When you’re ready to release the grip addiction has on your life, a medication-assisted detox program is a great way to begin your journey to recovery. Many people who struggle with addiction to alcohol and other drugs shy away from treatment due to fears of the withdrawal and detox process. A medication-assisted treatment program can make your medical detox process and subsequent residential treatment as comfortable as possible for the therapeutic work at hand.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) involves an integrated strategy for addressing substance use disorders, combining medication management with behavioral interventions, such as evidence-based therapies, to cater to the specific needs of each individual. Undergoing detoxification with the supervision of a healthcare professional enhances your likelihood of embarking on a successful recovery journey while reducing the risk of detox-related complications and MAT can continue throughout treatment at your physician’s discretion. At Santé Center for Healing, our medication-assisted program is a great way to take the first step toward a sober, happy, healthy life.
Common Detox Symptoms
Detox symptoms can vary widely among individuals, influenced by the specific substance(s) used, the volume and duration of use, individual body chemistry and other underlying medical issues. Detox involves abstaining from alcohol or other drug use and the associated toxins. When addiction occurs, the body becomes reliant on the substance, perceiving it as essential for survival. Reducing or stopping the use of the substance can lead to severe physical withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are a significant factor contributing to the high relapse rates among individuals striving to become clean or sober. At Santé, our medication-assisted treatment program and medically-assisted detox serves as an excellent starting point for achieving recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is a scientifically supported, comprehensive approach that combines medications with counseling, behavioral therapies, and peer support to address substance use disorders. For example, individuals dealing with opioid use disorder (OUD) find these medications help diminish the physical challenges encountered upon cessation of opioid use. MAT is an effective tool towards restoring normal brain activity, minimizing cravings for substances, and preventing relapse.
According to the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the ultimate goal of Medication Assisted Treatment is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. Medication-assisted treatment has been shown to:
- Improve patient survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
- Increase an individual’s ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant
Evidence Based MAT at Santé Center for Healing
Santé offers clients and their families long-term, clinical recovery services spanning immediate clinical needs to less acute therapeutic transitions. Our Master’s-level intake counselors conduct initial confidential assessments to identify exactly what each client needs and establish the appropriate level of care. We provide:
Suboxone /Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a man-made opioid drug that functions as a partial agonist; a partial agonist is when a drug binds to the same receptors as opiates do, but doesn’t have the same full intoxicating effect that an opioid would. Buprenorphine does not cause the intense pleasure and drowsiness that heroin or other opioids might induce. It effectively reduces withdrawal symptoms linked to opioid addiction and presents a minimal risk of overdose. Buprenorphine is currently offered in two sublingual forms (dissolving beneath the tongue) and as a subcutaneous injection. It’s important to note that while this medicine aids in the recovery process, it is not a standalone solution or a cure for alcohol or other drug dependence.
Campral /Acamprosate
Acamprosate aids in the normalization of brain function for individuals who have consumed significant amounts of alcohol. It is important to note that acamprosate does not alleviate the withdrawal symptoms that may occur when individuals cease alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the effectiveness of acamprosate has not been demonstrated in individuals who continue to drink alcohol, nor in those who consume large amounts of alcohol alongside the misuse or abuse of other substances, including illicit drugs or prescription medications. While this medicine aids in the recovery process, it is not a standalone solution or a cure for alcohol dependence.
Antabuse /Disulfiram
This medicine is designed to support individuals struggling with alcohol abuse by discouraging alcohol consumption. It is intended to reduce alcohol consumption in individuals who have already completed detox or have initiated a phase of sobriety. When consumed with alcohol, it triggers adverse reactions, helping to deter drinking. This can help to lower the chances of relapse when used consistently. This is most successful as part of a more comprehensive recovery program; this medication is administered under medical supervision and supplemented with counseling sessions at a minimum. It’s important to note that while this medicine can aid the recovery process, it is not a standalone solution or a cure for alcohol dependence.
Vivitrol /Naltrexone
Vivitrol, the generic version known as naltrexone, is a medication designed to block the effects of opioid drugs, such as the pain relief and euphoric feelings that can lend themselves to addiction. It plays a crucial role for individuals struggling with alcohol or other drug dependence, particularly by helping to prevent relapse in those who have achieved early recovery from opioid addiction. As an extended-release formulation of Naltrexone, Vivitrol functions as an opioid receptor antagonist, in essence binding to these receptors in the brain for up to one month. This unique property makes it the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for opioid dependence that is not classified as a controlled substance. Vivitrol offers a vital option for those with the goal to maintain sobriety and avoid returning to opioid use. Vivitrol/Naltrexone reduces some of the pleasurable or reinforcing impacts of alcohol, thereby decreasing the chances of persistent drinking. Note that while this medicine can aid the recovery process, it is not a standalone solution or a cure for alcohol or other drug dependence.
How Long is MAT?
The duration of medication-assisted treatment varies for each person, influenced by factors like the severity of addiction, medical advice, personal preferences, overall health and recovery progress. Some individuals continue their MAT regimen for several years. When you and your healthcare provider decide to end residential treatment, you will be supported in gradually reducing the medication over a suitable timeframe.
Addiction Recovery is Within Reach
If you or someone dear to you is contemplating Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or want to know more about it can support your journey to recovery, it is essential to first consult with healthcare experts. At Santé Center for Healing, we recognize the distinct hurdles associated with substance use, abuse and dependance (addiction). Our recovery continuum of care offers compassion, support, and strategies for managing challenges, paving the way for a brighter, healthier version of yourself.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can achieve sobriety and recovery, contact us by reaching out to 866.238.3154.
Medically reviewed By
MELISSA PENNINGTON,
D.O., FASAM, CEDS
Medical Director
Dr. Melissa Pennington is the Medical Director of Santé Center for Healing. She is a board-certified psychiatrist, a board-certified addictionologist, and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. Since joining the Santé team in 2015, she has also completed advanced training in the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior disorder. In 2022 Dr. Pennington was elected onto the national Board of Directors for the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), following a successful second term as Medical Liaison on the Board of Directors for the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Prior to joining Santé, she served as Medical Director of the Eating Disorders Program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas from 2010-2015. She attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed her psychiatric residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, where she was awarded intern of the year and served as chief resident for two consecutive years.