Using Medicated Assisted Treatment as a Treatment for Opioid Addiction
The Power of Opioids
Medicated Assisted Treatment can be an effective treatment in helping overcome addiction and at Ebb Tide Treatment Centers, we believe treating the individual knowing not every person responds to the same treatment to overcome opioid addiction. Addiction occurs when a person begins using a drug having control over when and how much they take. Soon, the drug’s pleasurable effects prevail producing powerful urges to use the drug leading to overuse. Opioids are a powerful category of drugs making them extremely difficult to overcome an addiction to them. Eventually, the feelings of pleasure and euphoria associated with them trump any voice of reason regarding their dangers.
What is Medicated Assisted Treatment
Medicated Assisted Treatment is a progressive treatment combining behavioral therapy and medication. The type of therapy and medications can be tailored to suit each individual’s needs helping each person overcome addiction in a way that works for them. Some believe that using medication is replacing one drug with another, however, the medications used in this treatment relieve withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings. The drugs can only be dispensed through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA) because they have a high potential for misuse. Studies indicate that people addicted to opioids fare much better outcomes in achieving sobriety when using MAT. They have less chance of relapse, of contracting an infectious disease and is effective in preventing overdoses.
How Medicated Assisted Treatment Works
While opioid addiction cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed with the care of substance abuse providers. A psychological link between taking a drug and feeling high with opiates can be broken as the opiates are absorbed into the blood relieving withdrawal symptoms. The use of medication, typically Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone combined with counseling and support is often the best choice for those addicted to opioids. Research shows the drugs commonly used in this treatment have no adverse effects on intelligence, mental or physical capability or employability.
Medications Used in Medicated Assisted Treatment
The medication works by reducing withdrawal symptoms, limiting cravings allowing the addict to have a normal state of mind and reducing problem addiction behavior. Methadone and buprenorphine reduce cravings and trick the brain into thinking it is still getting the problem opioid by making the person feel normal, not high. Naltrexone helps overcome addiction by blocking the effect of opioid drugs. It is effective at preventing relapse by taking the feeling of getting high away. The medication is matched to the person after completing an assessment. Counseling, individual or group is an important component. Additionally, counseling provides coping techniques and encouragement to stick to treatment.
Ebb Tide Treatment Centers
We at Ebb Tide Treatment Centers believe alcoholics and addicts can and do recover. Recovering from active addiction does not have to be a long, painful process. With the help of Ebb Tide’s caring and experienced staff, you and your loved ones will learn, and take proven steps necessary to achieve success by maintaining lasting sobriety. The goal of Ebb Tide Treatment Centers is to restore lives and families. With our help, you can regain control of your life from addiction and start living happily again. Your new life is just a phone call away. Call us today at 561-508-8330.