects
Some MAT medications stimulate a similar feeling a substance usually produces but at a milder rate. This way, it helps users slowly transition into an opioid-free life.
At the same time, this makes it crucial for patients and professionals to be careful with their doses. When the medication is misused, it might lead to more intense effects. So, patients must follow instructions and consult their doctor if any extreme discomfort or relapse happens.
Possible Side Effects
Medication-assisted treatment aims to aid withdrawal and cravings among patients. Although it calms the effects of a high, it may come with a few side effects. These include the following:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Insomnia
One thing about these symptoms is that they are similar to what opioids produce. But with the medication, it feels much milder and usually won’t cause patients to get high.
Given that, any severe side effects that make it difficult to continue the treatment should be addressed as soon as possible. This way, you can get an adjusted dose, switch medication, or a different treatment.
Are They Safe?
Despite the effects of the medication, they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to aid opioid use. Note that you will find all three medications classified as opioids, but they are less likely to result in misuse or addiction.
Experts administer the drugs as safe for treatment and effective when used with other methods. Using these medications can also become a way to maintain addiction recovery in patients. But this will only be possible if your doctor recommends it.
Is It Right For You?
Medication assisted treatment services are often used on patients suffering from opioid use disorders. But there are some professionals who also use the treatment for alcohol use disorders.
Whether you qualify for this treatment varies on your doctor since there are no fixed guidelines. Even so, many experts highlight that the treatment is most effective when applied with therapies and counseling.
You can still check if the treatment is appropriate for your case by assessing the type and severity of your substance use disorder. Advice from medical professionals also weighs your decision. In some cases, they might even recommend it.
Individuals who are considering MAT can also have it included in their recovery program if their doctor allows it. Additionally, some individuals who failed previous recovery from alcohol or drug addiction may benefit from MAT.
Learn About How Medication Assisted Treatment Works
Recovering from addiction takes a lot longer than most people think. It’s more than just holding back from using substances and requires different treatment methods. Some of the common forms of aid patients receive include medication assisted treatment.
One thing to note is that this treatment uses opioids with milder effects to mitigate cravings and withdrawals but hinders abuse and addiction. So, it primarily helps users transition from the use. At the same time, it works best when used with other supporting methods, like therapy and counseling.
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