Understanding medication-assisted treatment
The U.S. has been grappling with one of its worst-ever drug crises – the opioid pandemic. Based on 2019 statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 10.1 million people over the age of 12 misused opioids that year. In addition, 70.6% of all drug-related deaths were attributed to opioids. As the pandemic continues to escalate, it’s been clear that there’s a need for more effective treatment strategies to help individuals struggling with drug addiction. This gap brought about the inception of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Like in most states, medical assisted treatment in Kansas City, Mo, has gained massive popularity, and with good reason. But before we delve any further, let’s take a brief look at what constitutes MAT.
What is medical-assisted treatment?
Medical Assisted Treatment is a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders that combines non-addictive medications, behavioral therapies, and counseling. It’s an evidence-based approach that has proven effective in sustaining recovery as well as preventing or reducing drug overdose. For this very reasons, it’s strongly endorsed by the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health, and other public health agencies. Essentially, the goal of MAT is to help the patient achieve full recovery from all addictions. Therefore, MAT programs tend to be tailored to meet a patient’s specific needs.
Medication options
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve every medication used for treating opioids. This is to ensure that the medications used are, in fact, safe and effective in helping people recover from addiction. As of 2022, the FDA has approved three medications for the treatment of opioid addiction. That is methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. There are also medications approved for alcohol addiction: acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. It’s worth noting that these medications are not the cure-all for addiction, and that’s why counseling and behavioral therapies are still critical in addiction treatment.
How do medical assisted treatment medications work?
Medical assisted treatment medications are designed to alter the brain chemistry. How exactly? Well, these medications block the euphoric effects of the drugs used to reduce physical and psychological cravings. Overtime use, the patient’s body chemistry will gradually normalize. Since medications are involved, MAT requires close medical supervision at a certified facility. That said, if you are seeking medical assisted treatment in Kansas City, Mo, the team at National Suboxone Doctors is always ready to help.
Benefits of MAT
As mentioned earlier, medication-assisted treatment targets the whole person. Apart from relieving symptoms and controlling cravings, MAT offers other benefits such as:
- Alleviates withdrawal symptoms.
- Reducing the risk of deadly overdoses.
- Decrease illegal drug use
- Minimize the risk of relapse as it’s combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.
- Promotes long-term recovery.
Medical Assisted Treatment Facility In Kansas City
If you think medical assisted treatment could benefit you or a loved one grappling with addiction, feel free to get in touch with us today. We are a leading medical assisted treatment facility in Kansas City, Mo, dedicated to offering effective and compassionate treatment for those dealing with addiction. In terms of standard of care, we will stop at nothing to ensure our patients achieve full recovery.
