Hawaii Island Recovery 
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a form of addiction treatment that involves the use of specific medications under the direction of our on-site medical professionals to address substance use disorder (SUD) and its effects. Medication is used to address persistent urges, cravings, mental health needs, and physical challenges common throughout withdrawal and recovery for a holistic and effective approach to treatment in Hawaii.
Is MAT Effective?
Yes! MAT is effective in helping many people manage the symptoms of withdrawal and pursue their sober goals throughout treatment. However, MAT is not used on its own. No medication can “fix” substance abuse or addiction or eliminate the need for hard work and personal commitment. Combining MAT with other proven therapies offered at Hawaii Island Recovery, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), nature-based experiential treatment, group healing, and more, is necessary to make the most of the benefits of MAT.
Who Benefits the Most From MAT?
Those who experience debilitating urges and cravings throughout detox and withdrawal, who experience intense physical discomfort during withdrawal, or who have tried unsuccessfully to decrease or stop their use of drugs or alcohol on their own in the past can all benefit from the additional support that MAT at Hawaii Island Recovery provides in recovery.
Likewise, those without additional personal support systems can also benefit from the use of medication to more effectively practice personal coping strategies, grounding strategies, and more for sustainable sobriety.
Symptoms of a Severe Substance Use Addiction
Medication can be beneficial, or even necessary, in many cases of severe addiction. Some signs of severe substance use addiction include:
- Inability to decrease or stop using drugs or alcohol
- Excessive time thinking about using alcohol or drugs or creating routines around opportunities to engage with addictive substances
- Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and more
- Withdrawal symptoms when drugs or alcohol are not available
- Challenges at work or school, such as decreased performance or attendance
- Increase in risk-taking behaviors such as driving under the influence or using drugs or alcohol in public
- Hiding drug or alcohol use from loved ones
- The onset of financial challenges, especially as more money is spent to purchase drugs or alcohol
- Self-isolation
- Deterioration of personal relationships with friends, family, and loved ones
A person with severe substance use disorder may also continue engaging with addictive substances even after experiencing negative consequences. It is also possible you or a loved one may recognize the need for treatment and change but find it difficult to stop anyway. Professional MAT programs at Hawaii Island Recovery may be necessary for change in these cases.
How Does MAT Aid In Addiction Recovery?
Talking with a professional at Hawaii Island Recovery is the best way to explore how medications can help you in your sober journey. Some of the most common benefits of MAT include:
- Limit cravings
- Taper an individual off of a substance safely
- Help manage severe symptoms of withdrawal
- Lowered risk of relapse
- Increased retention in treatment programs
MAT can also be a life-saving measure, especially for those overcoming opioid use disorder (OUD). Talking about your expectations around MAT can help further explore its potential benefits and integration into your treatment plan.
Medications Used During a MAT Program at Hawaii Island Recovery
Naltrexone
Used in the treatment of opioid and alcohol addiction, this medication reduces cravings and addresses the “reward system” in the brain, helping to further prevent relapse.
Disulfiram
This medication is used to treat alcohol addiction. Disulfiram interferes with the body’s ability to process ethanol, even in small amounts of alcohol, resulting in unwanted effects like nausea. It is used to create a negative association with alcohol to prioritize sobriety.
Acamprosate
Also used to help overcome alcohol addiction, this medication can help manage feelings of anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges that come with alcohol withdrawal while promoting healing in the brain.
Methadone
Used in treating opioid addiction, methadone reduces cravings, promotes stabilization in recovery, and can address chronic pains. However, it requires daily clinic visits.
Buprenorphine
Also used in addressing opioid use disorder, this medication can also reduce cravings. However, it can be prescribed for at-home use.
What Are the Risks of Becoming Addicted to the Medication?
Many of the medications used in MAT are non-addictive or have a low degree of potential for abuse. While methadone can be addictive, it is only taken under the direct supervision of a medical professional on-site at a dedicated clinic.
However, each MAT program is closely monitored to ensure that you can benefit from medication use. Hawaii Island Recovery’s staff are always available to talk about your unique experiences with a particular medication and any side effects to prevent misuse and promote the best approach to your healing.
Will MAT Only Be Administered During Detoxification?
Medication is most often used during our detox programs due to its potential to help manage withdrawal symptoms, urges, and cravings while learning effective grounding strategies. However, it can be used at any point in recovery. Talking to a professional is the best way to explore at which stages during detox and beyond medication may be necessary.
MAT During Rehab Programs at Hawaii Island Recovery
Medication is just one option for your recovery. Hawaii Island Recovery is prepared to make the most of your recovery efforts in rehab with additional support throughout your time with us. Our MAT programs include:
- Assessment and monitoring
- On-site nurse
- Psychiatric consultants
- A registered dietician
Why Choose MAT at Hawaii Island Recovery?
MAT at Hawaii Island Recovery is just part of a larger, holistic approach to treatment. By using medication in conjunction with other treatments, therapy, individual and group counseling, experiential therapies, and more, we can help you create a truly healthy and new lifestyle in sobriety.
We also treat the whole self, using medication to address physical challenges and cravings while also focusing on your social needs, spiritual healing, and more for a transformational and effective approach to a sober life both inside our walls and beyond. Our comprehensive approach to treatment and holistic healing means that we are the last call you will ever have to make.
Overcoming withdrawal and the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of recovery is difficult. Learn how Hawaii Island Recovery’s dedicated medication-assisted treatment programs can help you by calling us today at (866) 390-5070.
