Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Charlotte

In 2022, an estimated 48.7 million people struggled with addiction.[1]

Addiction causes your brain and body to rely on a substance to function. As a result, suddenly stopping the use of a substance will lead to withdrawal symptoms. While some drugs only cause mild withdrawal effects, others may be life-threatening without medical supervision.

For example, alcohol and benzodiazepines cause seizures during withdrawal. Because of risks like these, detox centers in Charlotte use medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a recovery technique that involves using FDA-approved medications. These medications lessen withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings.

MAT is a safe approach to drug detox as it reduces cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, safe prescribing methods ensure no one abuses their medication. In addition to keeping you medically stable, MAT increases your chances of long-term sobriety.

What Makes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) a Safe Approach to Drug and Alcohol Detox?

Medication-assisted treatment in Charlotte combines medications with traditional addiction treatment methods like therapy. As a result, clients are better able to focus on addressing the root causes of their substance use disorder. Withdrawal is safer for everyone involved when programs apply MAT to detox processes.

The factors that make medication-assisted treatment in Charlotte a safe approach to drug and alcohol detox include:

Assessment

Medication-assisted treatment in Charlotte understands that everyone is different. You will undergo an initial assessment to ensure you receive the necessary care. Typically, these assessments gather information about your physical and mental health as well as your history of substance abuse.

Using the information from your assessment, the medical staff can create an individualized treatment plan. These plans include information like how long detox will take, what medications you need, and more.

Safe Prescribing Methods

MAT programs might use medications that target receptors in your brain similarly to the drugs you abused. For example, Suboxone or methadone controls opioid withdrawal. Both of these medications can cause a high when abused.

Because some medications are controlled substances, safe prescribing methods are in place. During detox, you will only receive one dose at a time. In other words, you will not have the ability to misuse your prescriptions.

Controlled Withdrawal Symptoms

The main factor that makes MAT a safe approach to detox in Charlotte is controlled withdrawal symptoms. The medications will lessen the symptoms you experience. In other words, you will not deal with severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms during these programs.

Typically, you will take medications on a tapering basis. As your withdrawal symptoms subside, medical staff will lower your dose. Eventually, your doctor will take you off your medication.

Using the tapering method ensures your symptoms are minimal while preventing you from becoming dependent on your medication.

Medical Supervision During Detox

Doctors and nurses will supervise you during medication-assisted detox programs. Oftentimes, people experience symptoms during withdrawal, like increased blood pressure, high body temperature, and more. Allowing any of these medical conditions to remain untreated could become dangerous.

The medical team will consistently monitor your vital signs to ensure safety. You will receive prompt treatment if any of your vital signs become abnormal. Your condition will remain stabilized throughout medical detox.

Collaborative Care

MAT combines medications with individual therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning. By design, these programs call for collaborative care between many different types of health professionals. For example, you will receive support from doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and addiction specialists.

Having this many health experts assisting you will maximize your chances of long-term recovery. Additionally, mental health professionals can work with your doctors to determine whether you require any additional services during detox.

What are the Benefits of MAT?

Medication-assisted treatment offers a variety of benefits. For example, lessening withdrawal symptoms and preventing cravings during detox increases your chances of long-term sobriety. In other words, MAT lowers your risk of relapsing during early recovery.

SAMHSA also reports that MAT offers the following benefits:[2]

• Improved patient survival
• Increased retention in treatment
• Decreased illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
• Increases patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
• Improved birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant

MAT medications are FDA-approved, which means they are safe to use. They are also highly effective, allowing you to rest assured that they will offer the relief you need. However, it is essential to note that you must combine these medications with intensive therapy.

Get Connected to a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in Charlotte

Drug addiction and alcoholism are difficult medical conditions to overcome. Instead of trying to detox cold turkey, consider attending a MAT detox center. Detox programs that use medication-assisted treatment will prevent you from experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

At Charlotte Detox Center, our medical professionals understand the importance of controlling withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Furthermore, we combine our MAT services with therapies and counseling services. This enhances your likelihood of achieving long-term sobriety.

We offer a safe environment at our detox facility. Our treatment facilities are top-notch by offering behavioral health services during medical detoxification. Additionally, you can receive much-needed support from your family members during your stay.

Contact us today to learn more about our medication-assisted detox program in Charlotte. We can help you get back on track and improve your overall quality of life.