While treating substance addiction with another substance might seem counterproductive, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is regarded as a highly effective method of helping individuals break their addictions and enter recovery. For some, MAT is an invaluable tool in rebuilding their lives after choosing sobriety. How could medication-assisted treatment in Ohio benefit your recovery?
Genesis Recovery uses Vivitrol to help treat alcohol and opioid addiction at our treatment facilities in Fairlawn and Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Contact us at 216.331.2998 today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs, including our MAT program.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol (naltrexone) is a prescription-only injectable medication used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction under the professional supervision of addiction treatment specialists. It stops the calm, euphoric, or sedated feelings that alcohol and opioids can cause, effectively blocking the central nervous system from feeling these things. Vivitrol is very helpful in preventing relapse, as it stays in the system for a long time and makes someone no longer able to achieve a “high” after detoxing fully. It is administered once a month as part of ongoing recovery support, and an individual must be 7-10 days substance-free before receiving their first dose.
Vivitrol for Alcohol Addiction
Individuals must stop drinking and complete a detox program before Vivitrol is introduced to their system. Once the medication is administered, it begins working to block the receptors of the endorphins released when one consumes alcohol. These endorphins make a person feel good and want to drink more. When these good feelings can no longer be achieved, and the desired effects of alcohol consumption can no longer be felt, there is no need to continue drinking if it doesn’t feel the same or work like it used to. There may still be signs of intoxication, but the individual will take no pleasure from drinking. Over time, the desire to drink disappears as it no longer produces the desired effects.
Vivitrol for Opioid Addiction
An individual must complete a detox program and have no traces of opioids left in their system before Vivitrol is administered. This includes during detox, especially if another medication is used to offset withdrawal symptoms. If administered too soon, Vivitrol can worsen withdrawal symptoms. Once it enters the system, it starts binding to opioid receptors in the brain. Vivitrol is known as an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks an individual from feeling the desired effects of opioid consumption. It stays in the system for a long time and is extremely beneficial to relapse prevention. A person on Vivitrol will not be able to feel the pleasurable effects of opioids if they use them again, making Vivitrol highly effective in treating opioid abuse and addiction.
How Effective Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment has excellent success rates in treating alcohol and opioid addiction and preventing relapse, but there is no one cure-all for addiction. MAT works best in tandem with other treatment and rehab programs, predominately psychotherapy. When made part of a solid treatment plan, medication-assisted treatment can even help those who’ve gone through treatment or rehab without MAT in the past, only to struggle with chronic relapse upon leaving the program.
The main goal of medication-assisted treatment is full addiction recovery. MAT has been proven highly effective in supporting patient survival and relapse prevention, improving how one responds to and takes in treatment, and keeping people on their paths to long-term successful recovery. How could medication-assisted treatment help you?
Who May Benefit from Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment may not be suitable for everyone, but it can help people change their lives for the better when combined with a full treatment plan. If you relate to any of the following statements, MAT may benefit you and your recovery greatly:
- You can’t stop drinking alcohol or using opioids even though you want to.
- You continue to drink or use drugs despite their toll on your health.
- You continue to drink or use drugs despite problems at home, work, or school.
- You have attempted treatment in the past without MAT but relapsed each time.
- You have not been successful when attempting to quit your addiction on your own in the past.
A licensed addiction treatment specialist will determine if medication-assisted treatment with Vivitrol is right for your needs. You have to take the first step toward recovery and ask for help.
Break Addiction with Medication-Assisted Treatment at Genesis Recovery and Wellness
When you’re ready, Genesis Recovery in Fairlawn and Middleburg Heights, Ohio, can help you confront your addiction head-on and break free. Our professional and dedicated staff is prepared to walk you through each step of your recovery journey. Reach out to us at 216.331.2998 today to learn how we can help.