What is medication-assisted treatment? This program is an essential part of the addiction recovery process and greatly increases a person’s chances of reaching their recovery goals. While there is no cure for addiction, there are several treatment options that reduce addictive symptoms and allow individuals to live a sober lifestyle. These medications are typically only available through an accredited addiction treatment program.
7 Summit Pathways is a fully accredited addiction treatment center that offers a wide range of treatment programs to ease the recovery process. We work with indigenous and LGBTQ communities, veterans, and all others who need assistance breaking their addiction in a safe and encouraging environment. Our programs can support your recovery from start to finish for as long as it takes for you to reach your sober goals. If you are searching for medication-assisted treatment near Tampa, call 813.212.7149 today to speak with one of our caring team members.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Addiction is a treatable mental health disorder that can cause serious physical and mental symptoms when the person stops drinking or using drugs. These withdrawal symptoms are caused by a chemical dependence on the substance of choice that has developed after repeated use and can last for several weeks to months.
During the detoxing phase of recovery, people will experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia/hypersomnia
- Stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
Medication-assisted treatments can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with addiction safely and with fewer risks of relapse. The medications that are used during MAT are not a replacement for the substance of abuse. As withdrawal symptoms begin to fade, medical staff will slowly taper you off until you no longer need the medicine.
At 7 Summit Pathways, we combined behavioral and holistic therapies with medication-assisted treatment at our discreet facility in Tampa. Our therapists have experience treating all types of addiction and the various reasons behind it and work closely with each patient to aid them in their recovery efforts.
Why Do You Need Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings from opioid pain medication, alcohol, heroin, and other dangerous substances. The types of medications used include:
- Methadone – This type of drug is a synthetic opioid agonist that is used to treat opioid use disorder as well as reduce pain. It interacts with the same mu-opioid receptors that heroin and other opioids use, but instead of releasing dopamine, it blocks this reaction and eliminates the euphoric sensation. Those who try to abuse opioids or alcohol while taking methadone will experience sudden and intense withdrawal symptoms that can be fatal.
- Buprenorphine – Buprenorphine is used to treat withdrawal symptoms from opioids and is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It can help reduce the potential for further abuse and lowers physical dependence by causing a ceiling effect and blocking the intense euphoric sensations. Without this euphoria, your body will stop craving drugs or alcohol.
- Naltrexone – This drug is an opioid antagonist and can treat alcohol and opioid use disorder. Instead of activating the opioid receptors like methadone and buprenorphine, it entirely blocks and binds the cell receptors to prevent opioid cravings. Taking naltrexone is safer than other MAT medications as there is minimal risk of abuse and diversion potential.
What is medication-assisted treatment, and how can it benefit your recovery? Addiction recovery is a complex process that produces potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms. The best way to get through these withdrawals is through medication that is available as part of an accredited addiction treatment program.
Find Medication-Assisted Treatment at 7 Summit Pathways
At 7 Summit Pathways, we help men and women from all across Florida who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, illegal and prescription opioids, and other addictive substances. Our therapists build trust and open communication with each patient so they feel comfortable opening up about troubling subjects or difficult emotions. They will participate in group and private therapy sessions using behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment for a whole-person recovery experience.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, pick up the phone and contact us at 813.212.7149 today to discover the benefits of enrolling in our addiction treatment facility.