What Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Mean?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) refers to an addiction recovery technique combining medication and behavioral therapy. This whole-patient approach helps treat cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can focus on doing what they need to sustain their long-term recovery. The short-term goal is to make the recovery process a bit easier. The ultimate goal, however, is to prevent relapse.
At Gateway Springfield, we understand MAT may not be appropriate for everyone. That’s why we assess your circumstances to determine if medication-assisted treatment should be a component of your personalized recovery program. Our intake assessment includes both a basic physical and a psychiatric exam to uncover any physical or mental health issues that may require additional care.
For many patients, MAT is a short-term medical strategy that addresses withdrawal symptoms. For others, however, they may need medication long term to establish and maintain their sobriety. Throughout every phase of your MAT treatment, our medical team monitors your usage to ensure medications are not misused.
How MAT Helps With Addiction
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition. When you leave our Springfield treatment center, we want to set you up for a successful recovery. Other relapsing conditions, like asthma or diabetes, require ongoing medical care. We believe the same idea applies to addiction. MAT reduces the risk that you will suffer a relapse and helps you stay on track with your recovery goals.
Alcohol use disorder can be treated with medications like Disulfiram and Naltrexone, which block uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms during detox and make drinking less appealing. We also can help those struggling with opioid use disorder. Medications like Buprenorphine ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Explore Medication-Assisted Treatment and Other Services for Addiction in Springfield, IL
Along with medication-assisted treatment, you will find a wide range of services and therapies available at Gateway Springfield. We take a comprehensive approach to care, personalizing each patient’s treatment plan to ensure their individual needs are met. For example, a busy professional struggling with stress will have different objectives than a trauma victim coping with their past experiences. Your individualized care may include:
- Gender-based rehabilitation
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
- Behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Group therapy
- Family counseling
