When struggling with an addiction, one of the first steps after acknowledging your dependence is finding a facility where you can receive treatment. If you’re struggling with a severe addiction to opioids or fear that you may be at risk for relapse, you’re likely considering an inpatient stay that offers medication-assisted treatment plans. You might also be wondering if a medication-assisted treatment program would be a good fit for you. There are many considerations when choosing a MAT rehab, so it’s essential to be familiar with what a MAT rehab has to offer, as well as decide on your particular recovery expectations and goals.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses prescription medications as part of a fully comprehensive treatment plan to treat addiction. These plans are most commonly used to treat opioid abuse, but in some cases, the medications used are intended to treat alcohol abuse. This type of treatment aims to help patients manage their symptoms during the initial stages of recovery. Typically, this approach, in addition to prescribing medication, includes the evidence-based behavior therapies, detoxes, and integrated 12-step programs that addiction rehabs are traditionally known for.
Medication-assisted treatment is often prescribed for use during a residential stay. When a patient leaves their life behind for a designated time, immersing themself fully in their recovery, the chance for success is always higher.
FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine (brand-named Suboxone), and naloxone are carefully dispensed in a structured environment. Staff abides by strict dosing schedules and patients are monitored to ensure that all medications are working as intended and at the right level. Since patients are at their treatment center around the clock, it’s easier to tweak dosages and therapy quickly and as soon as is needed. Due to the severity of addiction typical of an inpatient treatment center, trained clinicians are on site 24 hours a day. These trained professionals administer medications, diagnose, check up on patients, and treat medical emergencies, including overdoses.
Will You Benefit from Inpatient Medication-Assisted Rehab?
MAT continues to be a mildly controversial treatment option, despite its proven safety record, rate of success, and acceptance by most of the medical community. The stigma associated with the use of this method is related to confusion and misinformation surrounding the treatment.
It is a treatment that continues to be underutilized, either due to rehabs or the reluctance of their patients. The medications used in MAT make withdrawal symptoms and cravings less intense and abstinence from drugs a lot more bearable. These medications also reduce the potential for overdoses by not letting your tolerance drop so quickly. With MAT, the most painful experiences of rehab are lessened.
Here is a list of the benefits to MAT as well as what to look for in a treatment center:
- Security and peace of mind knowing medical professionals are there to address any unforeseen emergencies, including overdose
- Consistent monitoring of physical and mental stages to note any issues in your treatment and adjust for them accordingly. You can make changes right as they’re needed, so you’re always on top of your treatment.
- Their MAT cost is reasonable and within your and your family’s means and budget. The last thing you want to do out of recovery is worry about a new financial problem.
- Medications are used therapeutically but not the main focus of your treatment. Make sure the center’s approach is well-rounded, offering several therapy options, and willing to develop a thorough treatment plan specifically for you.
Ensure the center is knowledgeable of practices and policies around MAT, fully staffed, and remember to ask if they’re fully stocked with medications and equipped with what they’ll need to address your particular substance addiction.
Call Lotus Recovery Today to Find a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
Inpatient medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs can be more restrictive and require more dedication and commitment on the part of the patient, but award them with the security and comfort of being in experienced hands. Patients feel safe, and because of their extra time and involvement, the chance for recovery success is much higher. Don’t hesitate to contact Lotus Recovery Centers today at 833.922.1615 for more detailed information about a MAT program and how it can work for you.
