Each patient’s road to recovery is uniquely different. Some patients may benefit from holistic treatment approaches, while other patients may benefit from evidence-based approaches like CBT. Medication-assisted treatment is another type of treatment option that can help support a patient’s recovery. While medication-assisted treatment is not for all individuals, it can help some on their road to recovery. Keep reading to learn more about the role of medication-assisted treatment in outpatient rehab below.
At Pathways Recovery, we are a top-rated drug rehab committed to helping patients break free from addiction once and for all. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals is here to help you every step of the way along your road to recovery. Whether you are in need of addiction treatment or dual diagnosis treatment, we offer a variety of treatment options to best address your unique recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery needs.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment option that prescribes patients medications, along with other therapies, to help support their recovery journey. Medications are oftentimes prescribed to patients experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms to help them effectively progress along their recovery journey.
For instance, if an individual is recovering from a severe form of addiction, medication-assisted treatment may be recommended for a period of time to help lower the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and minimize the severity of cravings, triggers, and urges to abuse drugs or alcohol.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Outpatient Rehab
In outpatient rehab, medication-assisted treatment can help patients reduce cravings to abuse drugs so they can focus on learning effective coping strategies to help maintain long-term sobriety. Keep reading below to learn more about the role of medication-assisted treatment in outpatient rehab.
Helps Minimize Intensity of Withdrawal Symptoms
First, as briefly mentioned above, one of the benefits of medication-assisted treatment is that it can help reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Every patient must overcome withdrawal symptoms as their body adapts to no longer consuming drugs or alcohol.
Can Be Used Alongside Other Therapy Options
Medication-assisted treatment can be used as a supplement to help patients focus effectively on other treatment options they may be receiving, like CBT. This allows the patient to fully focus on learning coping strategies so they can effectively progress along their recovery.
Tailored to Support a Patient’s Unique Recovery Needs
Medication-assisted treatment is also highly personalized as a doctor prescribes a patient the right medication they need to support their unique recovery needs. While medication-assisted treatment is not meant to be used long-term, it can help patients progress along their recovery journey in outpatient rehab.
Reducing the Risk of Relapse
Last but not least, as mentioned above, a primary role of medication-assisted treatment in outpatient rehab is that it helps reduce a patient’s risk of relapsing. Unfortunately, 40-60% of people treated for substance use disorders relapse. This staggering statistic showcases just how great a risk of relapsing can be. While medication-assisted treatment is not for every patient, for some patients it can help support their recovery journey as it can minimize urges and cravings to abuse drugs while they focus on progressing along their road to recovery. You should never feel like you are all alone on your road to recovery– help is available!
Help Is Available
Now you know more about the role of medication-assisted treatment in outpatient rehab. While not all patients need medication-assisted treatment, some patients can benefit. It’s important to understand that this is a safe and effective treatment option that can help supplement a patient’s road to recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical to seek professional support so you can regain control of your health and quality of life for the better.
At Pathways Recovery, we are committed to helping patients safely and effectively overcome addiction so they can achieve lasting sobriety. We understand each patient’s recovery needs are uniquely different. This is why we provide a comprehensive range of addiction treatment options so you can receive the right treatment for your needs. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!
