Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a patient-centered approach to treating drug and alcohol use disorders. MAT combines the use of approved medications with counseling, behavioral therapy, and other support services to provide a comprehensive approach to treating addiction. The medications used in MAT work by blocking the pleasurable effects of drugs or alcohol, reducing cravings, and helping to prevent relapse.

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At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer therapy programs in Londonderry, New Hampshire, including MAT. Medication-assisted treatment is a proven, effective approach to drug and alcohol use and is especially helpful for lessening withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Reach out to Clear Steps Recovery by calling (603) 769-8981. Our friendly, compassionate staff can answer any questions regarding medication-assisted therapy or any of our recovery programs.

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The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment in New Hampshire

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MAT has many benefits, although each client is unique in their substance use disorder and response to treatment. In any case, some of the most common benefits include the following:

• A decrease in drug use
• An increase in treatment retention
• Reduced risk of overdose and other health complications
• Improved quality of life
• Decreased criminal activity

MAT also offers psychological and social benefits such as increased motivation for recovery, improved relationships with family and friends, better functioning and self-care abilities, improved physical health, and the ability to manage stress better.

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Who Is Eligible for Medication-Assisted Treatment?

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Anyone with an opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder may be eligible for medication-assisted therapy. However, there are specific criteria that must first be met. To qualify for MAT, you must show proof of a substance use disorder diagnosis and have undergone an assessment by a physician or other healthcare provider to determine your eligibility.

MAT is most successful in treating opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder when it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, behavioral therapy, mental health support, and other supportive services.

At Clear Steps Recovery in Londonderry, New Hampshire, we understand the struggles of addiction and offer medication-assisted therapy as part of our treatment program. Reach out to us today to learn more about MAT and how it can help you on your path to recovery.

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Common Medications Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment

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The medications employed in MAT are safe, effective, and backed by evidence-based research. The most common medications used in the behavioral health industry include the following:

• Methadone – Used to treat opioid use disorders, methadone blocks the effects of opioids and works to reduce cravings.
• Buprenorphine – Used to treat opioid use disorder, buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Naltrexone – Used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids or alcohol, reducing cravings, and preventing relapse.
• Acamprosate – Used to treat alcohol use disorder, acamprosate helps to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
• Disulfiram – Used to treat alcohol use disorder, disulfiram works by causing adverse physical reactions when alcohol is ingested.

Medication-assisted treatment may be the right choice if you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder. Contact our professional staff at Clear Steps Recovery in Londonderry, New Hampshire, for more information about MAT and other treatment programs available.

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