Harmony Grove Recovery inpatient drug rehabs San Diego, California and outpatient addiction treatment centers offer medication assisted treatment (MAT) options. Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers in California accept most health insurances. We provide luxury drug rehab amenities and can get you in today. We have helped many obtain long-term sobriety.

Inpatient Drug Rehabs San Diego Staff Explains, "What is MAT?"

HGR inpatient drug rehabs San Diego medical staff thought it was important to explain MAT addiction treatment options. Medication-Assisted Treatment, often abbreviated as MAT, is a comprehensive and holistic approach to managing substance abuse and addiction, particularly in relation to opioids, alcohol, and nicotine. Incorporating FDA-approved medications alongside behavioral therapies and counselling, MAT aims to provide a 'whole patient' approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Rather than focusing purely on abstinence, it's designed to improve quality of life by reducing the physiological cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can often be barriers to recovery. It's an evidence-based treatment that has been proven to enhance patient survival rates, increase retention in treatment, and decrease illicit opiate use amongst individuals with opioid use disorder.

FDA-Approved Medications in MAT

Our inpatient drug rehabs San Diego staff is often asked "How to find the best inpatient drug rehabs that provide MAT. We are also asked if MAT is FDA approved. There are several FDA-approved medications utilized in Medication-Assisted Treatment, each targeting different types of substance use disorders.

1. Methadone: This is a long-acting opioid agonist primarily used for the treatment of opioid use disorders. It helps in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid abuse.
2. Buprenorphine: Another medication for opioid use disorders, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It works by binding to the same receptors as opioids, thus mitigating withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same high or harmful side effects.
3. Naltrexone: Used for both opioid and alcohol use disorders, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It blocks the receptors that opioids bind to, preventing their euphoric effects and encouraging abstinence.
4. Acamprosate: This medication is used in the treatment of alcohol use disorders. It helps to reduce the post-acute withdrawal symptoms of alcohol addiction, which can include dysphoria, anxiety, and restlessness.
5. Disulfiram: Another medication for alcohol use disorders, disulfiram interferes with the metabolism of alcohol, causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, thereby encouraging abstinence.

By using these medications in conjunction with behavioral therapies and counselling, MAT provides an integrated approach to treat substance use disorders effectively.

The effectiveness of MAT has been validated through extensive research. A review of multiple studies has shown that MAT increases patients' adherence to treatment and reduces illicit drug use compared to non-drug approaches. Furthermore, patients treated with MAT for opioid addiction have reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction with their treatment, improved physical and mental health, and better overall quality of life. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT has proven to decrease opioid overdose deaths and increase chances of long term recovery. However, it's important to highlight that MAT's success also heavily depends on its integration with comprehensive therapy and support systems to address psychological and social aspects of addiction.

Inpatient Drug Rehabs San Diego Team Did Some Research - What do the studies show?

Harmony Grove Recovery inpatient drug rehabs San Diego has done extensive research. Numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of MAT in substance use disorder recovery. According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT has been associated with a 50% reduction in opioid overdose deaths and a significant increase in the likelihood of retention in treatment. In another study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, patients receiving MAT for opioid use disorder had 75% lower all-cause mortality in the first year of treatment compared to those not receiving MAT. 

Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis in the Lancet found that opioid-dependent individuals who engaged in MAT were more likely to remain in therapy, with one study within the review indicating that MAT doubled the likelihood of treatment retention. Despite these promising statistics, it's important to remember that recovery is a complex journey and success varies from individual to individual. Yet, the evidence firmly supports MAT as a highly effective approach in the management and treatment of substance use disorders.

Potential Side Effects of MAT Medications

While Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) has been found to be effective in treating substance use disorders, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with the FDA-approved medications used in this treatment approach.

1. Methadone: Side effects can include constipation, drowsiness, insomnia, and dry mouth. More serious side effects may include slow or shallow breathing, hives, rashes, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, indicating an allergic reaction.
2. Buprenorphine: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle aches, and sleep disturbances. In rare cases, buprenorphine can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, particularly if started too soon after using other opioids.
3. Naltrexone: Side effects can include nausea, headache, dizziness, nervousness, fatigue, and insomnia. Rarely, naltrexone may result in serious liver disease.
4. Acamprosate: Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, appetite loss, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Some people may experience more severe side effects such as changes in mood or mental state, suicidal thoughts, and irregular heartbeat.
5. Disulfiram: Side effects can include skin rash, garlic-like taste in the mouth, and fatigue. More severe side effects can include severe nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath when combined with alcohol.

It's crucial to note that the benefits of MAT usually outweigh these potential side effects, many of which can be managed with medical supervision. Patients should always inform their healthcare provider about any side effects they experience while on these medications. The healthcare provider can adjust dosages or switch medications as needed to reduce side effects and ensure the most effective treatment.

Medical supervision plays a pivotal role in the effective and safe implementation of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). It is essential for monitoring patient progress, managing potential side effects, and adjusting treatment plans as necessary. Appropriate medical supervision can help in identifying adverse reactions early and mitigating them effectively, thereby ensuring the patient's safety and comfort. Furthermore, it can help in recognizing signs of potential misuse or addiction to the prescribed medication, enabling timely intervention. Moreover, ongoing medical supervision supports the objective evaluation of treatment effectiveness, allowing healthcare providers to make necessary modifications in dosage or switch medications if the desired outcomes are not being achieved. Thus, medical supervision is a cornerstone of successfully employing MAT in treating substance use disorders.

Continue Therapy with Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers in San Diego, California

Harmony Grove Recovery offers many options at our inpatient drug rehabs San Diego and outpatient addiction treatme nt centers across California. Counseling plays a vital role in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), complementing the effects of the prescribed medications. It provides a space for individuals to explore the roots of their substance use disorders, understand triggers, develop coping strategies, and build skills necessary for long-term recovery. Behavioral therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are often employed. CBT helps individuals recognize and change dysfunctional thought patterns that contribute to substance abuse behaviors, while MI enhances the individual's motivation for change. Group counseling may also be beneficial, providing peer support and a sense of community. In essence, while medications address the physical aspects of addiction, counseling treats the psychological and social factors, making MAT a holistic approach to substance use disorder treatment.

In conclusion, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) represents a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to treating substance use disorders. By combining FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies and appropriate medical supervision, MAT provides an individualized, patient-centered strategy that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. It has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing overdose deaths and increasing treatment retention, underscoring its role as a critical tool in combatting the ongoing opioid crisis. Nevertheless, it's crucial to understand that recovery is a complex, nuanced journey with varying success rates. As research continues and our understanding of addiction deepens, MAT offers a promising pathway to help individuals navigate their way towards recovery.

If you or a loved need substance abuse rehabilitation we can help. Call us now at 760-697-0497. We have ad diction treatment centers across southern California. We have made it easy to access treatment by accepting most health insurances. We are one of the best luxury drug rehabs in California providing MAT and other levels of care. We have helped many get their lives back under control. Learn more about our inpatient drug rehabs San Diego, California addiction treatment centers.