When you think about medication-assisted treatment (MAT), it's natural for methadone and suboxone to come to mind. These meds have been a big part of MAT and is what most people think of when they hear the acronym. But MAT has come a long way since then. Nowadays, it's a key part of helping folks through medical detox and beyond, offering real hope on the journey to sobriety.
Before we dive into what MAT looks like in a medical detox setting, let's talk about what it actually is. MAT isn't just about taking meds—it's a whole approach. It combines doctor-prescribed medications with therapy and counseling to address addiction's root causes while easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It's like having a full toolkit to support recovery.
In today's medical detox programs, MAT is pretty common. But whether or not to try it is still your call. It's a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider first, though. Like with any meds, there are pros and cons to consider. For some, especially those dealing with alcohol or opioid use disorder, MAT can be a lifesaver by making detox safer and more manageable.
Medical detox is all about getting through withdrawal safely. When MAT is part of the plan, you'll have a team keeping a close eye on you. They'll adjust your meds as needed to keep you comfortable and on track. You’ll work with your team to address any complications, needs specific to you, and help with any concerns. Medical detox and MAT are meant to make the detox process easier, not harder.
The meds used in MAT vary depending on what you're struggling with. If opioids are the issue, you might get something like suboxone. For alcohol, it could be diazepam or chlordiazepoxide. Throughout it all, your healthcare team will be there, making sure you're responding well and adjusting your dosage if needed. It should be noted that while narcotic MAT may be used in the acute detox phase to ease withdrawal symptoms, prolonged use of these medications for MAT is unlikely. Once you are through the initial withdrawals, the MAT medications are changed over to preventative meds like naloxone, acamprosate, or disulfiram.
While meds play a big role in MAT, they're not the whole story. Counseling and support are just as crucial. Therapy helps you dig into what led to your addiction and gives you tools to stay sober for the long haul. MAT should be viewed as an addition to your recovery plan and not a replacement for it.
Admitting you need help with detox is huge. MAT can be a big part of that help. When you understand what MAT is all about and how it fits into detox, you're better equipped to make choices that work for you.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, Holland Pathways is here to help. Reach out today and take that first step toward a brighter tomorrow.