Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs play a critical role in liberating people from opioid addiction. A Malibu addiction treatment specialist can help you remain sober for a more fulfilled life. Despite the advantages of MAT programs, many myths exist about the practice. We take a look at some of these myths.
- MAT Programs Have a High Risk of Overdose
People believe that the use of MAT poses a risk of overdose. On the contrary, medically-assisted therapy lowers the risk of opioid overdose, which can be detrimental during treatment. Addicts can cope with withdrawal symptoms by using medications such as Vivitrol. This way, you can gain your psychological and physical freedom and overcome the temptation to relapse.
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2. Medication-Assisted Therapy can Lead to Secondary Addiction
There is a myth that MAT can trade drug and substance addiction for opioid addiction. The use of Suboxone and Methadone has minimal addiction risks since it is regulated and professionals run the program. The program is tailored to meet your individual needs to help promote long-term recovery and lower the risk of relapse. The program will thus help improve your quality of life.
3. Addiction to Drug and Substance Abuse Does not Warrant the use of MAT
People also argue that addiction to drugs does not pose a serious threat, which warrants the use of medically-assisted therapy. On the contrary, MAT programs use various medications that are customized based on an individual’s needs. Below are the types of medications used in the programs:
- Agonists–These medications bind with the brain’s receptors to produce similar effects to those of opioids.
- Partial agonists-These are medications that bind with specific receptors to help reduce the occurrence of opioid-like effects.
- Antagonists-These are medications for blocking opioid receptors to stave-off opioid-like effects.
The medications used in MAT programs are useful during and after the treatment period. Further, your doctor will taper the medication depending on your needs.
4. MAT Programs are Only Useful in the Short-Term
There is also a perception that MAT programs provide a short-term solution to opioid addiction. Mat programs play a vital role in the medical detoxification process and help provide relief against withdrawal symptoms. Besides being useful in early recovery, medically-assisted therapy combined with help from community and outpatient therapy is useful in sustaining recovery among reformed addicts.
5. MAT Programs are not as Effective as Abstinence-Based Programs
People also have a false perception that MAT programs have fewer benefits compared to abstinence programs. Mat programs are research-based and are not based on the trial and error method. Also, reputable organizations such as the American Medical Association and the National Institute on Drug Abuse agree that MAT programs provide a reliable solution against opioid abuse.
Medically assisted therapy is right for you when looking to address opioid addiction. Experienced medical personnel will conduct a thorough evaluation when you sign up to guide your treatment plan. They will assess the severity of your addiction and co-occurring mental disorders that may impact in the recovery process.