Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Lexington, KY

The main goal of medication-assisted treatment is to help patients stop using the drug for which they have an addiction. The medication that is prescribed as part of the medication-assisted treatment will typically contain an opioid agonist-antagonist, such as buprenorphine, which works by binding to the opioid receptors within the brain, effectively preventing any other opioids that are introduced into the body from causing the typical “high” that causes individuals to continue taking the problem opioid. This means that the cravings associated with stopping drug use will be much easier to cope with, encouraging patients to move away from these other harmful drugs. The medication will also help to reduce withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to stop drug use. Through the use of prescribed medication, the distressing symptoms and negative effects on the physical and psychological well-being of patients can be effectively alleviated, significantly improving patient health outcomes.

There are many benefits of medication-assisted treatment for those being treated for opioid use disorder, with one benefit being that MAT is very flexible. This treatment option can be provided in both outpatient and inpatient recovery programs, with many individuals starting treatment as inpatients and transitioning to outpatient programs to help them stay on track long-term. Patients who receive medication-assisted treatments have a much lower risk of relapse as the medication effectively stops cravings, allowing patients to instead focus on building healthy habits and taking care of their mental health. MAT programs also provide patients with ongoing professional support for months or years to come, ensuring that they can recover at the pace that is most conducive to their recovery. These programs tend to be a bit more cost-effective while still being very successful compared to many other treatment options that are available for opioid use disorder. Lastly, MAD programs help to reduce the risk of drug-related death, as they not only prevent future relapse but also help them avoid using any drugs, reducing the risk of lethal overdose.

MAT treatments are considered to be a highly effective treatment option, with results provided through extensive research showing that MAT can significantly increase the success of a patient adhering to their treatment, effectively reducing their opioid use when compared to other approaches that do not include medications. There are only a few medications that are considered for use as part of a MAT program, and this course of treatment may not be suitable for every individual with substance use disorder, so it will only be recommended to those for whom it will be safe and effective, with the included medication being specifically chosen based on the individual needs of each patient.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has found MAT to be effective in the following for patients with opioid use disorder:

– Improving birth outcomes
– Improving patient’s ability to acquire jobs as well as remain employed
– Improving the patient’s chance of survival
– Improving the rate of patient retention throughout treatment
– Reduction of criminal activity
– Reduction of use of illegal drugs

Medication-assisted treatment is typically only prescribed for patients who are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder. Good candidates for this course of treatment will include patients whose condition is moderate to severe or who have been to multiple programs that are based on abstinence from the substance and have yet to achieve stability. Ideal candidates will experience unusually strong cravings for alcohol or opioids, making it very difficult for them to remain sober. MAT is also only effective for those with opioid or alcohol use disorders and is not effective for those with an addiction to cannabis, sedatives, methamphetamine, or benzodiazepines. To determine if medication-assisted treatment will be a safe and effective treatment to help you with your substance use disorder, or to learn more about other options available to you, please contact Invictus4Core today to speak with one of our highly qualified healthcare professionals.

Medication-assisted treatment is the combination of prescribed medicines combined with counseling to treat opioid use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment is available at Invictus4Core. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3150 Custer Dr Suite 101, Lexington, KY 40517. We serve patients from Lexington KY, Picadome KY, Keene KY, Nicholasville KY,  Georgetown KY, Brannon Woods KY, and all other surrounding areas in Kentucky.