Although an individual with substance use disorder (SUD) may have completed their treatment program, this does not necessarily mean they have been cured. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that alters one’s reward system. Although there is no cure, SUD continuing care services can help one with addiction manage their condition. Substance cravings, substance exposure, and peer pressure can still be problematic in recovery. A medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program can help. Both early and late recovery can come with many different obstacles. Maintaining a MAT approach in recovery with Renaissance Ranch can promote stability for long-term sobriety.
What Is a MAT Approach?
According to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, MAT is a specific approach that combines medication with behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can occur after discontinuing painkillers. For example, for those who face challenges with opioid use disorder (OUD), prescription medications can treat the physical complications.
Buprenorphine or methadone substitutes one substance for another. Research-based evidence has reported that participants who have taken these medications are more likely to hold a job, avoid criminal activity, and less likely to contract HIV through needle injections.
Counseling or behavioral therapies can provide one with the tools needed to cope with intense substance cravings and further aid in relapse prevention. If an individual stays dedicated to treatment, they can effectively manage their symptoms and overcome addiction while in recovery.
Who May Benefit From a MAT Approach in Recovery?
A medication-assisted treatment approach may not be for everyone. However, even the most motivated individuals may still experience problems in recovery. Taking on a MAT approach in recovery can ensure an individual reaches a more positive outcome. A medication-assisted treatment program provides dual support for those experiencing problems with addiction or mental health disorders. Those with a serious mental health condition, severe SUDs, or co-occurring conditions may highly benefit from taking on a MAT approach to recovery. This can be especially so for individuals having problems coping with a dual diagnosis as it can be challenging to treat.
The Importance of Maintaining a MAT Approach in Recovery
Medication-assisted treatment can offer the dual support needed for an enhanced recovery. If an individual is not taking their medication as advised or misses therapy sessions, they may fall off track and put themselves at an increased risk for a potential substance relapse. Not putting a hundred percent in their MAT treatment plan can cause addiction to interfere with many different areas of their life. One may experience impaired relationships, academic challenges, and poor work performance issues. It can be tough to stay dedicated to treatment, but doing so may help one maintain balance to gain a better quality of life.
The Benefits That Can Come from Maintaining a MAT Approach in Recovery
Knowing early recovery can be a vulnerable stage, choosing to stay dedicated to a MAT approach in recovery with Renaissance Ranch can help aid in relapse prevention. Renaissance Ranch takes pride in delivering a whole-person approach. Doing so improves successful patient outcomes, increases productivity, and provides overall treatment satisfaction. Developing an individualized treatment plan with a specialist at their facility can significantly help. A professional can work closely with the client to create an aftercare plan and assist in their recovery process. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the MAT approach has been shown to:
- Improve patient survival rates
- Increase treatment retention
- Reduce illicit opiate use
- Decrease substance use-related crime rates
- Promote healthy birth outcomes
Self-Help Strategies to Maintain a MAT Approach in Recovery
Early recovery can feel like a lonely road as it typically requires one to make great sacrifices to promote positive change. For example, an individual may remove toxic relationships with those who continue to abuse drugs and even change their residence to reduce or eliminate substance exposure. Doing so may help decrease cravings, urges, and triggers to discontinue addictive habits. Positive life changes can encourage one to engage in sober activities to gain an improved well-being. The transition into recovery can also be a stressful process. Therefore, it is especially common for one to relapse within the first year after completing treatment. Tips to maintain a MAT approach in recovery include:
- Set reminders to take medications as instructed
- Log mental health symptoms and report them to a specialist
- Choose a good therapist and express concerns if needed to make for a more comfortable experience
- Stay patient as recovery is often different for everyone
- Continue to use the strategies learned in treatment outside of therapy
- Ask about complementary services to enhance treatment satisfaction
- Reflect on progress to increase motivation to keep going
- Continue to create goals to increase productivity and gain a greater sense of purpose
- Build a strong network of connections to reach out to for support when feeling discouraged
Renaissance Ranch provides gender-specific treatment for addiction in order to better help our clients succeed in long-term recovery. We provide a comprehensive addiction recovery program that uses a wide variety of therapeutic methods and medical processes delivered through a faith-based approach to promote lasting recovery. While each person’s treatment journey is unique, we try our best to provide a clear path to addiction recovery for each of our clients. From the moment each of our clients makes the initial call to get treatment, we put them on a roadmap that leads them from detoxification to inpatient rehab, to continuing care, and all the way through to an honored place in our sober alumni network. Call us at (801) 308-8898.