The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Alcohol and Drug Addiction

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Recovery from addiction often involves managing intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which can make achieving and maintaining sobriety challenging. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and therapy to provide a holistic approach to recovery. MAT has been shown to improve treatment outcomes, reduce relapse rates, and support individuals on their path to a healthier, substance-free life.

What is Medication-Assisted Tratement (MAT)?

MAT is an evidence-based approach that integrates medications with behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. It is tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

How MAT Works

  • Reduces Cravings: Medications help manage intense urges to use substances.
  • Minimizes Withdrawal Symptoms: MAT eases the discomfort of detoxification.
  • Blocks Euphoria: Certain medications prevent the “high” associated with drug or alcohol use, discouraging relapse.

 

By addressing these challenges, MAT allows individuals to focus on the underlying causes of their addiction.

Medications Commonly Used in MAT

Different medications are used depending on the substance being treated:

For Opioid Addiction

  • Methadone: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
  • Buprenorphine: Alleviates cravings with a lower risk of misuse.
  • Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids, preventing relapse.

 

For Alcohol Addiction

  • Disulfiram: Causes adverse reactions to alcohol consumption, discouraging use.
  • Acamprosate: Reduces post-withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and cravings.
  • Naltrexone: Helps manage cravings and reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol.

 

Each medication is prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The Benefits of MAT

Improved Retention in Treatment

Individuals participating in MAT are more likely to stay engaged in their recovery programs, which increases their chances of long-term success.

Reduction in Relapse Rates

By reducing cravings and blocking the effects of substances, MAT significantly lowers the risk of relapse.

Enhanced Quality of Life

MAT supports individuals in rebuilding their lives by improving physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships.

Integration with Therapy

Combining MAT with counseling and behavioral therapies addresses the root causes of addiction, creating a comprehensive approach to recovery.

Addressing Misconceptions About MAT

MAT is often misunderstood as “substituting one addiction for another.” However, the medications used in MAT are carefully regulated and designed to support recovery, not perpetuate dependence. When combined with therapy, MAT helps individuals regain control of their lives.

Why Ohio Recovery Centers Recommends MAT

At Ohio Recovery Centers, we believe that every recovery journey is unique. Our MAT programs are designed to meet the specific needs of each individual, combining medications with evidence-based therapies for a well-rounded approach to care.

What Sets Our MAT Program Apart?

  • Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored to your unique recovery goals.
  • Experienced Medical Professionals: Monitoring and support from licensed experts.
  • Comprehensive Care: Integration with counseling, group therapy, and aftercare services.

 

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting sobriety in a supportive and compassionate environment.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

Medication-Assisted Treatment can be a life-changing tool for individuals struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact Ohio Recovery Centers today. Together, we can create a plan that supports your health, well-being, and long-term success.

Thomas Hunter, LSW

Reviewed on 12/16/2024

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Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn