One of the most effective approaches to addiction treatment involves the use of medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program in Youngstown can make it easier for patients to maintain their progress in recovery. Withdrawal symptoms and cravings can be some of the most challenging roadblocks for those who are working to overcome addiction. However, certain medications have been approved to treat opioid and alcohol addiction and can lead to lasting positive outcomes. The medications we use are safe, effective, and approved for long-term use.
Learn more about medication-assisted treatment and other addiction treatment programs at Midwest Center at Youngstown by connecting with our team today at 844.544.0502.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment involves the use of certain FDA-approved medications to help those going through withdrawal from opioids or alcohol. The medications used block and partially stimulate the opioid receptors in order to reduce the chances of an overdose, curb cravings, and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
MAT is especially beneficial in helping patients reach a place of stability. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, especially for those struggling with severe addictions. The temptation to relapse in order to feel relief from withdrawal symptoms can be difficult for those who are new to recovery. With the help of medications like naloxone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, patients can focus on getting to the root causes of addiction.
Medication-assisted treatment always involves therapy and counseling in addition to medications. During group and individual therapy sessions, patients can begin to identify their triggers for relapse and build healthy coping skills to promote long-term sobriety.
How Medication-Assisted Treatment Aids Recovery
Individuals in an outpatient level of care who are seeking medication-assisted treatment are able to meet with a medical provider for an assessment to determine if medication-assisted treatment would be beneficial. Medication-assisted treatment provides a “whole-patient” approach in the treatment of substance use addiction.
Midwest Center at Youngstown’s outpatient MAT program is clinically driven and tailored to meet each client’s needs. Treatments include FDA-approved medications such as products containing naltrexone (oral naltrexone or Vivitrol) and buprenorphine products (Suboxone). Medications are prescribed as needed by our clinical team and included as part of an overall outpatient treatment program.
MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids, which includes heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. MAT can also be used for alcohol cravings. Medication-assisted treatment can:
- Normalize brain chemistry
- Block the euphoric effects of opioids
- Relieve physiological cravings
- Normalize body functions
A combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat many people with substance use disorders. MAT can also help some people sustain recovery. MAT has been shown to have many benefits including improving patient survival, increasing retention in treatment, increasing patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment, and improving birth outcomes for women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant.
The ultimate goal of Midwest Center at Youngstown’s MAT program is full recovery, including the ability for clients to live a sober, self-directed life.
Begin Your Journey to Recovery at Midwest Center at Youngstown
Ready to take the first step on your recovery journey? Connect with our team today. At Midwest Center at Youngstown, we’ll help you break free from the cycle of addiction. Medication-assisted treatment does not substitute one drug for another. Instead, it helps patients focus on the psychological aspects of addiction. Our therapists and counselors help patients identify the factors that may have led to addiction such as past trauma and co-occurring mental health issues. In ongoing therapy, patients work through these issues and build the life skills they need for recovery.
Learn more by contacting our team today. Reach out to Midwest Center at Youngstown at 844.544.0502 or connect with us online today.