5 Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Florida

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that causes uncontrollable urges and cravings to abuse drugs, which often leads to relapse in many people. Because the relapse rate for addiction is between 40% to 60%, addiction recovery experts have begun using more aggressive types of treatment to ensure individuals have the best shot at recovery possible.[1]

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment for opioid addiction and alcoholism that uses FDA-approved medications to limit withdrawal symptoms during detox and prevent cravings in early recovery.

By using medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings, the risk of relapse is lowered. In other words, MAT programs make achieving long-lasting recovery easier for people who have an increased chance of relapsing.

Here are five of the top benefits of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Florida.

1. Fewer Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and even life-threatening in some situations. For example, alcohol withdrawal can lead to life-threatening symptoms like fever, seizures, hallucinations, or delirium tremens (DTs). On the other hand, opioid withdrawal can cause severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

When MAT medications are used, you will not experience the severe symptoms of withdrawal, if you deal with any at all.

Additionally, medication-assisted treatment programs in Florida will provide constant medical monitoring to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable. This means that if you end up requiring a higher dose of your medication, you will receive it as soon as possible.

2. Decreased Risk of Relapse and Overdose

Without using medications to limit withdrawal symptoms, coping with sobriety can be incredibly difficult. As a result, many people end up relapsing before they even enjoy the benefits of long-term sobriety. When medications are used, withdrawal symptoms are limited and cravings are diminished, greatly reducing your chances of relapsing.

FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and acamprosate are proven to decrease one’s chances of relapsing during early recovery.[2] When your chances of relapsing are reduced, so is your risk of overdosing on alcohol or opioids.

3. Flexibility in Treatment Programs

You can find both inpatient and outpatient medication-assisted treatment programs in Florida. This provides you with the ability to decide whether you want 24/7 care in a residential setting or the ability to live at home and continue caring for outside responsibilities while you are receiving treatment.

You can also choose to participate in a continuum of care where you attend both an inpatient and an outpatient MAT program one after the other, providing you with even more time to build a strong foundation of recovery.

4. Increased Treatment Retention

When you are not dealing with severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings, you will find it easier to focus on individual therapy, group counseling, building a recovery community, and learning relapse prevention skills. You’ll have fewer temptations to leave treatment early.

In fact, MAT programs are proven to increase treatment retention, which means you’re more likely to stay in rehab and thus will have a better ability to build the skills you need to maintain long-term sobriety.[2]

When you use MAT medications, you will be able to dive right into the psychological and behavioral aspects of treatment instead of having to focus on recovering physically or giving in to temptation.

5. Improved Quality of Life

Many people in recovery from addiction have a hard time dealing with relationships, social interactions, and learning how to deal with everyday life challenges like finding a job. Oftentimes, these issues cause people to experience cravings for opioids or alcohol. When you are on MAT medications, cravings will be greatly reduced, making it easier for you to deal with the obstacles that life throws at you.

Since you will have a greater ability to deal with life’s challenges, your overall quality of life will be improved drastically. Instead of having to focus on ignoring urges and cravings to abuse substances, you will have the mental capacity you need to overcome the issues you are facing in your daily life.

Find out if a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program in Florida is Right For You

If you or a loved one suffers from alcoholism or an opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment in Florida might be right for you. By using medications like suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone, you will not have to worry about withdrawal symptoms and cravings. As a result, you will be better able to focus on the things you are learning in therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning.

To learn more about how medication-assisted treatment in Florida can benefit you, contact Archstone Behavioral Health today.

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Retrieved November 2023 From https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
2. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Medications for Substance Use Disorder, Retrieved November 2023 From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders