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When someone struggles with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD), quitting can be challenging. Unfortunately, as the body builds drug tolerance, it increases the risk of accidental drug overdoses and death. However, medication-assisted treatment in Atlanta is one viable option that is helping people take control of their addiction.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment for AUD and SUD that combines medications with behavioral counseling and other support services. The types of medications used will vary based on the substance that was being used.
While MAT is primarily associated with treating AUD and opioid use disorders, other drugs can be beneficial to help reduce more intense and severe withdrawal symptoms and help with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. In addition, MAT helps to reduce drug cravings, decrease the risk of relapse, and improve overall life functioning.
How Do I Know I Need Medication-Assisted Treatment in Atlanta?
Determining if you need medication-assisted treatment in Atlanta depends on several factors and signs and symptoms of AUD and SUD, including:
- Long-term alcohol or drug use: Long-term alcohol or drug use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, which may require MAT for successful recovery.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking, insomnia, and muscle aches can indicate the need for MAT to manage these symptoms safely and effectively.
- Inability to stop: When someone is unable to stop using drugs or alcohol despite wanting to, this could be a sign that MAT is necessary.
- Relapses: If someone has been unable to maintain sobriety and is experiencing frequent relapses, MAT can help them manage their addiction more effectively.
- Developing co-occurring disorders: If someone is struggling with addiction and has developed a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety, MAT can help to address both issues simultaneously.
- Intense cravings for alcohol or drugs. If someone continues to experience intense cravings for alcohol or drugs after completing detox, MAT could be beneficial in managing cravings.
Benefits of MAT
The benefits of MAT include the following:
- Reduced cravings for drugs or alcohol: Medication-assisted treatment in Atlanta can help reduce cravings and make it easier to resist temptation.
- Improved physical health: MAT can improve overall physical health and well-being by reducing substance use.
- Reduced risk of relapse: MAT helps to prevent relapse by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings for substances.
- Improved mental health: MAT can help manage co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders, which can increase the chances of successful recovery from addiction.
- Increased social functioning: Through counseling, support groups, and other services offered with MAT, individuals can build a strong foundation for long-term recovery as well as develop healthier relationships with others in their lives.
