Swapping Drugs or Treating Addiction?
Some people think that Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is swapping one drug for another, but that’s not true. Opioid use disorder comes with strong cravings that make it almost impossible for a person to quit alone, cold turkey. MAT is a two-part program that includes medication to stave off cravings, and counseling therapy that supports a person into recovery.
In addition to decreasing the cravings for opioids , MAT also can help a person sidestep some very miserable withdrawal symptoms such as: anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sweating, stomach pain, restlessness and insomnia. A few medications used to treat opioid addiction include:
- Methadone
- Suboxone
- Vivitrol
These treatment medications are difficult to overdose on or even get a “high” on because of the chemical make-up. Treatment times vary too. Some people may be in a MAT program for one year, while others participate for several years. A return to use is a real possibility with addiction, but if a person knows the local resources for help, they can continue making positive strides toward recovery.
Learn more at eLakeviewCenter.org/OpiateTreatment .