Medication-Assisted Drug & Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA- approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.
It is well established in Addiction Medicine that not only is addiction a pattern of learned behaviors that cannot be controlled, resulting in severe alterations in brain chemistry and functioning, but that depending on the substances used, also results in chemical brain changes that are usually long lasting in nature.
Acute Withdrawal is well known to most treating physicians but what is less appreciated is the ongoing process of “brain healing” which oftentimes can last for weeks to months and can result in alterations in mood, such as worsening depression or anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns, dreams, cravings, appetite, cognition, and sexual function. We call this pattern of behaviors Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and contributes to the high failure rate of patients who only engage in a Detox process. Even when Detox is followed by aggressive treatment, these ongoing symptoms oftentimes prevent a patient from fully engaging in the treatment process and not gaining its full benefit
7 Summit Pathways Is the Answer
Here at 7 Summit Pathways, our Medical Director, Dr. Wilson, and his Medical Team have studied the complexities of PAWS and after a thorough evaluation of each patient, the doctor designs a unique and individualized medical protocol, while considering each patients wishes and desires, to enhance his or her ability to experience the full benefit of the treatment experience, in which new and healthier “brain chemistry” is actually formed by the patient himself/herself.
Considering that these ongoing disruptions in “normal” brain functioning and chemistry usually continue even after treatment is completed, each patient is continuously evaluated, and when deemed appropriate, encouraged to continue on their individual medication protocol, sometimes novel in nature, and constantly adjusted as “self-healing” occurs. It is well established that the first six to twelve months after treatment completion are critical in establishing life-long Recovery and that persistence of even mild mood and physical symptoms are a precursor to possible return to use.
After treatment completion, all of our patients are welcome and encouraged to return to the Center to meet with Dr. Wilson and our Certified Recovery Coaches as frequently as necessary to address their ongoing medication and Recovery needs to support them in this critical phase of PAWS and to plan a possible “medication exit strategy” as symptoms wane. We call this Medication Assisted Recovery.
Overcoming the Problem
If you or someone you love has crossed the line from casually using addictive substances into becoming either dysfunctional or a threat to themselves and others, it’s time to get serious help for Substance Use Disorder.
Even if one can eventually stop using heroin, it’s not easy to recover from the damage to one’s life and psyche after suffering from Substance Use Disorder. Kicking the habit and staying away from old habits are two very different things. Relapses are dangerously common, particularly for psychologically powerful problems like Heroin Use Disorder.
For these reasons, professional treatment is highly recommended for dealing with Heroin Use Disorder, whether it’s your own or a loved one’s. Unfortunately, the American healthcare system has shortcomings when it comes to dealing with mental illnesses, and Substance Use Disorder are in that category. However, help is available for those willing to seek it out.
What Sets Us Apart
The 7 Summit Pathways model for treating Substance Use Disorder embraces what we call The 7 Dimensions of Wellness. These include:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
- Spiritual
- Environmental
- Occupational
- Intellectual
Each of these aspects of wellness are addressed when helping our patients step into and maintain a life of Recovery. With the help of intensive, personalized treatment in our safe facilities, we work to promote overall health and well-being.
By addressing all seven of these dimensions, our treatment program is intended to foster long-term relief from Substance Use Disorder. We promise actual treatment for our patients in a caring, personal manner rather than simply taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Begin the Journey
If you’re afraid that you or someone you love is struggling with Heroin Use Disorder, it’s time to see what 7 Summit Pathways can do to help. The journey to the summit begins with the first step. Call 813-630-4673 today.