Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol

Most of the adults in the United States have at least one alcoholic beverage throughout their life. However, research shows that around 16 millions adults and adolescents have an alcohol addiction. The definition of excessive drinking or alcohol addiction is:

• Binge drinking (drinking 4 or 5 drinks in 2 hours or under)
  
• Heavy drinking (drinking 1 to 2 alcoholic beverages a day or around 7 to 14 per week)
  
• Alcohol use disorder (defined by times of heavy and/or binge drinking, experiencing cravings when you quit drinking, needing more alcohol to get desired effects and having withdrawal symptoms when not drinking)

People who binge drink often end up physically dependent on alcohol. In addition, most people who have an alcohol use disorder need medication assisted treatment and other treatments to help them overcome the addiction. 

Defining Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT

Medication assisted treatment is a type of alcohol and drug rehab treatment that uses medications along with therapy to help people overcome substance use disorders. According to professionals, MAT programs help increase the chances of success in recovery when overcoming alcohol addiction. The primary goal of medication assisted treatment is to offer individualized, quality care for everyone who is dealing with an alcohol addiction. 

There are behavioral therapies we use in MAT such as individual and group therapy. Every client who attends these therapies will work on finding and addressing the underlying causes of their addiction. At the same time, the medications will help to curb some of their cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Medication assisted treatment aims to help reduce obstacles in recovery and lower the chances of relapse.

Using Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders 

It can be extremely tough to overcome an alcohol use disorder. Part of the reason for this is that alcohol is convenient and legal to get at bars, convenience stores, liquor stores and bars. In addition, people are seeing actors and actresses get drunk in movies and on advertisements. Not only that, but in the United States, drinking is seen as a social, fun event. The dangers are often overlooked. 

If you or someone you know has an alcohol addiction, using medication assisted treatment to help you overcome it could be the right journey for you. There are numerous medications that we use during these treatments that you may want to know more about. 

Disulfiram is an Effective Medication

Disulfiram is a very effective medication we use for those who have gone through the detox process and are going into the first stages of their recovery. Generally, disulfiram is given as a tablet once a day. The purpose of this medication is to deter people from consuming alcohol as it produces unwanted, unpleasant side effects if someone even has a small amount of alcohol in their system. Some of the side effects that may occur include:

• Nausea
  
• Headaches
  
• Vomiting
  
• Chest pains
  
• Trouble breathing

Most of the time, these side effects will occur in 10 minutes after someone consumes alcohol and may last for 1 hour or longer. If you want to know more about this medication, please reach out to our team here at Midwood Addiction Recovery Center today.

Naltrexone to Block Euphoria

Naltrexone is another one of the medications we use in medication assisted treatment programs. The primary purpose of taking this medication is to help block the euphoria causes by alcohol consumption. Basically, it helps people to break the mindset that alcohol is pleasurable, since they won’t feel happiness or energy associated with drinking while taking this medication. Taking naltrexone can help you and others to stay committed to your recovery. 

This medication can be given as an injectable (Vivitrol) or in tablets (Depade and ReVia). It should also be noted that this MAT option is most successful when used alongside behavioral therapies. 

Acamprosate After the Initial Detox Phase

Acamprosate is one of the medications we may use for those who have already made it through the initial detox phase. They have also gone through most of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms, too. Usually, acamprosate is given on the 5th day after someone’s last drink. The full effectiveness of this medication will likely occur between the 5th and 8th day after first taking it. 

This medication is given as a tablet, 3 times daily. It helps to reduce cravings, so the client can focus more on their recovery plan and sobriety.

If you want to know more about any of these medications, our Midwood Addiction treatment center team is here to answer any questions or concerns you might have. 

Successful MAT Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders 

Not everyone who goes into recovery from an addiction will experience the same benefits from the same treatments. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Being completely abstinent might be the only true tip that stands for everyone. However, there may be different treatment options that work for one person that don’t work for the next person. 

With this being said, it is important that treatment facilities always use evidence-based care and treatments such as medication assisted treatment. Studies suggest that using medication assisted treatment for overcoming alcohol use disorders helps to significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms, fight cravings and improve the person’s chance of staying sober. 

Get Into a Medication Assisted Treatment Program for Overcoming Alcohol Addiction Today

Here at Midwood Addiction treatment center, we strive to ensure that everyone gets the alcohol addiction treatment they need. We always provide excellent care and treatment to all our clients and their loved ones. Whether you are struggling with trauma, behavioral health disorders or an addiction, our team is here to help you.

At Midwood Addiction Treatment Center, we offer a comprehensive approach when we treat alcohol addictions. We offer co-occurring disorder treatment, as well. If you are struggling with mental health or addiction issues, we can help to add some stability to your life. It all starts with that first phone call. Once you make that call, we can get your history and help you get into the treatment program that could save your life.

Contact us today to get into medication assisted treatment for alcohol use disorders today.