There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to addiction treatment. What works for one person may not work for another. An outstanding addiction treatment facility should customize treatment plans to meet each person’s individual needs in recovery. At Crestview Recovery, we provide a wide range of substance use treatment programs, including our medication-assisted treatment program. For many people, medication-assisted treatment plays a crucial initial role in recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Also known as MAT, medication-assisted treatment combines the use of medications with behavioral therapy. The goal is to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treating addiction instead of focusing on just one form of care. While doctors can use MAT to treat many addictions, it’s often the first step of treatment for people who struggle with opioid addiction.
Over the years, some experts have criticized MAT. They believe the medication used is just as addictive as the drugs the patients are trying to quit. However, others say that it’s more effective under the proper supervision than standard treatment alone. The key is to find residential and inpatient treatment programs that work closely with clients and know how to administer the medications properly.
The Dangers of Combining Medications
While MAT is suitable for treating certain addictions, people need to keep a few things in mind. If they take medicines for opioid addiction, they can’t take anxiety medications such as Valium and Xanax. The combination of MAT drugs for opioids and anxiety medications can have fatal results.
That said, the Food and Drug Administration has placed its stamp of approval on MAT drugs. When used correctly, they’re an excellent tool for helping people overcome addiction.
How Effective Is MAT?
Before seeking medication-assisted treatment, people should know how effective it is. In truth, it can be the key to long-lasting recovery for some people.
Other benefits of medication-assisted treatment include:
- A safe environment with round-the-clock supervision
- Eased withdrawal symptoms
- Lessened or eliminated cravings
- Individualized treatment plans
- A decreased risk of relapse
However, it doesn’t work for everyone. People respond to substance use treatment differently than others. Despite that, medication-assisted treatment has a higher success rate than traditional therapy alone.
The Need for Medication-Assisted Treatment
The opioid epidemic in America continues to affect millions of people. Every day, more and more people become victims of this drug. Many experts blame this increase on the rise in pain medications that doctors prescribe.
Regardless, the number of people who develop opioid addiction continues to increase. In 2013, research showed that nearly 1.8 million people had some kind of opioid use disorder. Nearly half of these people had a heroin use disorder. Of course, for those who suffer from opioid addiction, MAT provides a comprehensive approach to treatment.
MAT and Other Addiction Treatment Options
Should people try MAT without considering other addiction treatment options? The answer is no. Most of the time, rehab centers use MAT in combination with other addiction recovery services. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is just one example of such a treatment.
Using MAT with other treatment approaches has the highest chance of success. Rehab centers typically create custom treatment plans that feature the best options for each individual.
Begin Your Recovery with Medication-Assisted Treatment
If you need medication-assisted treatment, Crestview Recovery can provide the guidance that you need. Of course, we offer much more than medication-assisted treatment. We’re proud to use an assortment of treatment options such as:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Trauma therapy
Crestview Recovery is a leader in addiction treatment in Oregon. If you or someone you care about may benefit from individualized addiction treatment, reach out to our team today for more information by calling 866.262.0531. Make today the day you begin your recovery with Crestview Recovery’s medication-assisted treatment program.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.