About 50 years ago, it was discovered that methadone could help people with opioid addictions. Since then, there have been newer, often preferred medications that are used to treat people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Currently, the FDA has approved medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol use disorders. Medication-assisted treatment programs have helped countless people begin and maintain recovery. But, what is medication-assisted treatment, exactly?
MAT is a two-pronged treatment that involves psychotherapy and the administration of a drug to curb cravings. If you have questions about medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, reach out to Willows at Red Oak Recovery® today by calling 828.518.6941 or submitting this simple form.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
At the Willows, we treat both alcohol and opioid use disorders with MAT because of its efficacy and safety. Therapy supports clients in learning about their addiction, developing strategies to avoid triggers, reframing their thinking and beliefs to help them live without substances, and more. At the same time, they are treated with Vivitrol, also known as naltrexone.
Because SUDs disturb brain chemistry, rebalancing that chemistry has to happen during recovery. That rebalancing can begin while receiving MAT in rehab, and as long as MAT continues, the medication part of the equation will help maintain the brain’s chemical equilibrium. That means you no longer depend on opioids or alcohol to produce the neurotransmitters that are necessary for feeling pleasure and mitigating anxiety.
Vivitrol is an extended-release opioid receptor antagonist. It binds with the brain’s opioid receptors for a full month at a time, blocking the intoxicating, euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol and curbing cravings.
How MAT Can Help
MAT with Vivitrol® can be a lifelong strategy to control psychological and physical cravings because the medication is safe for indefinite periods. Some choose to wean off the medication over time and stay in therapy, and others are able to discontinue medication-assisted treatment completely at some point.
Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are often very effective when someone is engaged in MAT. In cases of trauma, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can also bring about substantive healing. The individual’s unique circumstances will determine the therapeutic modality that is best.
The Benefits of MAT
At Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, a program designed by and for women, medication-assisted treatment provides our clients with numerous benefits. Some are listed below:
- The treatment is individualized to treat the whole person.
- Vivitrol blocks your ability to get high.
- MAT is conducted under the supervision of both your physician and a therapist.
- Withdrawal symptoms and cravings are both eliminated by the medication.
- MAT sharply reduces the incidence of relapse, which improves long-term outcomes.
- The drugs used in MAT—such as Vivitrol at the Willows—are safe and can be used indefinitely.
- If desired, you can eventually wean off Vivitrol without risk under the guidance of your physician.
Once you begin medication-assisted treatment for alcohol or opioid addiction in rehab, you will be stabilized and able to manage your long-term treatment. Because Vivitrol is a time-release, a single injection once a month is all you need aside from regular therapy appointments.
MAT at Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
Some of our therapy and treatment offerings include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- Meditation therapy
- Family therapy program
- Experiential therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Group therapy
- Equine therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Hiking therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Art therapy
Every person is unique, and therefore, their treatment must be tailored to their individual needs. At Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, our team of experienced professionals will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that includes the appropriate combination of MAT and therapy modalities to support your long-term recovery.
MAT at Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
At Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we believe in women helping women, and we are committed to providing an empowering, supportive environment for women seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Through our comprehensive MAT program and evidence-based therapies, we help our clients build the skills and tools necessary to maintain long-term success.
Don’t let addiction control your life any longer. Contact us online or call 828.518.6941 today to learn more about our MAT program and how we can help you or a loved one live a fulfilling life.
