Incorporating Medication Into Your Treatment Plan
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment that uses medications, along with counseling and behavioral therapies, to help people treat their substance use disorders. MAT can be used to treat addiction such as opioid and alcohol use disorders. The medications can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms, cravings and other issues related to addiction.
The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. It can help patients reduce cravings for opioids or alcohol, which can make it easier to stop using. Medications can also reduce the risk of overdose because patients are less likely to take too much of their drugs of choice when they are combined with naloxone or Vivitrol (the brand name for naltrexone). Medication-assisted treatment also has the ability to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia that may have been caused by long-term substance use.
Medications that are used in medication-assisted treatment include:
- Naltrexone: stops the effects of opioids by blocking opiate receptors in the brain
- Buprenorphine/naloxone combination products: reduces cravings for opioids
- Methadone: an opioid agonist that works by reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and decreasing cravings for opioids.
- Buprenorphine:
another opioid agonist used for treating heroin and prescription painkiller addictions as well as alcohol dependence.
Side Effects of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Side effects are a common side of medication-assisted treatment. They can range from mild to severe, but they're generally manageable.
If you experience any side effects, talk with our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment about how best to manage them. If the problem persists or gets worse despite treatment, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
The Role of Counseling and Therapy
When you are ready to start your treatment plan, it's important to consider the role of counseling and therapy. Counseling is any type of talk therapy that helps people overcome mental health issues. The goal of counseling is for you to feel better about yourself and have more control over your life by learning new skills such as problem-solving or communicating effectively with others.
Counseling may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This kind of counseling focuses on changing negative thought patterns so they don't affect your mood or behavior anymore. It teaches you how to identify these thoughts and replace them with positive ones instead.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT): This type of counseling focuses on improving relationships with other people through communication skills training.
Choosing the Right Treatment Plan
As you begin to think about your treatment plan, it's important to remember that there are many factors at play. At Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, we will consider your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and more when determining the best course of action for you.
Sticking to your treatment plan is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of it. Consistency is key, so it's important that you take your medication and attend counseling as prescribed by your medical team. If you don't feel like your moods are improving or if they're getting worse, talk with your team about adjusting or switching medications.
If you have any questions about how to incorporate medication into your treatment plan, please don't hesitate to ask!
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As you can see, there are many benefits to MAT. In addition to helping people with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder stay in recovery, it also can improve overall health and well-being. It's important that you or your loved one find a treatment plan that works for you—and with a combination of care, our team at Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment, we can help determine what's best for your needs.
Contact us today to talk to a member of our staff about any addiction struggles you are facing. Central Kentucky Addiction Treatment proudly serves Danville, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas of Southern and Central Kentucky.
