MAT: Medication Assisted Treatment Explained

MAT: Medication Assisted Treatment Explained

If you’re looking into rehabilitation options, you may have seen MAT offered at several locations or the designation of “medically-supported treatment.” But what is it? 

MAT is a treatment program that uses FDA approved medications to help individuals addicted to alcohol and opioids reduce or quit using or drinking. MAT is used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy to provide a total-body wellness plan for addiction treatment.

If you are interested in learning more or finding a program that utilizes MAT, medication assisted treatment, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health. Our progressive addiction treatment program combines evidence-based addiction treatment with MAT to provide a holistic healing experience. 

What Is MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) Therapy?

MAT, medication assisted treatment, is the process of using medication to help treat drug or alcohol addiction. These FDA approved medications are used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to provide a holistic approach to addiction treatment. 

According to SAMHSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used.” By removing cravings and normalizing body functions, clients can focus on their goal of sobriety and ween off using medications to complete this process.

For alcohol, MAT approved medications include acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. These medications encourage individuals to stop drinking through psychological deterrents. Acamprosate, for example, makes individuals sick if they drink while taking the medication. Additionally, it is important to note that naltrexone should not be prescribed to individuals with an opioid use disorder as this can initiate opioid withdrawal causing extreme reactions to the medication.

Opioids have a different set of MAT approved medications. “Buprenorphine suppresses and reduces the cravings for opioids, methadone reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal and blunts or blocks the effects of opioids, and naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and prevents feelings of euphoria.”  Additionally, opioids have an overdose prevention drug, Naloxone which blocks the effects of opioids and can sometimes prevent an overdose from being fatal.

If you think that MAT (medication assisted treatment) may be right for you, contact us today, at Stillwater Behavioral Health.

Types of Medication Assisted Treatment

What is medically assisted treatment? Used in conjunction with behavioral therapy and counseling for a well-rounded, holistic approach to addiction treatment, medication assisted treatment involves using specific medications to help treat alcohol addiction and addiction to drugs like opioids

Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

As with any type of addiction treatment, it is important to understand where an individual is at with their level of alcohol addiction, as this will oftentimes dictate what level of treatment will be needed to assist in a full recovery. In cases where therapy and counseling are not achieving the desired results of getting someone to put the bottle down, medication assisted treatment will be the next step. This will generally involve introducing medications that act as a deterrent from alcohol, including making an individual feel sick if they ingest alcohol while taking these medications. This allows a person to slowly wean off alcohol without simultaneously creating another addiction or dependence on something else.

Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

As stated with alcohol and other types of addictions, it is important to assess the level of addiction an individual has with opioids. There is a point that can be reached where the body and mind become physically dependent on these substances, and a lack of opioids in the bloodstream can begin leading to withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the opioid a person has become physically dependent on, these withdrawal symptoms can oftentimes cause severe pain and discomfort, including headaches, fever, and vomiting. So what is medically assisted treatment when it comes to opioids? Medication-assisted treatment programs for addiction to these substances will involve a patient taking medications that counteract or blunt the effects and feelings of opioids. Some addiction treatment medications can even prevent overdosing on opioids. Mat substance abuse treatment should definitely be considered for those experiencing dependency.

Is It Ok to Treat Drug Addiction With Other Drugs?

By making the distinction between drugs and medication, individuals can get treatment for their drug addiction with medication. MAT, medically assisted treatment, when used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy, is believed to increase the likelihood of sustainable recovery. “Improving access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services, including the full range of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), is a focus of the FDA’s ongoing work to reduce the scope of the opioid crisis.” Through this process, it is becoming a common and recommended method for addiction treatment.

What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Medication Assisted Treatment?

In dealing with addiction treatment that requires an individual to consume another type of drug to aid in recovery, there will be advantages and things that can be seen as disadvantages. Understanding what is mat therapy as it pertains to a specific type of addiction will allow you to uncover these pros and cons. The most clear advantage to mat therapy is providing a safe environment for patients to go through withdrawal in. Withdrawals from alcohol and opioids can be very discomforting, and the associated cravings that come along with withdrawal can cause people to act out in unfavorable ways, so it is important to facilitate this process in a controlled environment. Mat therapy also inherently decreases substance use and abuse, and can help prevent relapse due to the holistic nature of including therapy and counseling as part of treatment.

Some of the disadvantages of MAT are apparent when you fully understand what is medically assisted treatment. This is not a type of treatment that can be done alone or with assistance from someone untrained. Because of this, patients will need close supervision by a medical practitioner that is well versed in what could happen during this type of treatment. A more obvious drawback to MAT is that you are treating an addiction with other substances, some of which can lend themselves to abuse, further causing an addiction that replaces the one preceding the opioid or alcohol addiction.

How Long Does Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Last?

MAT is all about consistency once immediately getting an individual away from whatever it is they are addicted to. Once treatment begins, it is generally advised that patients stay on this treatment program for no less than 12 months. In many cases, it can be necessary to continue treatment for as long as possible, extending treatment well beyond 12 months.

Does Insurance Cover Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

The short answer is “yes”. Substance addiction and treatment is deemed a medical necessity, and insurance providers will offer coverage. For the most accurate information, it is important to understand what your specific provider covers.

What is the Best Way to Treat Addiction Without Using Drugs?

There is no one answer to this question. A great treatment option to getting over addiction without the use of drugs is to seek behavioral therapies and counseling. Having a strong support system and understanding your ultimate motivation for beating your addiction will play a huge part in achieving your desired outcome. This rings true whether you are seeking to treat addiction with or without drugs.

What Medications are Used in Addiction Treatment? 

Medications used to treat addiction will vary by what type of addiction an individual has. Certain medications used to treat alcohol addiction cannot be taken by those seeking to use drugs to treat opioid addiction. Different facilities will administer different medications for the same types of addiction, and the best thing you could do is call ahead and go through a screening process to see what treatment options would be best for your situation.

How Can Stillwater Behavioral Health Help You or Your Loved One Overcome Addiction Today?

Stillwater Behavioral Health is an addiction rehabilitation program that provides the option of MAT, medication assisted treatment, to our clients. Medically assisted detoxification and rehabilitation options improve client experiences and allow them to focus more on sustainable recovery.  Our Montecito, California residential treatment program combines high-quality care with a luxury environment to ensure a safe and relaxing rehabilitative experience.  

At Stillwater Behavioral Health, our addiction rehabilitation programs are specifically tailored to meet the individual addiction treatment needs of our clients. By combining alternative and traditional therapy options, our clients can experience a holistic treatment program designed to meet the needs of their mind, body, and spirit. 

Contact us today at Stillwater Behavioral Health to see how our MAT, medication assisted treatment, can support you on your journey of recovery.

How to Find Opioid Treatment Centers Near Me

How to Find Opioid Treatment Centers Near Me

In California, over 70% of all overdose deaths occur due to prescription or illegal opioids. This is because opioids, even those prescribed by a doctor, have a high chance of being misused, mismanaged, or mishandled.  

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be struggling with an opioid addiction and may need to go to an opioid treatment center, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today. Through our effective and comprehensive treatments, our clients leave with the skills necessary for sustainable life-long recovery. 

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are pain killers that can be prescribed by a doctor or illegally obtained and taken. Opioids block the opioid pain receptors in nerves blocking and stopping pain. Because of how quickly and efficiently opioids work, the body responds positively to the lack of pain by releasing dopamine and rewarding the body for the positive action causing a lack of pain. This causes the addiction cycle to begin. 

The body can eventually become accustomed to the amount of medication taken and not work as effectively, this is called developing a tolerance and requires more of the drug to create the same feeling. This happens with many other types of drugs and alcohol as well. 

California doctors prescribe over 17 million opioid prescriptions per year. Opioids are depressants that slow down the system. Codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and many others are examples of prescription pain medications that can be addictive. Heroin and fentanyl are the two most popular illegal opioids. In fact, fentanyl has been the only drug in the last few years to have consistent increases in use and overdose rates. 

Because of the increasing numbers of overdose deaths around the United States, doctors have worked diligently to find effective ways to manage opioid addiction. Now, FDA approved medications methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are available in medically assisted treatment (MAT) and naloxone is available to first responders and at pharmacies nationwide to reverse an overdose. 

Opioids can cause uncomfortable symptoms from the first hit. Things like “drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, euphoria, and slowed breathing” are all possible side effects. Additionally, for those who become addicted to opioids, withdrawal symptoms can be even worse. 

What Are the Signs of an Opioid Addiction?

Millions of Americans suffer from opioid addictions. There are several important signs to look for when it comes to monitoring yourself or a loved one for an opioid addiction. According to the CDC if opioids have caused financial hardships, family difficulties, or work challenges, it may be time to see help. Additionally, they list the following symptoms:

  • Trying to stop or cut down on opioid use but not being able to
  • Making mistakes at school or on the job because of using opioids
  • Hurting relationships with family and friends because of opioid use
  • Developing a tolerance and needing larger amounts of opioids to get high
  • Overdosing on drugs
  • Having strong cravings for opioids

If you feel like any of these descriptions match you or your loved one’s behavior, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today. Our opioid treatment center provides the supportive and caring addiction treatment support you need.

How to Find Opioid Treatment Centers Near Me

If you are wondering how to find an opioid treatment center near where you live, look no further than Stillwater Behavioral Health. Our addiction treatment centers provide a tailor-made experience for sustainable recovery. Through holistic treatment plans, designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit, we offer an accredited program in a boutique, luxury environment. 

With multiple locations and a 3:1 staff to client ratio, we provide around the clock care and structure for individuals seeking a change in their lifestyle. With private rooms and multiple recreation spaces, clients can spread out and relax while recovering from the trauma of addiction.

Let us support you on your journey of recovery at Stillwater Behavioral Health.

Holistic Rehab: What It Is And The Benefits

The Benefits of Going to a Holistic Rehab Center

If you are considering going to a rehabilitation facility, it is important to think about what is most beneficial for your rehabilitation. When it comes to rehab centers there are so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming. However, selecting a holistic rehab center will allow for whole body healing in a recovery and client-focused environment.

Holistic rehab centers marry the traditional addiction treatment programs with complementary treatments meant to improve mental and physical well-being. 

Stillwater Behavioral Health believes that the way to sustainable long-term recovery is through holistic addiction treatment. Our facilities, staff, and treatment programs work together to provide the necessary education and support for rehabilitation. 

Contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today to see how our luxury treatment program can help you heal.

What Is a Holistic Rehab Center?

A holistic rehab center is focused on healing the whole body. By combining healing treatments for both the mind and body, holistic rehab centers believe they can achieve higher success rates and lower relapse rates. Holistic healing methods were used as much as 5,000 years ago, and by incorporating them into today’s traditional addiction treatment, holistic rehab centers believe there is a greater chance for sustainable, whole-body recovery from addiction.

Holistic rehab centers focus on the mind first. By using the best evidence-based approaches, holistic rehab centers build a foundation for proactive and stabilized mental health. Through this process of focusing on the mind first, evidence-based practices are combined with unique and alternative therapies that support mental health and restructuring such as mindfulness, Reiki, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, creative arts therapies, and meditation. 

A holistic rehab center also restructures a client’s physical health. By providing nutrition guidance, leisure time, yoga, and other guided physical activities, they promote total body wellness. 

If you feel that this type of rehab is for you, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today for a consultation.

How Holistic Treatment Works? 

Holistic addiction treatment centers offer the opportunity for patients to heal themselves as a whole. While in holistic rehab, individuals will place energy and focus on gaining control of their mind and will power, as well as their physical health. Oftentimes substance abuse can take a toll on the body as well as the mind, and healing both simultaneously within the same environment can yield strong, lasting results well beyond the initial treatment. Focusing on mental health via behavioral therapies, mindfulness, and other methods helps support a patient’s mental clarity and reinforces the fact that they are in control. The physical approach to this treatment can involve physical activity and focusing on nutrition, healing from the inside out.

How Does Holistic Addiction Treatment Programs Differ from Standard Approaches? 

Standard approaches to addiction treatment can miss key components that holistic rehab addresses. A holistic addiction treatment center will offer all the same methods of recovery that a traditional rehab center will offer, with an emphasis on healing the individual as a whole. Holistic drug rehab will require clients to get more in tune with their mind and body through things like meditation and yoga, which are not typically part of the standard approach.

What Are the Benefits of Going to a Holistic Rehab Center?

There are many benefits to going to a holistic rehab center. While many rehabs can offer tailored treatment plans, holistic rehab centers can offer a wider variety of treatments that can support your mental and physical health while recovering from the trauma of addiction. 

Additionally, holistic rehab centers combined use of both the traditional and alternative can create a greater chance of long-term rehabilitation. By keeping the traditional, but enhancing it with additional therapies, individuals can feel empowered to take responsibility for their own health, recognize how life issues impact their mental and physical health and how to balance that, and place proper emphasis on prevention instead of reaction. 

Holistic rehab centers offer an opportunity to extend beyond the education and structure of traditional rehabilitation. Clients can learn long-term self-management skills and redevelop their sense of pride in themselves and their future.

How Effective are Holistic Approaches in Rehab? 

Holistic rehab approaches generally leave patients leaving with a higher self esteem that they built themselves with appropriate guidance. They also report feeling less stress and are able to more easily cope with the difficulties that can come after visiting a holistic rehab center. A holistic recovery center is designed to address all the areas of a person’s mind and body, giving them new tools for managing addiction recovery post-treatment. Because holistic approaches enhance what standard approaches offer, this can be a much more effective treatment option for those seeking help.

Is Holistic Rehab Covered By Insurance? 

Yes, insurance can cover part or sometimes all of the cost associated with holistic rehab. You should check your current insurance plan to see what portion of holistic treatment can be covered. We can also help you identify if your insurance can be accepted to cover costs for treatment at our facility.

How Can Stillwater Help You Today?

Choosing Stillwater Behavioral Health centers as your holistic rehab option provides you the opportunity to receive individualized holistic health treatment plans in a luxury environment dedicated to your total physical and mental recovery from addiction.

At Stillwater Behavioral Health, our goal is to support you in improving your mental and physical health through sobriety. Our Stillwater Behavioral Health campuses offer holistic healing opportunities like massage therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, Reiki, and energy healing. Our Montecito campus provides luxury settings to promote relaxation in a safe and sober environment. With our combination of evidence-based traditional therapy and alternative supported therapies, we believe our clients are more ready to face the world upon graduation than other, non-holistic, rehab centers. We offer extensive aftercare preparation for our alumni to ensure their continued well-being. 

For holistic healing, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today.

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