One of the biggest reasons many people can’t cease their opioid misuse is the intensity and agony of opioid withdrawals, despite very rarely leading to death without involving other medical factors. On the other hand, alcohol withdrawal, also called delirium tremens, can be fatal and should absolutely be avoided at all costs. Medication-assisted treatment helps people with any kind of addiction safely approach their way toward sobriety with the help of FDA-approved medications and the oversight of a specialized medical professional within a private, fully-equipped medical facility.
People tend to think that “rehab” involves lengthy out-of-state trips to an inpatient facility where treatment will cost tens of thousands of dollars. Thankfully, that’s no longer the only option in treating addiction. In fact, nearly 80 million people in the US are Medicaid recipients, and 4 out of 10 are receiving medication-assisted treatment at little to no cost out of pocket. To learn more about enrolling in Medicaid for 2023, click here.
Although methadone is one of the oldest methods of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, it’s no longer the only option for outpatient addiction care. Methadone requires daily visits to a clinic, which can be time-consuming and difficult for people working full-time jobs or living far away from locations offering this service. Buprenorphine is also a highly effective medication for treating opioid use disorder. It is prescribed by a specialized medical provider, allowing patients to fill their prescriptions at their choice of pharmacy and self-dispense at home as instructed.
Once the ordeal of withdrawal has been avoided, many people who attempt to quit on their own will battle with intense cravings to use as the brain is left to its own devices to fulfill the needs of drugs once supplied. With medication-assisted treatment, these cravings are largely curbed. Patients are urged to focus on relapse prevention and improve their mental and physical health while learning to avoid triggers.
Something that patients in MAT realize once they’ve discovered their perfect dosage and regimen is just how exhausting addiction can be. MAT opens up a new world of possibilities once the brain is no longer preoccupied with obtaining and ingesting drugs every waking moment. People enrolled in MAT can work towards finding gainful employment, reconnecting with loved ones, and once again engaging with their favorite pastimes and hobbies now that drugs and alcohol are pushed out of the picture.
To learn more about the recovery programs available at Middlesex Recovery, message or call a local office today and see what medication-assisted treatment can do for you.
