Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Addiction

Updated
July 24, 2023
5 min read
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Opioid addiction is a complex challenge that affects millions of lives across the nation. When looking into recovery treatment in Tennessee, it’s important to explore all treatment options to find one that works for you. One of the most popular options is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a comprehensive approach that combines doctor administered medication with therapy to create a holistic treatment that offers support in the areas you need it the most. In this article, we dive into the layers of Medicated Assisted Treatment, helping shed light on its significance in your journey to recovery.

An image of Dr. Stephen Loyd, Chief Medical Officer of Cedar Recovery

Opioid addiction is a complex challenge that affects millions of lives across the nation. When looking into recovery treatment in Tennessee, it’s important to explore all treatment options to find one that works for you. One of the most popular options is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a comprehensive approach that combines doctor administered medication with therapy to create a holistic treatment that offers support in the areas you need it the most. In this article, we dive into the layers of Medicated Assisted Treatment, helping shed light on its significance in your journey to recovery.

So what is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

In essence, MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications such as Suboxone (buprenorphine), in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorder. Unlike other methods, MAT offers an ‘all angles’ approach addressing both the physical and psychological facets of opioid use disorder.

Medication

Medications used in MAT work in a couple of ways. Suboxone, also referred to as buprenorphine, works by blocking the receptors in the brain that crave opioids, without activating these receptors to create a “high.” Blocking opioid receptors reduces or eliminates cravings for opioids. Medication-assisted treatment helps individuals transition through the challenging early phases of recovery.

Therapy

Medication-assisted treatment involves counseling and behavioral therapy. These sessions serve as an effective safe space for individuals to explore and understand the underlying causes of their addiction. Behavioral therapy can help you in developing coping mechanisms and set a foundation for not only sustained recovery but a healthy mind as you enter this new, exciting phase of life.

So why chose Medication-Assisted Treatment with Cedar Recovery?

Opioid addiction is a chronic condition affecting the mind and the body. Our treatment recognizes the importance of offering a two-prong approach to helping you mitigate the overpowering grip of opioids. We find that MAT significantly decreases the risk of relapse by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This stability empowers you to focus your attention on taking back control of your life, rebuilding relationships, and doing the things you love without the constant pull of addiction. By combining medications and therapy, MAT tailors the treatment to individual needs. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach but a personalized journey towards long-term recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use disorder in Tennessee, finding a dedicated opioid addiction clinic that offers Medicateion-assisted treatment could be the first step to a happier and healthier life. Cedar Recovery offers clinics across Tennessee, equipped with highly skilled and friendly medical professionals who understand what you’re going through.

Get started here or find a clinic near you to take the first step towards a brighter future.

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