Having the desire to stop using drugs or alcohol isn’t always enough. Medication-assisted treatment can provide the extra layer of support some people need to succeed in recovery. If you or someone you love needs a medication-assisted treatment program in Los Angeles, call Virtues Behavioral Health today at 855.579.8599.
What Is MAT Rehab in Los Angeles?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses a combination of medications to help those with substance use disorders stop using illegal drugs and get on the path to lasting recovery.
Los Angeles medication-assisted treatment programs are also available to help people with severe alcohol use disorders who have a history of relapse.
The exact medications used in treatment depend on the client’s individual needs, the substance they are addicted to, and their medical history.
Medications may include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Naloxone
- Disulfiram
- Acamprosate
Doctors may also prescribe other medications that are not FDA-approved for treating addiction. This is called “off-label use.” Beta-blockers, antipsychotics, and Clonidine (a medication to control hypertension) are common examples.
None of the listed medicines are a cure for addiction. Instead, they are used to help people abstain from drug or alcohol use while participating in other evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and stress management.
Clients with co-occurring disorders will also receive treatment to manage their mental health issues.
Whether you are considering MAT for meth addiction treatment in California or other substances, it should be viewed as a “whole person” therapy. MAT does not only decrease or eliminate withdrawal symptoms either–instead, it utilizes all of the therapeutic approaches that have been shown to be effective for treating addiction.
Reasons to Choose MAT Rehab in Los Angeles
If you’re still unsure whether medication-assisted treatment is the right option for you, consider the following benefits MAT has to offer:
A High Success Rate
When you’re selecting a program for any type of addiction treatment, including meth addiction treatment in California, you want a program with a strong reputation for success.
MAT has been proven to be effective. The medications used for MAT reduce the likelihood of relapse, giving clients a better chance to benefit from counseling, skill-building, and the other therapies that will help them maintain sobriety after MAT is over.
Studies have shown that MAT clients enjoy greater success overall. Once treatment is completed, they have an increased likelihood for employment and a significantly reduced risk of contracting an infectious disease, such as hepatitis or HIV. Pregnant women have also been shown to experience fewer complications and better birthing outcomes.
Reduced Cravings
People who have not experienced addiction don’t understand how overwhelmingly powerful cravings for substances can be.
Once a person’s brain chemistry has become disrupted by drugs or alcohol, the absence of that substance can cause physical pain and emotional disturbances. Los Angeles medication-assisted treatment programs help rebalance brain chemistry.
By blocking the euphoric effects of the drug, medications prevent clients from feeling sick and reduce the incessant cravings that lead people to relapse.
With the absence of overwhelming withdrawal symptoms, participants can focus on other aspects of their recovery and build a stronger foundation for lasting wellness.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Los Angeles Saves Lives
Overdose is the most dangerous symptom of withdrawal. Once the detox process has started, a person’s system can no longer accommodate the same dosages that were previously used. This puts people at risk for accidental overdose if they relapse. The same dose that once brought pleasure before detox could now be deadly.
Los Angeles medication-assisted treatment programs can help individuals facing a wide variety of concerns. By reducing the chance of relapse, MAT programs can save lives, giving people with substance use disorders the opportunity to enjoy lasting recovery.
Find MAT Rehab in Los Angeles at Virtues Behavioral Health
At Virtues Behavioral Health, we understand that recovery is a long road–and oftentimes, it’s a very difficult one. Effective addiction treatment should help make the path easier. That’s why we offer caring, comprehensive medication-assisted treatment in Los Angeles.
Call Virtues Behavioral Health at 855.579.8599 today for more information about MAT and our recovery programs.