What Are the Anti-Craving Medicines Used in MAT?
Studies show that individuals with an opioid use disorder (OUD) who attempt total abstinence following detox are significantly more likely to relapse than individuals with other addictions. Relapse is a normal part of the recovery process. However, relapsing on opioids carries a higher risk for fatal overdoses. Because of the power of opioids, individuals with OUD often detox and relapse multiple times. Each time, it can be more dangerous. One highly effective way to combat this is incorporating medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in New Jersey into comprehensive addiction treatment. While many believe that MAT simply substitutes one addiction for another, at Next Wind Recovery, we know that these FDA-approved anti-craving medications are a critical component of successful and lasting recovery from opioids and alcohol. Find out if MAT is appropriate for you by calling us at 201.331.6569. What Are the Anti-Craving Medications Used in MAT? Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based treatment, meaning that its effectiveness has been proven in clinical trials. MAT is promoted and supported by public health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Despite this, it remains highly controversial. Helping more people secure MAT means working to break the stigma associated with some of the medications used. Anti-Alcohol Craving Medications Because alcohol is legal and such a part of American culture, many people do not understand the severity of alcohol addiction. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. Particularly in severe cases of alcohol addiction, MAT is essential. The medications used include: Acamprosate – This unique drug does not eliminate withdrawal symptoms but helps people avoid alcohol after they quit drinking by stabilizing the chemical imbalances caused by alcohol addiction.Disulfiram – Also used after detox, this drug changes how the body eliminates alcohol, causing side effects such as headache, nausea, and vomiting if alcohol is consumed. Anti-Craving Medications for Opiates Opioid addiction quickly causes significant changes in brain and body chemistry that result in extreme psychological and physical cravings. When these powerful drugs leave the system, intense withdrawal symptoms set in quickly, a feeling known as “dope sick.” Those addicted to opioids repeatedly return to their drug of choice to avoid these intense withdrawal symptoms. MAT medications that help include: Buprenorphine – Taken as directed, this drug significantly reduces opioid dependence by reducing and suppressing opioid cravings and limiting withdrawal symptoms. Methadone – This drug reduces the cravings for opioids and can block the effects that opioids have on the body. Much like using the patch to quit smoking, methadone is used to help titrate down from opioid addiction. The Benefits of Naltrexone in MAT Naltrexone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Contrary to popular belief, Naltrexone is not an opioid. It is also not addictive and does not cause withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and alcohol, reduces cravings, and helps prevent relapse. Naltrexone can only be used following detox when there are no traces of alcohol or opioids in the system. Individuals who drink or use opioids while taking Naltrexone will experience severe side effects. Contact Next Wind Recovery for Medication-Assisted Treatment Medication-assisted treatment for addiction recovery is a highly effective but significantly underused approach to treatment. MAT is often mistakenly viewed as substituting one addiction for another. At Next Wind Recovery, we are dedicated to helping reduce the stigma of medication-assisted treatment. We do this by providing constant support and guidance for clients participating in MAT to ensure their medications remain at a therapeutic level. We understand that the fear of going through withdrawal often prevents people from seeking treatment for alcohol or opioid addiction. MAT can make the detox process more tolerable and reduce the risk of relapse. Contact Next Wind Recovery at 201.331.6569 if you have questions about medication-assisted treatment or want to find out if MAT can assist you in your recovery.
What to Expect from Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Millions of people suffer from substance use disorders (SUD). Treatment for substance use disorders generally falls into inpatient or outpatient care. Inpatient rehab is intensive, 24-hour supervised treatment in a residential setting. Outpatient rehab is a part-time treatment option that enables individuals to receive substance abuse treatment while maintaining regular daily routines. Not everyone struggling with SUD either needs or can attend inpatient treatment. Next Wind Recovery provides outpatient addiction treatment in New Jersey. At Next Wind Recovery, we have seen the impacts of opioid and alcohol addiction in our community and are dedicated to helping as many as possible achieve lasting recovery. Whether you are just beginning your recovery journey or just need extra support during a difficult time, we offer multiple levels of care to meet your needs. Call us at 201.331.6569 or use our online form to see if our outpatient rehab services are right for you or your loved one. Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment Right for You? Choosing the best program can feel overwhelming with so many treatment options available. Additionally, most people have difficulty accurately assessing their substance abuse or addiction level. Compared to inpatient rehab programs designed to provide the highest level of care to those with more severe addictions, outpatient rehab programs are more flexible and often more accessible. Outpatient addiction treatment is ideal for: Mild to moderate substance abuse or addiction Individuals with a lower risk of severe withdrawal symptoms Those who cannot afford inpatient treatment Individuals who cannot leave family, work, or school obligations Individuals who have a stable living situation and a strong support network Transitioning from a higher level of treatment Those who have relapsed or otherwise need continuing support Like all programs at Next Wind Recovery, our outpatient rehab center focuses on providing integrated care through holistic and evidence-based treatment practices to create a treatment plan designed to meet each client’s individual needs. Your schedule in outpatient rehab will be based on your needs, as assessed by our highly-skilled treatment team. What to Expect in Outpatient Addiction Treatment Deciding to stop using drugs and alcohol is the first step toward a healthier future. Often, an individual’s substance use causes disruptions in life, but overall they can function well enough to get by. Other times, substance use disorders are less noticeable, and individuals silently struggle to control their drug and alcohol use while appearing to be okay to those around them. The effects of substance use disorders are unique to each person and their circumstances. Choosing the best treatment starts with understanding what will work best for you and your individual needs. Outpatient programs in New Jersey usually offer the same treatments and therapies as inpatient drug rehab but in a less restrictive environment. Following are some of the evidence-based approaches we offer at Next Wind Recovery: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) Motivational interviewing (MI) Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) Individual counseling Group therapy A significant number of people who struggle with substance use disorders also have one or more mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. At our New Jersey outpatient rehab center, we know the importance of providing treatment for co-occurring disorders. Contact Next Wind Recovery for Outpatient Programs in New Jersey For outpatient rehab to be successful, you or your loved one must be motivated to achieve recovery and commit to the process. Our team of compassionate addiction specialists will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to meet your needs and goals for recovery. Our fully licensed treatment team of doctors, nurses, and counselors is one of New Jersey’s best. At Next Wind Recovery, we understand that scheduling can be difficult, so we accommodate your busy schedule by offering individual and group sessions seven days per week. Further, we keep our client-to-staff ratios low to ensure each of our clients receives the personalized care they need and deserve. Contact us today at 201.331.6569 to learn more about how our outpatient addiction programs can help you or your loved one.