National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week was created to help bust the myths about substance use disorder (SUD). Many people still carry outdated perceptions of this disorder and the treatment facilities that help overcome it. Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) has changed the way substance use disorders are treated so that more people can achieve their recovery goals. Spreading awareness about the truth behind SUD and medication assisted treatment can encourage more people to consider getting help for drug or alcohol use disorder.
At BrightView, we aim to keep people informed about drug and alcohol use disorder and how our medication assisted treatment center can help make lifelong sobriety their reality. If you or someone you love needs help with substance use disorder, reach out to us at 888.501.9865.
Facts About Medication for Addiction Treatment
In honor of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, we will share five interesting facts about alcohol use disorder and how medication for drugs works as part of a medication assisted treatment program.
Medication for Addiction Treatment can continue for as long as necessary, even for your lifetime.
The purpose of medication assisted treatment is to help you abstain from using drugs or alcohol. The intention is to gradually wean off the medication at a point when you are feeling stronger in recovery. Some people may assume that you will be restricted to using medication for substance use disorder for a limited time. However, no timeline works for each person’s drug or alcohol use disorder. By working together with your physician, you can determine the appropriate medication schedule for you. This may mean a few months, a few years, or even a lifetime if necessary.
Medication for Addiction Treatment is not a standalone treatment for substance use disorder.
There is no magic bullet for maintaining recovery from substance use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective methods of treating drug and alcohol use disorders, but it is not as simple as taking a pill or an injection and moving on with your day. For MAT to be effective, it must be part of a comprehensive SUD treatment program that includes therapy and support from a physician and other healthcare professionals. Medication-assisted treatment supports recovery by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings for drugs or alcohol. Therapy sessions are necessary to address the underlying contributors to substance use disorder, including co-occurring mental health conditions, chronic stress, and unhealthy family dynamics.
Medication for Addiction Treatment is not about replacing one substance use disorder with another.
One of the most interesting facts about drug abuse is that using MAT does not set you dependent on another substance. Some people believe that using SUD medication is not true recovery because you rely on that medication to keep you from using substances. However, if you abstain from using alcohol or drugs that harm your health, you still maintain your recovery even if you take medications like methadone or buprenorphine. As long as you participate in MAT under a doctor’s supervision, you can safely continue to use the medication long-term without developing another SUD.
Medication for Addiction Treatment is not just for severe substance use disorders.
You do not have to be managing a severe STD to be a candidate for medication assisted treatment. MAT can help anyone experiencing drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The main goal is to keep you focused on recovery by minimizing your discomfort.
Medication for Addiction Treatment is safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing.
There is a misconception that medication assisted treatment can harm the unborn baby. MAT is the safest treatment for SUD when a woman is pregnant or nursing. Any risk to the infant is minimal and much less severe than using substances.
BrightView: Evidence-Based Medication for Addiction Treatment Centers You Can Count On
Now that you have learned some interesting facts about alcohol and drug abuse and medication assisted treatment, you can see why MAT is a top choice for lasting recovery. BrightView’s comprehensive approach to healing includes medication and support combined with individual, group, and family therapy to help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you deserve. Call us today at 888.501.9865 to learn more about how the medication works at our medication assisted treatment centers.
