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Medication-Assisted Treatment
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, more than half of Americans 12 and older have tried an illegal substance. Of course, not everyone who tries drugs ends up with a substance abuse disorder. It’s believed that a little over 25 percent of these people have a substance abuse disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that only about 12 percent of people with a substance abuse disorder seek treatment each year. Sometimes, the treatment for substance abuse might include the use of medication. It could be that the patient has a co-occurring condition or needs medication to help with withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines specific medications with counseling and mental health therapies to help patients struggling with addiction recovery. This type of treatment helps heal the entire person and helps the person recover and stay sober.
These medications are specifically designed to help the patient with withdrawal symptoms and the cravings accompanying withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. This assistance lessens the patient’s suffering so they can concentrate on therapy and their treatment program.
This type of treatment isn’t for every patient struggling with a substance use disorder. Most of the medication used in San Diego medication-assisted treatment is prescription drugs, and they aren’t addictive medications.
Patients aren’t trading their current addiction for a new one. Medication-assisted treatment can begin during detox and continue through the patient’s return home and everyday life. Counseling and behavioral therapies will be used at the same time as medication to address the underlying issues of addiction.
Sometimes, medication-assisted treatment is called for when the patient struggles with another health issue or co-occurring mental health issue. Most detox and treatment programs that offer medication-assisted treatment in California help the patient be as successful as possible and remain sober long-term.
What Conditions Benefit from Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment in California isn’t beneficial to all forms of addiction. This treatment uses a specific set of approved medications, limiting its usage. Medication-assisted therapy is usually used when the patient struggles with either an alcohol addiction or an opioid addiction.
In some cases, the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol use disorder can be life-threatening. People who have a severe case of an alcohol use disorder may seek treatment options that include medication assistance. A primary care doctor can help patients determine if medication-assisted treatment is right for them.
The medications used for this treatment for people with an alcohol addiction include:
Naloxone:
While this medication isn't used for the treatment of opioid dependence, it is used to reverse the toxic effects of opioids. It's primarily used when someone has overdosed on opioids in hopes of saving their life.
Methadone:
Designed to block the cravings for opioids, this medication can minimize some of the withdrawal symptoms. It can also reduce the effects of opioids left in the patient's system.
Buprenorphine:
After detox, this buprenorphine treatment can be prescribed to help the person struggling with cravings overcome them. It minimizes some of the physical craving symptoms.
Naltrexone:
When a person is still using opioids, this medication blocks some of the euphoric and sedative properties of the drug, making it easier for the person to begin detox.
A person struggling with addiction to alcohol or opioids might consider a San Diego medication-assisted treatment program to get clean and live a more sober lifestyle.
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
San Diego medication-assisted treatment in San Diego can offer various benefits for someone struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction. Most people want to know that treatment will benefit them.
Here’s a look at the benefits of medication-assisted treatment in California:
- It helps the patient deal with their physical symptoms of withdrawal and psychological cravings, making it easier for them to detox and stay sober.
- This treatment treats all aspects of the patient's addiction as part of a treatment program that includes behavioral therapy.
- This type of treatment can make it easier for a person who struggles with addiction to remain drug and alcohol-free once they leave their treatment program.
- These medications can also help limit the damage to the person's health by long-term alcohol or opioid abuse.
When a person struggles with alcohol or opioid addiction, they want to ensure they have the best chance of recovering and living a sober lifestyle. San Diego medication-assisted treatment can help bolster their chances of success and aid in overcoming withdrawal symptoms.
The patient can discuss the possibility of medication-assisted treatment with their doctor. The right treatment center also plays a role in the success of the patient overcoming their addiction.
Get Medication-Assisted Treatment in California with Pacific Palms
When a person struggles with alcohol or drug addiction and wants to get help, medication-assisted treatment might be a good option. This treatment combines therapy and other methods to heal the entire person. The person must find the right treatment program.
At Pacific Palms, we can provide medication-assisted treatment in California. Our staff provides outstanding care and compassion to help someone struggling with addiction overcome and return to a sober lifestyle.
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help.
Pacific Palms Recovery is a certified outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program. Our outpatient drug rehab is located in San Diego County, California. Pacific Palms Recovery implements a comprehensive clinical and holistic approach to treating drug addiction and alcohol abuse.
