Medically-Assisted Treatment In San Diego, CA
Addiction recovery is a deeply personal journey that looks different for everyone. For those who may need additional support throughout the treatment process, a Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program in San Diego can make all the difference.
What Is Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medically-Assisted Treatment uses FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. This treatment program uses an extended taper period of greater than six months in order to achieve a higher success rate in recovery. Medically-Assisted Treatment is clinically supervised and closely monitored to prevent overmedication and newly formed dependency.
MAT may begin at any level of care at the recommendation of a physician or psychiatrist. To be considered for the program, clients must meet specific criteria after completing a comprehensive mental and physical evaluation. These criteria are:
- History of multiple relapses
- High risk or history of overdose
- History of chronic pain
- History of long-term substance abuse
Your medical team may consider other factors to determine if you would benefit from a medically-assisted treatment program.
Benefits Of Medically-Assisted Treatment
Addiction recovery treatment programs typically begin with detox. While this is a necessary part of the recovery process, short-term detox is not ideal for everyone. Having access to a long-term taper MAT care can result in a higher success rate in recovery.
The primary benefit of medically-assisted treatment programs in San Diego is reduction of cravings, urges, and withdrawal symptoms. These are the most common triggers of relapse in early recovery, so managing these symptoms allows you to devote more attention and energy into the mental and emotional healing of recovery.
Medically-Assisted Treatment may also help reduce the risks of developing or worsening health issues associated with substance use. Using a closely monitored taper program allows your body to slowly adjust to being independent of drugs and alcohol.
Does MAT Undermine Recovery?
Using medication in a clinically supervised MAT program as part of your recovery process does not negate all of your hard work. Medications used in MAT programs do not produce any mind-altering side effects and are administered by trained medical personnel. They are not used to produce a high and clients do not have direct access to the medications prescribed. In fact, the most commonly used MAT medications nullify the effect of other substances, deterring abuse by removing the reward.
Suboxone, Naltrexone, and Vivitrol each block the neurotransmitters responsible for creating feelings of being drunk or high. They prevent opioids and other illicit substances from interacting with the central nervous system by binding to the receptors. This means they are non-habit forming and safe to use over an extended period of time as part of a taper program.
Medically Assisted Treatment Programs At Hope Canyon
Hope Canyon’s approach to Medication Assisted Treatment is personalized for each client and enriches the recovery experience. Our MAT programs include continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure maximum effectiveness and suitability. Here’s how it works:
Intake And Assessment:
During the intake process you will receive a comprehensive assessment to gather data that will inform your treatment plan. At this time our medical and behavioral health team will assess your specific needs and create a care plan. 24 hours before stepping down from the detox level of care, you will receive a follow-up evaluation to determine if you meet the criteria for MAT. If you do, our team will conduct weekly follow up sessions to monitor your progress while receiving treatment.
Stabilization:
The stabilization phase of MAT focuses on creating a hormonal balance within the body. Because long-term substance abuse can cause artificially elevated levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, your body may reduce its natural production of these hormones. Medication tapers administered under clinical supervision help encourage the body to return to more balanced levels of these hormones and renew your body’s natural production.
The average duration of this phase is 12 weeks with one to two sessions every week for two months. During this time clients will also participate in counseling and behavioral therapies as part of our two-pronged approach to lasting success in recovery.
Long Term Phase:
The final phase of Hope Canyon’s MAT program introduces medical maintenance for clients who benefit from long-term medical intervention for their recovery. This includes education regarding the proper use of medication for pre-existing chronic disorders and health conditions as well as the use of Vivitrol, the extended-release Naloxone medication, if need is clinically indicated. This treatment regimen combats urges which may lead to relapse, a preventive measure which can be life-saving.