Beginning the path to recovery from opioid addiction is a challenging journey, but with the right planning, tools and support, it’s a journey that can take you from darkness and into the light.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a powerful tool that helps individuals stop opioid abuse and start recovering, combining medications with counseling and support to create a comprehensive approach to overcoming longterm recovery.
Counseling + Medication + Lifestyle Modification = Long Term Recovery Success !
At Recovery Works, our clients undergo a comprehensive journey tailored to fit their unique needs. The process begins with a thorough assessment, guiding the selection of a suitable medication and is complemented by counseling and behavioral therapies. The program addresses both the psychological and behavioral aspects of substance use. Regular medical monitoring and a flexible schedule allow individuals to seamlessly integrate treatment into their daily lives, applying learned coping skills in real-world situations. Family involvement, peer support, and strategies for relapse prevention contribute to a realistic long term management approach; additionally, individuals may be connected to community resources for enhanced overall well-being. The outpatient setting provides an environment where individuals can receive ongoing support for sustained recovery, depending on their progress and needs.
Breaking the Chains of Addiction
Opioid addiction can feel like you’re being trapped in chains; MAT acts as a key to unlock those chains. The medications used in MAT help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to control cravings and stop using. This crucial step sets the stage for a successful recovery journey!
Medications used in MAT interact with the brain’s receptors affected by opioids. They help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant pull of addiction. At RWHC, our patients choosing MAT services most often prescribed Suboxone or Vivitrol.
How does Suboxone work?
Suboxone is an FDA approved medication used for those diagnosis with opiate use disorder, combining buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone, (an opioid antagonist). Buprenorphine alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings by binding to opioid receptors with a milder effect than full opioids, allowing stabilization without intense highs and lows. Naloxone eases cravings and discourages misuse. As part of an MAT program, Suboxone supports individuals in overcoming opioid addiction by easing withdrawal, minimizing cravings, allowing for stability while participating in counseling and behavioral therapies.
How does Vivitrol work?
Vivitrol (extended release injectable naltrexone) is a medication used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. Its active ingredient is naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids or alcohol at the receptor level in the brain. Unlike medications that contain opioids, Vivitrol does not activate opioid receptors; instead, it binds to them, preventing opioids or alcohol from exerting their usual effects. This helps reduce cravings and the rewarding sensations associated with substance use. Vivitrol is administered as a monthly injection, providing a sustained release of naltrexone. By blocking the opioid receptors, Vivitrol supports individuals in maintaining abstinence from opioids or alcohol, facilitating recovery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan which also includes counseling and behavioral therapies.
A Supportive Framework
MAT is not just about medications; it’s about creating an individualized plan with supportive framework necessary for long term recovery. Counseling and therapy are integral components of MAT, providing individuals with the tools to understand and address the root causes of their addiction. This combination of medication, counseling and support creates a well-rounded approach to a long term recovery plan.
- Assessment and Evaluation: The first step involves a thorough assessment of the individual’s substance use history, medical and mental health status, and overall treatment needs. This evaluation helps determine the most appropriate course of MAT.
- Medical Evaluation: A healthcare provider assesses the individual’s physical health, including any co-occurring medical conditions, to ensure the safety and suitability of MAT.
- Medication Selection: Based on the assessment, a suitable medication is chosen. The choice of medication depends on factors like the severity of the addiction and individual health considerations.
- Induction: In the case of opioids, individuals may go through an induction phase, where the chosen medication is initiated under close medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Stabilization: Once the appropriate medication and dosage are determined, the individual enters a stabilization phase. During this period, the medication helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, supporting the individual in achieving stability.
- Counseling and Behavioral Therapies: MAT is most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. These may include individual therapy, group therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These components address the psychological and behavioral aspects of substance use.
- Regular Medical Monitoring: Ongoing medical monitoring is essential to evaluate the individual’s response to the medication, address any side effects, and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
- Integration into Comprehensive Treatment: MAT is integrated into a broader treatment plan that addresses various aspects of the individual’s life, including mental health, family dynamics, employment, and social support.
- Relapse Prevention: MAT programs typically include strategies for relapse prevention, helping individuals develop coping skills and resilience to maintain recovery over the long term.
- Support Services: MAT programs often connect individuals with support services, such as mutual aid groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), to foster peer support and community engagement.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Depending on the individual’s progress and needs, MAT may continue for an extended period, providing ongoing support for sustained recovery.
Overcoming Stigma
It’s important to understand that seeking help through MAT is a brave and positive choice. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a stigma surrounding medication-assisted treatment. However, MAT has proven to be effective in helping individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives.
A Step Towards a Drug-Free Future
MAT is not a quick fix, and those should be committed to a long term treatment plan. By providing relief from cravings and withdrawal symptoms, individuals can focus on building a healthier, drug-free life. MAT serves as a bridge from the chaos of addiction to the stability of recovery.
Celebrating Successes
Every step forward in recovery is a success worth celebrating. MAT allows individuals to achieve milestones without the constant struggle of cravings, reinforcing the belief that a drug-free life is not only possible but achievable.
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Come Out of The Darkness and Into the Light With Recovery Works Healing Center. With two convenient adult locations in Dayton Ohio, Recovery Works provides a variety of recovery oriented outpatient treatment services for adults and adolescents suffering from dual diagnosis addiction and mental health conditions. Please call your local center for more information on the specific services offered.
Recovery Works: West Carrollton Adult Addiction & Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Program 100 Elmwood Park Drive Dayton OH 45449 P:937 384 0580 Walk In Assessments: Monday – Friday, 8am-2pm
Recovery Works: Vandalia Adult Addiction & Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Program 705 South Brown School Road Vandalia OH 45377 P: 937 890 5400Walk In Assessments: Monday – Friday, 8am-2pm
Youth Services: The Lauren Confer Center Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Outpatient Counseling 113 East Central Avenue Dayton OH 45449 P: 937 247 9015 By Appointment Only; Legal Guardian Required
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. All content within this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health or medical emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. Recovery Works Healing Centers, its authors, and contributors do not provide emergency services. If you have any concerns about your health or specific medical conditions, please consult with your physician or qualified healthcare professional.
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