Substance use disorders, including opioid addiction and alcohol addiction, affect millions of people across the United States. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders that combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral and counseling therapies.
With the opioid epidemic continuing to cause a surge in overdose deaths, effective treatment options like MAT are crucial for saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment is an approach to treating substance use disorders that combines the use of specific medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. This method addresses not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological and emotional challenges. MAT is particularly effective for treating opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders, helping to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce intense cravings.
6 Common Medications Used for a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program in New Jersey
1. Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain without providing a high, thus lowering the potential for misuse.
2. Methadone
Methadone is a full opioid agonist. It works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain, decreasing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without giving the user a high when taken as prescribed.
3. Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It works by blocking the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and alcohol, which helps to prevent relapse. It does not produce a high or any addictive effects.
4. Acamprosate
Acamprosate is used to help people maintain abstinence from alcohol after they have stopped drinking. It works by stabilizing the chemical balance in the brain disrupted by chronic alcohol use, which helps reduce cravings and anxiety associated with withdrawal.
5. Disulfiram
Disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism. It works by causing an acute sensitivity to ethanol (alcohol). When someone takes disulfiram and drinks, even a tiny amount of alcohol, they experience unpleasant effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches, which act as a deterrent from drinking.
6. Suboxone
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is added to prevent misuse of the medication through injection.
Our Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs
FDA-Approved Medications
Our MAT programs utilize a range of FDA-approved medications to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. These medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block the rewarding effects of addictive drugs. Examples include buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone for opioid use, and acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone for alcohol use.
Comprehensive Approach
We adopt a holistic approach to substance use disorder therapy, addressing various aspects of addiction. This includes medical detoxification to make the withdrawal process as pain-free as possible, followed by long-term recovery plans that integrate counseling and behavioral therapies. This comprehensive care ensures every individual’s unique needs are met.
Behavioral Therapies
Our MAT therapy in New Jersey incorporates various evidence-based behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and community reinforcement approach (CRA). These therapies help patients to identify and change unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, providing tools to cope with psychological cravings and intense withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Supportive Services
Our comprehensive outpatient treatment program includes individual counseling, group therapy, and dual diagnosis therapy. These therapeutic services help address co-occurring mental health disorders and provide continuous support throughout the recovery process. We ensure our patients receive compassionate care and consistent communication from our licensed professionals and medical staff.
What Are the Benefits of MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) in New Jersey?
Reduced Risk of Overdose
One of the significant benefits of MAT medications is the reduced risk of opioid overdoses and fatal overdoses. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine reduce the need for illicit drug use, thereby lowering the risk of overdose deaths significantly. This approach helps patients manage their addiction and move toward a healthier future.
Improved Quality of Life
MAT programs enhance the overall quality of life by addressing both substance use and mental health issues. Individuals experience fewer withdrawal symptoms and less intense cravings, which allows them to focus on other aspects of their daily lives. This holistic healing approach also addresses vocational issues, family concerns, and legal matters.
Increased Treatment Retention
Patients in MAT programs are more likely to remain in treatment compared to those who only undergo behavioral therapies. The combination of medication with counseling services ensures that patients can manage their symptoms effectively, making long-term therapy more manageable and sustainable. This increased retention contributes to lasting sobriety and meaningful recovery.
Community Reintegration
Our MAT programs extend beyond clinical therapy to support community reintegration. Patients can engage in recovery meetings and participate in 12-step programs, providing them with continual support and a network of peers in recovery. This community-focused approach aids in reducing the risk of relapse and promotes a lifetime of recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Near Me: Choose BlueCrest Recovery Center In New Jersey
Don’t let addiction control your life. At BlueCrest Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive Medication Assisted Treatment programs designed to support you through every step of your recovery process. Our experienced and caring staff are dedicated to helping you achieve lasting sobriety and improved quality of life.
Contact us today to learn more about our personalized treatment plans and start your journey to recovery with compassionate care and effective treatment options.
