All right, let’s be real. We can see by the look on your face that you have no clue what “MAT” is, much less understand how it can help with your situation. Most people have that same look on their faces when we bring up MAT. Their usual response is a scrunched-up nose and a blank stare. It’s pretty comical, but if you’re the one who does not know about MAT, what it does, then you’re the one missing out.
Are you interested in learning more about MAT? Great, let’s get you started with the basics.
MAT Is Not for Your Feet
MAT is not a piece of fabric on your kitchen floor. MAT stands for Medicated Assisted Treatment. MAT is a type of treatment that uses medication to treat addictions to counteract the chemicals you won’t stop using. Since you don’t have it in you to quit cold turkey, you’re going to have to depend on some chemicals stronger than the ones you use now.
You may wonder why you would use chemicals to treat another type of chemical, especially when you believe that these chemicals are addictive. Okay, for real, there is some controversy revolving around MAT. Many people, some who do, some who don’t, may perceive this treatment as ineffective. The fact is, MAT is a fascinating type of treatment. Let us explain.
The Origins of MAT
The science behind MAT underwent vigorous studies and tremendous research before its introduction to the public. Some lab coats in the field wanted to get to the core elements of addiction and understand more about why you got hooked on this stuff. For example, researchers wanted to know if the physical action of sticking a needle in the arm or popping a pill played a role in becoming addicted or if it was the chemical alone? They found that the actions did play a vital role. Yet, it wasn’t the core element.
It seems the core element of most addictions is the substance itself, aligned with outside influences. Rather that’s traumatic events or your pleasure feelings. Are you still with us? Let us put it plainly when you do this stuff; your brain forms bonds with the chemicals. Substances begin to alter your brain, causing you to think and act differently. Now you’re addicted, and you’re driving everybody crazy. Therefore, we need a way to help heal your body as a whole.
The Habit of Consumption
Your brain makes some connections before using substances as part of the process before you even get “high.” If there were a way to copy the habit of consumption, address your horrible behaviors, correct your way of thinking, and use medication to counter your chemicals, then boom, treatment would be more successful.
MAT offers a treatment option to heal your body because you won’t give it a break. It uses a medication agonist against the substance and cognitive behavioral therapy, which addresses issues simultaneously. It’s like a real-life videogame for you.
How Can MAT Help You Help in Detox?
We’re not going to sugarcoat things; detox is rough. No one wants to go through it, and it’s challenging for everyone. Some people can’t even get to detox because the withdrawal scares them.
Withdrawals hurt, cause physical discomfort, and challenge you mentally; to top that off, it’s painful. Avoiding pain is human. We get it. However, most residents report when you experience MAT, typically, the pain with withdrawals is almost obsolete.
Is MAT Kind of an Intervention?
MAT is a form of intervention, so to speak. Essentially, with MAT, you get more comfort through the process. The more comfortable you feel, the more likely you will recover from this mess—that simple.
MAT and Detox
While you detox, you’ll receive medication, and a professional will help you manage the pain. But this is only for a short time. They are not going to dope you up on the medications, and they’re not going to substitute one for the other, just in case you’re thinking that. However, they will attend to your needs based on the situation. Look, in some situations, some residents have to continue MAT a little longer than the detox stage.
For example, if a resident uses opioids and is also in a MAT program, medication will counter-attack the “high,” thus causing them to waste money on the substances. Once they realize the “high” is unobtainable, they are more likely to continue treatment and not the substance of choice.
MAT: The Comfortable Option
Unfortunately, withdrawal symptoms can occur from day one to ten months or longer. Therefore, it is essential to have a treatment option to eliminate the vulnerability. MAT is excellent for those who are prone to cravings or relapse. MAT is the practical and comfortable option; residents now have a long-term treatment option to get through the detox stage and continue aftercare treatment with ease and satisfaction.
At Villa Oasis, we understand the trials and tribulations of addiction. We know how stressful the act of detoxing can be. We have a responsibility to be real with you; there is no need to go through the journey alone. Treatment and recovery obstacles are going to be challenging. As a team, we will be your backbone.
We know how critical detoxing means to you. Instead of leaving you all by yourself in the desert, we are willing to make this journey more comfortable and more memorable. Let us be your oasis of water in the desert. We have a way to heal your whole body from start to finish, without the need to feel scared or alone. You need a solid and dedicated team on your side.
Contact us for more information on MAT or see how we can give you a fresh perspective on life at (323) 739-8673.
