Medication Treatment is a service for individuals with opiate or alcohol use disorders, using medications to mitigate cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and enhance desire for substance withdrawal. This blog, written by experts at our Houston drug rehab, explains the different types of medications used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. Continue reading to learn more.
Medications Used in MAT Programs in Houston, TX
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to managing substance use disorders, incorporating medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the individual holistically. The medicines used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are specially designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and restore regular neurological processes. When administered under the guidance of medical specialists, these medications can be essential in helping people overcome addiction through a comprehensive approach that addresses physical dependence while also facilitating emotional and psychological recovery. These medications are most effective when combined with individual counseling, group therapy, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support networks key components of a comprehensive MAT program designed to promote sustained recovery. At our Houston drug rehab, we’re here for you. Call us today.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders
For individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can serve as a crucial support. Opioids exert a profound influence on the brain’s chemistry, often resulting in significant physical reliance that renders quitting a formidable challenge. Medications for opioid use disorder in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, relieving physiological cravings, and supporting normal body function without the harmful effects of the abused substance. Reach out to our Houston drug rehab to begin your recovery from opioid addiction. The main medications used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction include:
- Buprenorphine functions by partially stimulating opioid receptors in the brain, thereby mitigating cravings and withdrawal symptoms without inducing euphoria or considerable respiratory distress.
- Methadone alleviates cravings and withdrawal symptoms without inducing the euphoric effects linked to opioid abuse. It allows individuals to restore mental stability, essential for participating in therapy and rebuilding their lives.
- Naltrexone is used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, which are opioid agonists or partial agonists, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist — it blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, helping reduce cravings and the urge to use.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Individuals affected with alcohol use disorder can get relief through medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) can reduce the craving for alcohol or mitigate its rewarding effects on the brain. For those who have faced challenges in sustaining sobriety due to severe cravings or withdrawal symptoms, these medications can provide essential support alongside other therapeutic interventions. Medications that help the management of chronic alcohol addiction within a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) framework include:
- Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol in the brain. This means that individuals who consume alcohol while taking naltrexone will not experience the typical sense of intoxication, reducing the incentive to drink.
- Disulfiram induces a noticeable unpleasant response after alcohol use, manifesting as vomiting, nausea, and headaches, discouraging drinking behavior.
- Acamprosate stabilizes chemical signals in the brain that are disturbed by alcohol withdrawal.
Begin Your Recovery Journey with Medication-Assisted Treatment at Skyward Treatment Center in Houston, TX
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be a highly effective complement to traditional addiction treatment approaches, making it an essential option to consider when seeking care. Whether you require inpatient or outpatient treatment, MAT is a widely used recovery method that may be available to you. If you or a loved one is ready to begin the recovery journey, contact Skyward Treatment Center in Houston, TX today.
