Recovery from substance abuse is different for everyone, as we all have our own traumas and mental incongruities which caused us to develop an addiction. You may have attempted sobriety before, perhaps even having attended and completed several inpatient substance abuse treatment programs. In spite of these efforts, you have not yet succeeded in cementing yourself in recovery and achieving lasting sobriety, continuing to cycle between sobriety and relapse. If this sounds like a familiar situation, you may want to look into a long term medication assisted treatment program.
Medication Assisted Treatment programs were developed to help those struggling to achieve success in recovery from opiate or alcohol addiction. These substances in particular seem to maintain a hold over the addict’s mind even months after getting sober, often causing them to relapse in early recovery before they are able to complete the necessary work on themselves to eliminate their instinct for substance abuse. Medications which block the effects of alcohol and opiates on the brain while also alleviating cravings brought on by your neurochemistry could be the difference between your success in sobriety and a continued cycle of abstinence and relapse.
While medications are an important component in any MAT program, continued therapy and active participation in a 12 step recovery program are equally significant parts of a well rounded treatment plan. In order to maintain your prescription to whichever medication is prescribed by your attending physician, you will need to remain an active participant both in any one on one or small group therapy sessions as well as a 12-step recovery program of your choice. While you will remain on your prescribed medication for months or perhaps even years, the ultimate goal of any MAT program is to get clients through early recovery successfully so they may remain sober long enough to work a recovery program and achieve stability in their sobriety. Once that is accomplished, you will be tapered off the medication assistance and will rely fully on your network of sober supports and 12 step recovery program.
Medication Assisted Treatment programs are beneficial to anyone who struggles with their recovery, especially those who have established a pattern of relapse in their attempts at sobriety. Relapse is a life-threatening occurrence, as every time an addict returns to alcohol or opiates they risk a fatal overdose. As a result of this substantial risk, if you are struggling to stay sober as you attempt recovery from your addiction, you should inquire about enrolling in a long-term medication assisted treatment program. While you may be uncomfortable with the idea of forming a dependence on the prescribed medication, remember that it is a temporary aid to help you stabilize in your recovery, and far better than the alternative - a continuation of this cycle of relapse which could very well end your life.