Are you wondering what to expect when a loved one begins medication-assisted treatment (MAT)? For many people, this is a period of mixed emotions. You may feel hopeful that your loved one is getting help, but also unsure or anxious about what comes next. Are you also wondering how to support someone on MAT for addiction? It needs to be handled delicately. The first step is simply getting an idea of what life on MAT looks like.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)? Your loved one will receive care through FDA-approved medications combined with behavioral counseling to treat substance use disorder. Does medication-assisted treatment work? Yes, MAT can be an important part of recovery because it provides a safe and supervised route. Research shows that MAT significantly increases a person’s adherence to treatment and reduces illicit opioid use compared with non-drug approaches. In addition, combining behavioral therapy and MAT is associated with an increased retention rate among people being treated for opioid use.
The intense side effects of withdrawing from opioids or other additive substances can increase vulnerability for relapse. By undergoing supervised withdrawal treatment as part of an MAT program, patients can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. In addition to being more comfortable, MAT is also a much safer option because a person’s physical withdrawal symptoms are being carefully monitored.
Of course, MAT can still be a period of intense changes for an individual. You may see your loved one go from someone who was barely hanging on to a person who has increased energy and improved sleep. Many people also experience deep emotional shifts that can vary from day to day. At first, there can be a deep sense of relief. However, it’s also common for a person undergoing MAT to experience periods of frustration or guilt. This is your chance to be a support pillar. You can’t take the journey for them, but you can encourage them to stay committed, manage negative thoughts, and focus on self-care.
There may also be some mild physical effects of MAT that your loved one needs to work through. If you’re wondering what to expect from a physical standpoint, the answer can vary based on the type of medication being administered. Encourage your loved one to share their symptoms with their care team instead of simply powering through. In some cases, the medication type or dosing can be adjusted to make the process as smooth as possible. There may also be options available for reducing symptoms that don’t involve changes in treatment.
Opioid treatment programs using MAT only work when patients fully commit to showing up and following their care team’s instructions. Depending on their treatment stage, patients may have appointments every few days, weekly, or as far apart as months. Patients and loved ones may need to adjust routines or schedules to ensure these important appointments are never missed.
This is a great opportunity for a full reset in the household that includes developing healthier, more balanced routines. As humans, we can sometimes look for any excuse to throw in the towel when something feels hard. Do your part to set your loved one up for success by removing as many obstacles to getting to appointments as possible. Odds are high that your loved one is feeling overwhelmed. Help ease their stress by creating a schedule, planning meals, and solving any transportation issues before appointment days arrive. Helping a loved one to feel prepared and in control can dramatically reduce stress and anxiety levels that could tempt them to simply give up.
While you may not have been a fan of the people your loved one was hanging out with while caught up in active addiction, the reality is that they provided a social connection. Many people seeking sobriety are not prepared for the loneliness that comes when they walk away from friendships that were tied to their substance use. They also find themselves isolated from friends and family members after violating their trust time after time during their addiction.
Research shows that maintaining positive relationships and engaging self-agency for protection from the influences of negative relationships are both vital to recovery. In other words, your loved one needs to be around positive, safe people more than ever before. The good news is that entering treatment can expose a person with a substance use disorder to an entirely new support system. They will meet a network of people at an MAT clinic or sober community. In addition, guidance from trusted therapists and mental health professionals will create important connections.
As a supporter, you should also view this as a time to help your loved one rebuild family relationships or friendships that may have suffered as a result of lying, stealing, or sneaky behaviors. Both of you need to understand that this can take time. Help them understand that “baby steps” represent big successes on what will be a long and slow journey when they feel like the people they’ve let down will never let them into their lives again. Additionally, you should help them to pursue new, healthy connections. When people spend time bonding over substance use to make social relationships for long periods of time, they may feel “rusty” when it comes to initiating close friendships that aren’t focused on shared deviant behaviors or “transactional” associations.
While this journey can feel long and dark at times, not everything needs to feel overwhelming when you’re thinking about what to expect with medication-assisted treatment. There will be some bright spots! How does MAT change someone’s life?
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):
MAT can be an extremely positive experience. When someone begins medication-assisted treatment, they’re not just starting a program—they’re beginning a path toward long-term stability. However, there can also be many emotional ups and downs in those early stages of recovery. For many individuals, this is the first time they are truly confronting the experiences and emotions that they’ve been burying with substance use. This is why having a support system is so essential.
Develop a support strategy to help your loved one. Encourage them to keep up with therapy steps. Additionally, you can encourage them to celebrate progress. No win is too small in the battle against relapse. Finally, simply learn to be a shoulder to cry on by practicing active listening with judgment or a “fixer” mentality.
Adopt the mentality that you’re in it for the long haul. While effective, MAT is not a quick fix. How long does MAT last?
There’s no set timeline, as treatment is personal to every patient. Over time, patients may transition from MAT at their own pace. For some, prolonged MAT is essential for creating long-term stability. Accompany your loved one along on the journey without pressuring them to reach some type of “finish line” that’s different from what their care providers are suggesting.
One of the common misconceptions about MAT is that a person cannot “restart” their life until they’re done with treatment. As a person stabilizes, it can feel like many new horizons are opening up. It’s a perfect time to start taking steps toward the future. This includes setting new goals for career, education, or family life.
This can truly feel like springtime in a person’s life. However, it’s important to stay grounded in the reality that treatment protocols still need to be closely followed. Again, this is the point where you should stay engaged in their journey without pressuring them to stop MAT prematurely just because they are seeing success. Of course, you should certainly celebrate each new milestone with them.
Since each person experiences different challenges when someone begins medication-assisted treatment, being adaptable is key to offering the right kind of support. However, the one constant thing is that you should be ready to be adaptable as you progress on this journey with your loved one. Step forward with understanding, patience, and a commitment to open communication. The truth is that it’s easy to feel helpless and confused while watching someone you care about fighting for their chance at life.
Are you wondering what step you can take to help a loved one? If they aren’t already enrolled in a treatment program offering MAT, your role in supporting addiction recovery could start with helping them to find one that fits their needs. Family support for MAT patients truly gives them a leg up! Start exploring options by contacting Middlesex Recovery today!
If opioid addiction is impacting your life or the life of someone you care about, reach out to our treatment center. We are here to provide the support and care you need to take the first step toward recovery.
Call 781.303.9936