The opioid crisis has taken over Florida, and the magnitude of the problem and fatalities have dramatically increased in recent years. Typically, these opioid addictions begin after a patient gets hooked on it after being prescribed opioids for pain relief. However, the most effective way for opiate treatment in Florida is via Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
What is Medication Assisted Treatment?
Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is one of the leading opioid addiction treatment programs that has recently gained traction due to its advancements and higher success rates. Although it is one of the frontrunners among opioid addiction treatment programs, it comes with its own set of issues. MAT programs need to be carefully monitored as the potential downfalls can be as significant as their advantages.
The Pros of Medication Assisted Treatment Programs.
Medication Assisted Treatment uses a combination of medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy to help an individual break free from an opioid addiction. The primary reason why MAT has become the standard treatment option for most individuals suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is that it is strongly endorsed as an effective treatment by reputed organizations like the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health.
MAT works by altering the brain chemistry of an individual to block any euphoric effects of any drugs. Doing so helps keep the physical and psychological cravings in check, making the opioid withdrawal symptoms less pronounced. Here are some of the primary cons of using MAT for opiate treatment in Florida.
- It helps control withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it a safer treatment option.
- Significantly reduces the chance of an overdose due to the use of Naloxone in MAT.
- It decreases the use of illegal drugs using behavioral therapy.
- Prevents relapsing by using a combination of behavioral therapy and counseling to change how you deal with specific triggers or cravings.
- Increases retention in treatment by using safely controlled doses of medication.
The Cons of Medication Assisted Treatment Programs.
Although Medication Assisted Treatment Programs are a highly popular treatment option, it has their fair share of drawbacks too. Here are some of the most common cons of MAT for opiate treatment in Florida.
- It requires close medical supervision at a certified facility to be a safe treatment program.
- The medications used are highly potent and can cause undesirable side effects.
- Some of the drugs used in MAT can be addictive and have the potential for misuse or abuse.
- There is always a risk of the individual trading one addiction for another.
While some people argue that MAT simply shifts the dependency from one drug to another, it is not the whole truth. A comprehensive MAT program continuously tapers the use of medications under strict medical supervision, allowing an individual to successfully wean off drug dependency without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms. Doing so also helps suppress cravings, allowing for a higher chance of a stable long-term recovery.
The Right Treatment for You
There are several options for opiate treatment in Florida besides MAT. However, choosing the right one can be tricky as even a comprehensive treatment program like MAT has its own set of pros and cons. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) has emerged as the go-to for addressing intractable substance use disorders as it is significantly backed by several reputed medical and health authorities.
However, the ideal way to make the right treatment choice for you is to consult with a substance abuse rehab. These professionals can help you decide and fine-tune a treatment program for you and also assist you with getting insurance authorizations. Since MAT is combined with counseling and behavioral therapy, the chances of making a stable, long-term recovery is significantly higher than that of other treatment programs.
If you have decided to go with MAT for opiate treatment in Florida, your best bet would be to go to a reputed opioid rehab or de-addiction center that will fine-tune their treatment strategy to fit your precise needs. Furthermore, it is vital to understand that the treatment medication can be equally addictive, which is why strict medical supervision and weaning off is required in this treatment program.
