Understanding Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Houston, TX- What Is It and Its Role in Opioid and Alcohol Recovery  

When an individual is ensnared in the cycle of drug abuse, it may seem as if there is no escape. Numerous individuals seeking relief from their addiction consider medication management; however, due to prevalent ignorance and stigma surrounding pharmacological interventions for disorders, they often disregard it. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective intervention for aiding individuals in overcoming drug misuse and maintaining sobriety. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) integrates pharmacological interventions with traditional addiction therapies to tackle both the physiological and psychological dimensions of addiction. This blog by experts from Skyward Treatment Center entails more information regarding medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Houston, TX, including what it is and its role in opioid and alcohol addiction recovery.

MAT Treatment: What Is It? 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) integrates FDA-approved medications into conventional treatment regimens for drug use disorders. MAT programs integrate medications tailored for alcohol and opioid dependence with behavioral therapies and counseling. These medications can be very beneficial when used alongside therapy in the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD), since they alleviate withdrawal symptoms and enhance sobriety rates. For these medications to offer effective outcomes, they must be accompanied by a comprehensive treatment strategy. It is noteworthy that, whereas several individuals experience significant enhancements when beginning a MAT program, others may not benefit from the incorporation of these drugs. Consequently, high-quality drug and alcohol rehab facilities offer medication-assisted treatment services tailored to individual cases. 

At the commencement of therapy, clients collaborate with their addiction therapists to establish a personalized service plan. Considering their history of drug use, genetic predispositions, social influences, support systems, and other variables, individuals may be advised to pursue Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Medication-assisted treatment at Skyward Treatment Center is proficiently offered and monitored to guarantee that visitors obtain optimal care via pharmacological support. During therapy, guests’ case managers confer with them to guarantee optimal care. 

Three Elements of Our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Houston, TX 

Three essential elements of medication-assisted treatment guarantee a holistic approach to recovery. These include medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral intervention. United States federal law mandates that opioid misuse treatment include more than medication alone, integrating other services such as therapy and resource assistance. 

The three components of MAT include: 

• Medication 
• Counseling 
• Behavioral therapy 

The three components are shown to collaborate effectively, assisting individuals in recovery to acquire appropriate coping mechanisms, combat cravings, identify the underlying concerns of their drug use, and restore their self-esteem in the process. 

Medications for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sanctioned certain medications for use during recovery from substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol. 

Medications Used at Skyward Treatment Center

We use pharmacological interventions to enhance our alcohol and drug treatment programs. The following medications are used for substance abuse in our treatment facilities: 

For opioid addiction:

• Buprenorphine. A medication that, as per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings in individuals with opioid use disorder and is generally well-tolerated by the majority. 
• Methadone. A pharmacological agent that enables persons to operate normally, minimizes the probability of relapse, and facilitates sustained recovery. 
• Naltrexone. Known as Vivitrol®, this drug inhibits the pleasurable effects of opioids. 
• Suboxone. A combination of naloxone and buprenorphine that mitigates cravings and facilitates access to therapy, promoting recovery. 

For alcohol addiction:

• Acamprosate. A pharmacological agent that aids in stabilizing cerebral chemistry and alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms in persons who have ceased alcohol use. 

• Disulfiram. This deters alcohol use by inducing adverse bodily symptoms, including flushing and nausea, upon alcohol ingestion. 

• Naltrexone. Available as Vivitrol®, this medication diminishes alcohol cravings and inhibits the enjoyable benefits of drinking, facilitating sobriety maintenance and relapse prevention. 

In essence, MAT medications work by alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms while obstructing receptors to render substance use very aversive. Keep in mind that medications are prescribed only by medical professionals who fulfill the standards established by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and solely to individuals requiring them as part of their treatment. 

Counseling in MAT 

Addiction counseling services are an essential element of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and overall therapy, since they help clients confront their triggers and explore their history of drug misuse. Skyward Treatment Center offers counseling pathways for group, individual, and family therapy sessions. Numerous individuals benefit from a combination of all three. Comprehensive healing occurs when an individual’s psychological, physical, and spiritual dimensions are nurtured. Counseling facilitates the resolution of the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of recovery. Furthermore, it assists in equipping visitors for life post-rehab. 

Behavioral Therapy Sessions During MAT

Behavioral therapy is a prevalent treatment modality for drug use disorders that examines the relationship among behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Its primary objective is to deconstruct detrimental thinking and behavioral habits by examining their origins and the harm they inflict, then acquiring alternative strategies. Behavioral therapy is a crucial component of MAT programs as it examines the profound effects of illicit drug addiction and the underlying reasons for their initial appeal. This therapeutic modality offers a significant enhancement to overall treatment when combined with pharmacotherapy. Behavioral therapy is recommended for the treatment of various mental disorders and behavioral disorders. 

Start Your Personalized Medication-Assisted Treatment in Houston, TX at Skyward Treatment Center and Reclaim Your Life Today

If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please contact Skyward Treatment Center to learn more about our MAT services and their potential benefits. We accept the majority of private insurance plans and offer economical self-pay prices for those without insurance. Contact us, and we will devise the optimal treatment regimen for you or someone you care about.