One of the most difficult hurdles when someone is trying to recover from a substance use disorder is the withdrawal symptoms during detox. The physical dependence caused by prolonged abuse of drugs or alcohol can make detoxing an unpleasant and sometimes dangerous experience. Luckily, there are some interventions that can be done in order to alleviate or fully prevent the negative effects of withdrawal. MAT, or medication-assisted treatment, ensures that withdrawal can be safe and comfortable. If you think getting medication-assisted treatment in Pennsylvania is the right move for you or your loved ones, look into what Gemini Recovery can offer.
Gemini Recovery is a trusted rehab center that offers MAT as part of its addiction treatment programs in Pennsylvania. Our friendly and compassionate team of addiction treatment specialists are committed to providing safe and successful programs and therapies that result in genuine recovery and lifelong sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us at 888.341.2524 today to learn how we can help.
What Is MAT?
Medication-assisted treatment refers to the use of medications in the treatment of substance use disorders. These medications aim to normalize brain chemistry and block the euphoric effects of substances in order to lessen cravings and reduce the negative symptoms of withdrawal.
Medication-assisted treatment is an invaluable tool that can be used for the treatment of:
- Opioid and narcotic withdrawal in order to curb cravings, prevent relapse, and ease discomfort during detox.
- Alcohol abuse treatment in order to block the euphoric effects of alcohol and to prevent relapse.
The medications used for MAT typically bind to the same opioid receptors in the brain that provide the characteristic high during the abuse of opioids and alcohol. When these receptors are blocked, even if substances are ingested, the desired euphoric effects will not be achieved. This reduces the client’s motivation to seek out substances while in treatment.
While MAT can be very effective, it is important to note that it is not a cure for addiction. It is merely there to assist in addiction treatment by allowing clients to be comfortable enough to fully focus on their recovery.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction Treatment
There are many benefits to including MAT in an addiction treatment program. A few of them are:
- MAT greatly reduces or completely eliminates uncomfortable or debilitating withdrawal symptoms.
- Medications used decrease the chance of relapse, which in turn decreases the risk of accidental overdose and death.
- MAT eliminates intense alcohol and drug cravings, both physically and mentally, through disincentivizing relapse by blocking euphoric effects.
- Clients who undergo MAT have been shown to have increased involvement in treatment and higher rates of retention in their treatment programs.
- MAT can be more cost-effective than other treatment options.
- Medication-assisted treatment allows clients in recovery to fully focus on treatment and therapy, resulting in higher rates of success.
Even with the success of medication-assisted treatment, some people think that it is merely replacing one dependency with another. However, the goal of MAT is to eventually become substance-free. It merely makes the process safer and more comfortable for the clients with the assistance of medications that are less prone to misuse and can be controlled by the addiction treatment team.
Gemini Recovery Offers Medication Assisted Treatment in PA
At Gemini Recovery, we aim to provide safe and effective addiction treatment for people struggling with substance abuse. Our wide variety of programs, including medication-assisted treatment, ensure the best chance for success for our clients. We believe that with the right guidance and support, everyone can achieve healthier futures and sober lifestyles. If you think that medication-assisted treatment can be the right fit for you, contact us at 888.341.2524 to book a consultation with our specialists.
