Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a prevalent concern in communities across the country. Massachusetts is no different. Medication-assisted treatment is a viable option to help those who are struggling to build a foundation and begin to grow in recovery. But what is MAT? How does it work? Who can benefit from MAT? These questions are all valid, and understanding what medication-assisted treatment is can help an individual decide to better their life using this method.
Substance Abuse in Massachusetts
The drug abuse epidemic has not left Massachusetts unscathed. Like many places across the country, Massachusetts has an influx of individuals struggling with substance abuse. This includes alcohol, as well as other prescription and illicit drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and Xanax. The number of individuals struggling daily is staggering, however, there is help available for these individuals who need it and seek it. Medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts is available to help aid people who are struggling to begin their healing process.
Types of Medication-Assisted Treatment
The FDA-approved medications that are designed to help individuals struggling with substance abuse can make a huge difference in their lives. Medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts consists of combining these FDA-approved medications with proven methods of substance abuse treatment. This includes therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and other therapies that are conducive to treating those with substance abuse.
Medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone are used in MAT treatments because of the way they help combat addiction. These medications help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal, providing a clearer mind for grasping what therapy is intended to teach. They also help fend off cravings that can generally lead to relapse. Medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts can help save the lives of individuals struggling with these dangerous substances, and it is intended to help aid in the rates of successful recovery from substance abuse.
Barriers to MAT in Massachusetts
There is a stigma surrounding medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts. Many believe that MAT simply exchanges one addiction for another. However, this is a common misconception. MAT is a form of addiction treatment, done under the care of addiction and medical professionals to address the underlying issues such as depression and anxiety, which often lead to relapse. Medical and addiction professionals monitor the individual to ensure their safety, and adherence to the treatment plan laid out specifically for them and their needs. Another barrier to medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts is the limited access to this kind of help in rural areas. From shortages in transportation to a lack of rural specialized MAT facilities, individuals in more rural areas of Massachusetts face a unique set of challenges. Along with these barriers, another is the finances of MAT. There are state-funded programs and insurance to help fund this type of treatment. However, out-of-pocket costs such as copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums tend to prevent these individuals from receiving this much-needed help.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
The benefits of medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts are astounding. Not only can MAT help individuals to end their substance abuse issues, but it can also help with relapse prevention. It helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making the option enticing for individuals who have work, family, and school responsibilities. It allows these individuals to get the necessary help while still being able to maintain these responsibilities. Medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts can benefit the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse to find hope and happiness.
How MAT Works
The role of medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts has a purpose, and it works by providing a clear and level head to those individuals who are struggling. This clear and level head is necessary for these individuals to be able to grasp and retain the necessary life and coping skills that CBT and DBT are intended to teach them. Therapy is beneficial in helping individuals who are struggling to learn how to change negative and unproductive thought processes into positive, healthy, and productive ones. The thought processes that lead to using substances can be flipped and changed to ones that can prevent relapse. MAT medications also help prevent individuals using them from being able to achieve the euphoric, “high” sensation that drugs provide. Those struggling with substances like opioids and alcohol should consider the role of medication-assisted treatment in Massachusetts to aid in beginning life in recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Massachusetts
Substance abuse is a major problem in the United States, and Massachusetts is no different. Struggling with substances like alcohol, opioids, and other substances has affected thousands of people every year. There is hope and help available to help these individuals begin to heal and begin a life free of addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling, we can help. At The Healing Center, our trained professional staff offers compassionate care as you begin a journey of recovery. Call our admissions team today and begin your journey.
