Medication-Assisted Treatment
Making Detox and Withdrawal Possible
Helps Alleviate Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings
Provides Safe Detox and Withdrawal
Starts Your Life in Recovery
Stop Drug Use Once and for All
About 50 million people in the U.S. have substance use disorder. This disorder means they’re addicted to alcohol or drugs and can’t stop using them, even if they try. Using these substances affects every part of their lives, including their mental and physical health, relationships, professional abilities, and finances.
Yet, despite the negative consequences, they’re unable to stop using the substances on their own. Depending on the substance they use, attempting to quit without assistance may not even be safe. For example, sudden withdrawal from benzodiazepines can result in death.
But even when the consequences aren’t potentially so severe, some people can’t quit using drugs or alcohol because withdrawal symptoms are too difficult. And, if they can stop, they start again because they haven’t addressed the cause of the addiction.
Medication-assisted treatment can help you or a loved one safely withdraw from substances and detox the body while working with a mental health professional to discover and heal from the root cause of the addiction.
Are You Wondering if Medication-Assisted Treatment is Right for You or Your Loved One?
Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines therapy with the use of medications. It’s used to treat substance use disorder. People often succeed with this approach because the medication helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms, allowing them to focus better on the underlying mental health issues while their body detoxes safely.
Numerous factors influence the withdrawal process:- The type of substance used
- Length of time using
- Method of delivery (injecting, smoking, swallowing, or snorting)
- How much used
- Genetic makeup
- Other mental health issues or underlying unmet medical care
Withdrawal can last anywhere from a couple of days to a month. It’s extremely uncomfortable and can be dangerous to do alone.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Body aches and pains
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Sweating
- Tremors
After years of substance use, the body is accustomed to a certain level of that item in the bloodstream and feeding the brain. The brain builds up a tolerance to the amount, and more is needed each time to achieve the same feeling. This tolerance is why people with addiction consistently use more of a substance.
Depending on each person’s tolerance, their detoxification process can vary from mild to severe. While MAT can’t stop these symptoms completely, it can make them more manageable.
- Ease withdrawal symptoms
- Detox your body from harmful substances
- Fully participate in recovery, which lessens the chances of relapse
- Reduce cravings
- Ease discomfort as your brain adjusts to being substance-free
Medication-assisted treatment allows you to safely experience detox and withdrawal with medical professionals’ oversight. While your body does the work of detox, you can begin treatment for the mental health aspects of addiction and any other concerns you have.
Are You Wondering if Medication-Assisted Treatment is Right for You or Your Loved One?
Medication-Assisted Treatment at Shadow Mountain Recovery
Shadow Mountain Recovery Centers offer medication-assisted treatment and a comprehensive assessment that addresses the root causes of substance use. The detox and ensuing treatment plan typically last no longer than 14 days.
Our detox and treatment programs offer:
- Medical professionals supervising and supporting you 24/7
- Withdrawal symptoms are medically managed in a comfortable environment with semi-private rooms
- Standardized psychological and psychiatric assessments
- Help understand the underlying issues driving the addiction
- An appropriate treatment plan created by you and professionals
- A next-step plan to help you continue recovery
We use MAT to make sure you remain comfortable while under our care. We use medications that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms in tandem with behavioral therapy and holistic treatments. These have proven to be most effective in handling substance use disorders.
MAT helps to stabilize the brain’s chemistry and body functions without side effects. It shuts off the euphoric effects of substances and eases the body carefully away from cravings. The brain can relax and focus on something besides purely trying to stay alive.
Medications we use include:- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Buprenorphine (Probuphine/Suboxone)
- Methadone (In some cases)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Acamprosate (Campral)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Vitamins and Electrolytes
These medications meet each client’s needs during withdrawal and prevent discomfort while allowing the brain to process and work through therapy.
Take Your First Steps in Recovery
Medication-assisted treatment is your first step into recovery. It helps you or a loved one safely begin your recovery without substances and creates an action plan for the next steps.
If you’re ready to commit to recovery and healing, we’re here to help. We accept most major insurances. We never want finances to get in the way of getting the treatment you deserve. Our admissions specialists are ready to help you start treatment.
