Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction: 5 Reasons You Should Consider It

Medication-assisted treatment

Did you know that alcohol abuse is the fourth leading cause of preventable death in the world? 

On the other hand, more than 70% of worldwide deaths caused by drugs are related to opioids. 

Struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction is probably one of the most frightening and bewildering situations an individual can experience. What makes it worse is not knowing what different treatments are available and which one is the most effective. 

One of the treatment options you should know about is medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction

This treatment involves the use of FDA-approved medication, along with behavioral therapies and counseling, to comprehensively treat alcohol and opioid abuse. Offering a combination of medication and psychological care, this treatment method takes a holistic approach to recovery and healing.    

Disclaimer: Not everyone is the right candidate for MAT. You must consult with a medical professional to see if it’s the appropriate treatment option for you. They will guide you in the right direction after evaluating various factors like your medical history, previous treatment experiences, and history of medical compliance.        

Let’s dive right in to discover some convincing reasons to find a reliable addiction treatment facility offering MAT.     

Top 5 Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment 

MAT is a popular choice for people fighting alcohol and opioid addiction. Below are a few reasons they choose this treatment option.  

It Is More Effective Than Other Treatment Methods 

Research suggests that MAT is more effective than other treatment options that are either medication-only or behavioral-only. Instead of following a one-sided, conservative approach, MAT treats all aspects of a patient, allowing them to heal holistically. 

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Having medication support alongside psychological treatment enables patients to experience better treatment outcomes.    

It Is Affordable

Unfortunately, many people hesitate to seek help when struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction because of the high costs associated with treatment in general. 

Thankfully, MAT is quite affordable. Moreover, it promises the best value for money. 

That being said, the cost of MAT for alcohol and opioid addiction is variable, depending on where you live and the type of medications you need to recover. However, you can rest assured that this treatment option is an affordable alternative to traditional modalities. 

Generally, using more drugs adds to the cost as the addiction progresses. On the other hand, the health problems resulting from addiction also add to the medical bills. MAT helps prevent these unexpected costs by offering a reasonable weekly rate.   

It Makes It Easy To Maintain Sobriety In The Long Run

One of the biggest challenges individuals face when recovering from addiction is transitioning back into their everyday life. When they don’t cater to physical and emotional symptoms, they have a hard time focusing on healing and maintaining sobriety. 

Opting for medication-assisted treatment after initial treatment helps individuals feel strong and stable enough to face the challenges of recovery and go back to living their lives like they used to with little to no assistance.   

It Allows Greater Freedom 

There’s no hard and fast rule regarding when one should go for medication-assisted treatment. Patients can incorporate this method into a residential care plan as well. Several facilities use MAT during the detoxification process and throughout the residential treatment program. 

MAT has also proven to be effective when used right after the completion of a residential stay because patients usually experience lingering symptoms during this period. 

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The best thing is that you don’t have to stay at the treatment facility when getting MAT. You’ll just have to visit on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the type of medication you need. This allows you to go back to your daily routine while getting the medical and psychological treatment, care, and support you need to ensure a smooth and fast recovery.  

It Provides Holistic Support 

If you want to beat alcohol and opioid addiction for good, you could go for MAT as a standalone program. Many programs offer medications and allow you to choose between individual and group counseling. 

Other more patient-centered facilities offer a range of holistic therapies supported by MAT to eliminate the withdrawal symptoms and help you sustain recovery. 

In Short…

Medication-assisted treatment plays an integral role in modifying individual’s behavior and encourages them to embrace positive lifestyle changes for a sober, successful future. 

It helps:

  • Reduce or prevent alcohol and opioid cravings
  • Fight withdrawal symptoms
  • Decreases the need for hospitalization 
  • Reduces the risk of relapse  

What’s The Timeframe for MAT? 

In some cases, MAT is used as a short-term program where an individual dealing with alcohol or opioid addiction is given a minimum effective dose. The medication is discontinued as per the physician’s instructions. 

However, some people receive MAT over an extended period to ensure optimal support for their ongoing recovery.     

Get Help for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Today

Fighting with alcohol and opioid addiction can be overwhelming. There may be many instances where the individual feels they have no chance of recovering and returning to a normal life.

Please know that medication-assisted treatment is safe and highly effective. In combination with other treatment methods, it can transform your life and help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms.    

If you or someone you care about is dealing with alcohol or opioid addiction, know that there’s a way out. For instance, the team at Beat Addiction Recovery is fully equipped with the tools and resources needed to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Their physicians may incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and peer support to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. 

For more information on MAT or to book an initial consultation, please feel free to today.   

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