Withdrawal is a challenging part of recovery from substance use disorder, often marked by intense physical and emotional discomfort. Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, is one of the most effective ways to manage these withdrawal symptoms and support a smooth transition through the early stages of recovery.
This approach, offered at BrightView, combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to ease withdrawal and help individuals build a stable foundation for long-term recovery. Here, we’ll explore how MAT helps withdrawal symptoms and why it has become a crucial component of successful addiction treatment.
How MAT Works: Easing Physical and Psychological Symptoms
One of the primary benefits of MAT for withdrawal is its ability to ease both physical and psychological symptoms. Medications used in MAT target specific receptors in the brain that have been affected by prolonged substance use, helping the brain gradually adjust to the absence of these substances. For example, medications like buprenorphine and methadone are often used in the treatment of opioid use disorder to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naltrexone is used to prevent relapse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol.
MAT doesn’t replace one substance with another. Instead, it provides controlled and supervised medication that reduces withdrawal symptoms, enabling the individual to focus on other critical components of recovery, such as counseling and lifestyle changes. This approach allows individuals to regain control over their lives with less physical and emotional stress.
How MAT Helps With Withdrawal Cravings
One of the most challenging aspects of withdrawal is the persistent craving for the substance the body has grown used to. Cravings are a normal but powerful part of addiction and can be difficult to resist, especially during the early stages of recovery. How MAT helps withdrawal symptoms includes the way it reduces or blocks cravings, making it easier for individuals to stay committed to their recovery goals.
By reducing cravings, MAT allows patients to focus on building the skills and coping mechanisms needed to sustain long-term recovery. This support can be especially valuable during high-stress moments or when triggers arise. BrightView’s MAT program offers continuous support, ensuring that individuals feel equipped to manage cravings and avoid potential relapses.
Psychological Benefits of MAT for Withdrawal
The benefits of MAT for withdrawal go beyond physical relief, as MAT also provides significant psychological support. When people feel confident that they can manage their withdrawal symptoms, they experience less anxiety. They are then more likely to engage in counseling, therapy, and other supportive activities that strengthen recovery.
Knowing that symptoms are manageable can foster a sense of hope and empowerment. BrightView’s approach to MAT combines medical support with counseling, which helps patients address underlying issues and behaviors associated with substance use. This holistic approach addresses both the immediate withdrawal symptoms and the emotional aspects of recovery, making MAT a more comprehensive form of support than medication alone.
Long-Term Benefits of MAT in Recovery
MAT for withdrawal is not just about short-term relief; it also provides long-term benefits that support a sustained recovery. Studies have shown that individuals who use MAT are more likely to complete treatment and maintain long-term sobriety. By minimizing the discomfort associated with withdrawal and reducing the risk of relapse, MAT offers a pathway to recovery that feels manageable and sustainable.
BrightView’s commitment to individualized care means that each MAT plan is tailored to the specific needs of the patient. Our goal is to make recovery accessible, ensuring that every person receives the right level of support for their unique journey. With our outpatient programs and telehealth options, we make it easy for patients to receive continuous care without significant disruptions to their daily lives.
Contact BrightView to Learn More About MAT and Recovery
BrightView is here to answer your questions, help you understand your options, and guide you through every step of your recovery journey. With multiple locations and telehealth availability, we ensure that care is within reach. Call BrightView today at 888.501.9865 or online and take the first step toward a better tomorrow.
