What is medication assisted treatment?

The detrimental impacts of addiction permeate far beyond the present moment and the individual struggling with the substance use disorder. A multitude of scientific studies substantiate that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can yield remarkable positive impacts. This is particularly true for individuals grappling with chronic opioid use disorder or those at high risk of relapse.

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    The benefits of medication assisted treatment in San Diego

    Medication-assisted treatment embodies an evidence-based approach that blends the use of FDA-approved medications and behavioral therapies. This treatment modality is carried out by adept healthcare providers specialized in addiction medicine, catering to the unique needs of each patient. This integrative approach aims to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms and cravings often associated with the recovery process. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive care by addressing the underlying behavioral health and mental health issues often co-occurring with substance use disorders.

    An effective combination and medication and therapy, applied by certified professionals, can have significant benefits both in and after detox. As outlined by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA), MAT has shown to:

    • Improve patient survival rates by focusing not just on immediate recovery but on positive long-term effects, as well.
    • Increase retention in treatment, thanks to effective treatment of side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
    • Decrease illicit use of opiates and other criminal activity among people diagnosed with substance abuse.
    • Improve birth outcomes among women who struggle with substance abuse while being pregnant.

    Furthermore, MAT has demonstrated its potential to bolster the likelihood of patients gaining and retaining employment. By addressing the root of opioid dependence, it paves the way for a healthier lifestyle and habit formation, creating a safer and more productive environment for patients and their families.

    SAMHSA also highlights that MAT plays a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis C in recovered patients. By focusing on long-term sustainable recovery, the chances of relapse and the consequent risky behaviors are significantly reduced. MAT’s effectiveness spans across different substance use disorders, including opioid addiction and alcohol use disorder.

    Medication-assisted treatment fosters a more comprehensive path to recovery than many traditional rehabilitation methods. By addressing the root cause of addiction, it promotes healthier, more resilient individuals less likely to succumb to potential relapse.

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    Medications approved for MAT therapies

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for use in helping patients improve and recover from substance abuse. Each has slightly different benefits and uses, and they are not interchangeable. Instead, certified medical professionals should choose and prescribe the right medication for the right situation.
    For example, the best and most common medications to treat alcohol use disorder are acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone:
    • Acamprosate helps to adjust the brains of people who have been drinking alcohol for a long time. It does not prevent withdrawal symptoms. However, it helps the brain get back to chemical balance that can help to prevent it from craving alcohol.
    • Disulfiram is used to treat alcohol use disorder because it produces an immediate sensitivity to alcohol. Patients who take disulfiram will experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, sweating, choking, and anxiety. They can experience these symptoms as soon as 10 minutes after treatment. It should only ever be used in the presence of medical professionals and within the context of a larger treatment plan.
    • Naltrexone is a daily medication treatment that takes a long-term path to recovery. Not recommended for anyone younger than 18 years, it blocks the effects of alcohol opioids that makes it so effective. Because it is not an opioid itself, it does not come with the potential for abuse, addiction, or withdrawal symptoms
    For patients with an opioid dependence, on the other hand, the SAMHSA recommends Buprenorphine and Naltrexone:
    • Buprenorphine is best used in moderate doses. It produces feelings of euphoria and respiratory depression, creating similar effects to opioids that in turn reduce feelings of withdrawal. The body thinks it has what it craves, helping the recovery in the process.
    • Naltrexone can be used for opioid treatments as well. It works in similar ways to block the sedative and euphoric effects of taking drugs.
    Finally, Naloxone is an effective way to reverse the toxic effects of an opioid overdose and somewhat minimize its harmful effects.
    Of course, none of these medications can work effectively in isolation. Instead, they are best used as part of a larger treatment plan. Including the right therapy, administered by professionals who know their craft. It is important for professionals to do everything they can to help their patients on the long road to recovery.

    Throughout the therapeutic process, much of the philosophy and principles of the twelve-step communities, such as AA and NA, and other recovery organizations, such as Refuge Recovery and Smart Recovery are introduced in a supportive setting in which the language used and the manner of presentation, helps to encourage participation.

    Finding Effective medication-assisted treatment options

    MAT’s benefits are both grounded in scientific evidence and extensive research. However, the sensitivity of the medications necessitates their use within an appropriate context and dosage. Hence, securing professional medication-assisted treatment services in San Diego is of utmost importance.

    Patients recovering from substance use disorder require comprehensive care and expertise from certified healthcare providers, prioritizing their best interests at all times.

    Villa Oasis can serve as a beacon of hope in this journey. Our addiction treatment options are extensive, catering to even severe use disorders. We pledge to support our patients as they navigate their way back to a happy and healthy life. Our treatment programs are holistic, encompassing behavioral counseling, MAT, and long-term therapy.

    Moreover, we provide treatment for co-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety. Our holistic approach to treatment can prevent patients from falling into the relapse cycle.

    We are dedicated to helping our patients. If you or a loved one requires assistance, our professionals can facilitate effective and research-backed medication-assisted treatment options. Explore more on our website, verify your insurance, and partner with us in this recovery journey.

    Our 24-hour nursing services will ensure that no matter what time of day you or a loved one may be in need of emergency treatment, we’ll be more than equip to help. Our trained professionals will help you on-site to ensure that your detoxification is as comfortable as possible.

    We’re also a dual diagnosis treatment center for concurrent mental health conditions like anxiety. Our holistic approach to treatment can prevent patients from falling into the cycle of relapse.

    If you or a loved one needs help, our professionals can help with effective and research-backed medication assisted treatment options. Contact us to schedule a tour and see why our rehab treatment programs are the best in Southern California.

    Finding Effective medication-assisted treatment in San Diego

    The benefits of MAT are both evidence-based and backed by extensive research. At the same time, the medications required for effective treatments are in many cases sensitive. Therefore they can only be used within the right context and measure. That’s what makes finding professional medication-assisted treatment in San Diego such an important task.

    Patients need both care and expertise to move from substance use disorder and back to a healthy life. They need it from certified professionals who always, and at all times, have their patients’ best interests in mind.

    Villa Oasis can be that place. Our addiction treatment options are extensive and can help even patients with severe use disorders. We aim to support all of our patients as they find their way back to a happy and healthy life. We offer holistic treatment programs that range from behavioral counseling to MAT and long-term therapy.

    We also have treatment for concurrent mental health conditions like anxiety. Our holistic approach to treatment can prevent patients from falling into the cycle of relapse.

    Contact us today. Our goal is to help our patients. If you or a loved one needs help, our professionals can help with effective and research-backed medication-assisted treatment options. 

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    We treats both drug and alcohol addiction, offering comprehensive residential rehab treatment to support individuals on their path to recovery.

    Residential treatment is designed for individuals struggling with substance abuse who require a higher level of care and support than outpatient programs provide. This includes those with a history of chronic relapse, severe or long-term addiction, withdrawal symptoms or cravings, co-occurring mental health disorders, and alcohol-related interpersonal conflicts.

    We offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies, including dual diagnosis treatment, individual and group therapy, 12-step and non-12-step programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness and meditation, art, music, and equine therapy, and nutritional counseling and fitness programs.

    Yes, we provide medically supervised detox services for clients who require detoxification from drugs or alcohol. The medical professionals closely monitor clients during the detox process, ensuring their safety and comfort while managing withdrawal symptoms.

    Upon contacting Villa Oasis, the admissions team will guide you through the initial assessment process to determine the appropriate level of care and create a personalized treatment plan. This process may include a review of medical and mental health history, as well as an evaluation of the individual’s current substance use and support system.

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