Medication-assisted treatment offers a highly effective combination of medical and therapeutic support to fight addiction. This evidence-based approach uses medication to stabilize brain chemistry, allowing the brain to produce serotonin and dopamine and reach their normal levels, and therapy to address the emotional and behavioral aspects of substance abuse.
In this article, we will delve into the numerous advantages of medication-assisted treatment and how it offers a more secure and efficient route to sustained recovery.
Helps Prevent Relapse
The medications used in MAT block the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol, reducing the brain’s reward response to substance use. They also drastically reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making early recovery manageable. With cravings under control, individuals are more likely to stay focused on healing and avoid the triggers that often lead to relapse.
MAT can also significantly lower the risk of accidental overdose, which is one of the leading causes of death among people with untreated opioid or alcohol use disorders. By stabilizing brain chemistry, MAT helps protect against the fatal consequences of relapse.
At Mile High Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado we combine Medication-Assisted Treatment with a variety of proven therapies that address every aspect of addiction and help individuals achieve lasting sobriety.
Improves the Rate of Treatment Retention
People in MAT programs consistently show higher retention rates, meaning they are more likely to stay engaged in treatment for longer periods. This increased commitment leads to more favorable recovery outcomes compared to those who rely solely on behavioral therapy or medication alone. Because the medications are well-researched and considered safe for long-term use, individuals can remain in the program as long as necessary without compromising safety.
Collaborative Treatment
MAT emphasizes shared decision-making between the individual and their treatment team. Your physician and therapist work closely with you to adjust medications, set realistic goals, and determine the most appropriate treatment timeline. This collaboration fosters trust, autonomy, and accountability, which are key components of sustained recovery.
Here you can read more about how MAT works.
Supports Physical Health, Emotional Balance, and Mental Clarity
MAT not only reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but it also allows the brain and body to heal. As physical health stabilizes, individuals often experience improved emotional balance and mental clarity. This adaptive approach empowers people to reconnect with themselves, rebuild meaningful relationships, and rediscover a sense of purpose and joy that addiction may have overshadowed.
Reduces Risky or Harmful Behavior
By decreasing the compulsive need to seek out substances, MAT also reduces behaviors associated with addiction such as criminal activity, self-harm, or high-risk sexual behavior. This lowers the likelihood of arrest, legal consequences, or exposure to infectious diseases, creating a safer, more stable path forward.
Cost-Effective
MAT reduces healthcare costs over time. By reducing the frequency of relapse, MAT helps prevent costly consequences like emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and extended inpatient care. It lowers the long-term burden on the healthcare system and reduces expenses associated with untreated addiction, such as criminal justice involvement or loss of employment.
MAT can also help prevent fatal overdoses, which not only saves lives but also significantly cuts down on the high costs of emergency interventions and post-overdose care.
Integrating MAT with Comprehensive Behavioral Therapies
To get the most benefit from medication-assisted treatment, it’s essential to combine it with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes evidence-based behavioral therapies.
While MAT addresses the physical aspects of addiction like withdrawal symptoms and cravings, therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) target the underlying emotional, psychological, and social factors that contribute to substance use.
Final Thoughts from Mile High Recovery Center
At Mile High Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado, we offer rehab programs such as Medication-Assisted Treatment. Our team will be able to help you manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the psychological aspects of addiction by combining personalized medication plans with comprehensive behavioral therapies. Embracing an integrated approach to treatment can significantly improve your chances of achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety, ultimately leading to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
