How Do MAT Programs Aid in the Detox and Treatment Stages?

Detoxification is the first step in healing from substance use disorder (SUD). Many people benefit from a combination of prescription medication and therapeutic support during the initial stages of rehabilitation. Experts at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other support services to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable during the recovery process. People heal quicker and have a more positive experience if they take advantage of services like MAT to manage symptoms. 

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment uses therapy and prescription medications to reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. MAT is often used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and other forms of SUD. According to the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, “Medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) saves lives and enhances quality of life for people in recovery.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers MAT and other services to support clients during detox and ongoing recovery. 

MAT generally involves the following: 

• A comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment 
• Personalized medication plan 
• Management of withdrawal symptoms 
• Stabilization of brain chemistry
• Integrated behavioral therapy
• Medical monitoring 
• Therapy for co-occurring conditions 
• Relapse prevention education and support
• Complementary holistic therapies 

Detox care plans are tailored to the unique needs of each client to ensure they feel safe and confident in the recovery process. MAT involves an extra layer of integration with multiple professionals working together to coordinate care during detox and the following stages of rehabilitation. 

What Is the Role of MAT in Detox and Recovery?

Professional medical detox uses medications, therapy, and other forms of support to help clients manage the effects of withdrawal and prepare for the next stage of healing. Rehabilitation programs use MAT to stabilize brain chemistry or other body processes and improve emotional regulation.

MAT does the following: 

• Reduces withdrawal symptoms 
• Improves treatment retention 
• Provides a safer detox process 
• Promotes long-term recovery 

The detox process removes addictive substances and allows the body’s systems to begin healing from the damage caused by chronic alcohol or drug abuse. In some cases, people may need to slowly transition off addictive substances over the course of days or weeks, reducing strain on the body. 

What Types of SUD Does MAT Treat?

Not all substances require MAT for a safe and comfortable withdrawal. Some substances may only cause minor withdrawal symptoms over a short period of time. However, other substances can have adverse side effects and an increased risk of complications. Individuals with dual diagnosis, especially cases with more than one co-occurring condition, may experience more severe symptoms. MAT helps stabilize individuals with more complex diagnoses. 

Addiction experts use MAT to treat various forms of SUD, including: 

• Opioid use disorder
• Alcohol use disorder
• Stimulant use disorder
• Benzodiazepine dependence
• Polysubstance use disorder (PUD)

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to treat the effects of SUD. The detox program addresses all active disorders. Every care plan is tailored to the specific needs of each client to ensure the best outcome. 

Why Can Detox Be Challenging Without MAT?

The detoxification process varies significantly depending on multiple factors, including the type of substance, the dose, and how long it was abused. Withdrawal symptoms exist on a spectrum between minor discomfort and life-threatening side effects. Medical detox and MAT services reduce the risk of severe side effects or medical complications by minimizing stress on the mind and body. 

Detox without MAT may be more challenging for individuals experiencing the following: 

• Severe symptoms 
• Strong cravings 
• Opioid or alcohol dependence 
• Co-occurring mental health disorders 
• High risk of relapse
• Lack of social support 

Rehabilitation programs address these issues using a combination of therapeutic approaches, including MAT. Studies have shown that “MAT improves short- and long-term outcomes for people with OUD and reduces mortality.” Clinicians at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab use comprehensive assessments to determine if clients would benefit from MAT. Clients who take advantage of MAT and other support services report a smoother transition between levels of care. The various therapeutic modalities provide effective relief from the symptoms of SUD or dual diagnosis. 

How Does MAT Help Stabilize Brain Chemistry During Detox?

Chronic substance abuse impacts the physical structure of the brain and cognitive function. The effects are often cumulative and worsen over time. Many regions of the brain remain affected by SUD after detox. It takes time for the body to repair itself from the damage caused by alcohol or drug addiction. Rehabilitation programs at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab help clients heal by using a whole-person approach to care that addresses physical and emotional needs. 

Some areas of the brain affected by SUD include: 

• Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for decision-making and impulse control 
• Amygdala: Regulates stress and fear 
• Nucleus Accumbens: Central region of the brain’s reward system 
• Basal Ganglia: Plays a role in the formation of habits and repetitive behaviors
• Hypothalamus: Regulates sleep, hunger, and stress responses 
• Hippocampus: Affects memory and learning

Brain plasticity allows people to recover from the effects of addiction. Cognitive function generally begins to improve during the detox stage of treatment as the body and mind stabilize. Over time, as the body continues to heal, hormones stabilize, and brain function returns to normal. In some cases, if the damage is too severe, people may experience persistent, long-term, or permanent changes to cognition. Individuals who abuse mind-altering substances at a young age are more likely to experience permanent side effects. MAT helps mitigate some of the adverse side effects of substance abuse.

Why Is MAT Important for Opioid Detox?

MAT reduces the risk of relapse, overdose, medical complications, and severe side effects during withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. Individuals participating in professional detox programs may benefit from MAT and other services. Clients diagnosed with OUD often require MAT to slowly and safely taper off opioids, ensuring symptoms remain manageable. 

Clients with OUD who accept MAT benefit from the following: 

• Additional accountability 
• 24/7 medical support 
• Tailored care plans 
• Medication management 
• Additional emotional support 

Some people with OUD have co-occurring addictions or mental health disorders requiring simultaneous treatment. The personalized care plans address dual diagnosis involving OUD through comprehensive detox services. 

What Medications Are Used to Treat OUD?

MAT uses a combination of therapeutic modalities, prescription medications, and medical supervision to manage the effects of withdrawal. OUD often requires the use of another drug to slowly taper clients off opioids. Every client has unique needs, and the clinical team takes these into consideration to ensure people in rehabilitation receive the best care. 

Three primary medications are used to treat OUD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The medications reduce the cravings for and the euphoria (extreme pleasure) experienced with opioids,” and include: 

• Methadone
• Buprenorphine 
• Naltrexone 

Medication management ensures clients use prescribed medications as instructed to avoid abusing them or experiencing unnecessary health complications. MAT involves regular check-ins with the care team and medication monitoring. Clinicians can easily adjust medications as needed to address symptoms and side effects of withdrawal. 

Does MAT Help Clients Recover From AUD?

Alcohol use disorder, like all forms of SUD, has a high rate of relapse. Prescription medications may lower the risk of relapse by decreasing cravings or causing a negative physical response to alcohol. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab only uses medications when necessary to safely treat withdrawal. Individuals who have abused alcohol for a prolonged period of time may experience severe side effects, including seizures, without prescription medications. Some people may also benefit from medication management after detox to decrease cravings during the later stages of rehabilitation. The dedicated clinicians at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab ensure clients have access to medications that may help them maintain long-term sobriety. 

How Does MAT Support the Transition From Detox to Long-Term Recovery?

MAT smooths the transition between detox and inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation by reducing the effects of symptoms and lowering overall stress. People in recovery feel more comfortable and safe if they know their care team monitors their health and adjusts medications and therapy as needed. 

Clinicians use MAT services to prepare clients for the next stages of recovery by doing the following: 

• Using therapy or medications to stabilize moods and emotions 
• Ensuring clients safely taper off opioids or other drugs requiring MAT 
• Reducing cravings and other symptoms through prescription medication and therapy

Clients can continue to take advantage of prescription medications, psychotherapy, and other support services during every stage of rehabilitation and aftercare. Maintaining consistency with medication management may reduce the risk of relapse or the development of co-occurring mental health disorders. 

How Does MAT Reduce the Risk of Relapse?

Over half of individuals with SUD experience at least one instance of relapse during recovery. Some people may have a history of chronic relapse if they previously participated in programs that did not meet their needs. Relapse prevention is an integral part of the tailored care plans at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab. MAT supports relapse prevention by reducing the severity of symptoms and making it easier for clients to focus their energy and thoughts on healing.

Some of the most common causes of relapse include: 

• Unmanaged stress 
• Lack of self-care 
• Exposure to triggers 
• Lack of a strong support network 
• Not having a structured routine 
• Boredom 
• Overconfidence 

People address these risk factors using mindfulness-based therapies that increase self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Individuals in recovery are also more likely to practice regular self-care if they focus more on the present. 

What Role Does MAT Play in Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions?

Some people have one or more co-occurring mental health disorders. Rehabilitation programs treat dual diagnosis by addressing all active conditions impacting a client’s mental health and ability to maintain sobriety. 

A few of the most common co-occurring conditions treated with MAT include: 

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other anxiety disorders 
• Bipolar disorder and other mood disorders 
• Personality disorders 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

MAT reduces the symptoms and side effects of dual diagnosis and makes managing co-occurring conditions less challenging. Personalized aftercare planning is essential for individuals with a dual diagnosis. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers comprehensive aftercare planning to ensure clients continue to receive the support they need to heal from SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders. 

What Are the Benefits of Using MAT Alongside Holistic Therapies?

Combining MAT with holistic therapies enhances treatment outcomes and promotes sustainable sobriety. The primary benefits of combining MAT with holistic therapies include: 

• Addressing physical dependence and emotional wellness 
• Reducing cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
• Improved mental health through yoga, meditation, and other holistic therapies 
• Strengthened coping skills
• Greater sense of empowerment 
• Supporting long-term sobriety by treating the mind, body, and spirit

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers a wide range of holistic therapies to complement MAT and other detox services. 

Why Do Treatment Programs Use MAT Alongside Evidence-Based Modalities?

MAT is used alongside other evidence-based modalities to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. Clinicians understand that clients will have an easier time adhering to program guidelines if they focus more fully on actively participating in rehabilitation. MAT uses therapy and medications to treat withdrawal during detox. Therapy allows people to identify and address the root of addictive behaviors, while prescription medications reduce symptoms. 

Some of the therapeutic modalities used during detox include: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Holistic therapies 

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab’s comprehensive MAT services provide personalized care in a tranquil setting, integrating medication with counseling and support to foster lasting recovery and improve overall well-being. Most clients benefit from a combination of therapeutic modalities that address their specific circumstances. 

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Help Clients Learn Healthy Coping Skills?

Practical coping skills reduce the risk of relapse, improve overall health, and help people build the foundation for a happier future. MAT encourages clients to learn practical coping skills through peer engagement and individual counseling sessions. 

Studies have shown that “[p]sychosocial interventions are a crucial part of addiction treatment programs as they target the social, environmental, and psychological factors that contribute to increased use, which medication is generally unable to address” Social support through group and individual therapy fosters resilience. People in rehabilitation use the skills they learn in counseling sessions and support groups to manage symptoms of SUD. 

What Are the Benefits of Personalizing MAT?

Some of the primary benefits of individualized MAT services include: 

• More effective medication management to ensure clients receive the correct type of medication and dosage
• Integrating holistic care into daily routines to support lasting recovery 
• Increased the likelihood of program retention 
• Better management of co-occurring mental health disorders
• Increased client autonomy 
• Minimized withdrawal symptoms and side effects

Everyone has different needs and preferences during detox and early recovery. Focusing on addressing these needs using evidence-based and holistic therapies improves mental health and personalizes the rehabilitation process. 

What Is Exclusive Hawaii Rehab’s Approach to Detox and Rehabilitation?

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers detox programs tailored to the unique needs of each client. The tranquil setting and comprehensive services ensure people in recovery feel supported and comfortable. Withdrawal management generally involves a combination of counseling, prescription medications, and peer support. Clients learn the skills they need to successfully establish healthy behaviors and routines to prepare them for long-term sobriety. 

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Prepare Clients for the Next Stage of Treatment?

MAT uses therapy and medications to treat the mind and body. Stabilizing mental and physical health is the primary goal of detox programs and prepares clients for the next stage of treatment. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses MAT to ensure clients feel comfortable and safe during withdrawal. 

MAT services successfully prepare clients for the transition into lower levels of care by providing the following: 

• Gradual tapering off medications 
• Ongoing medical monitoring 
• Psychoeducation 
• Relapse prevention strategies 
• Development of structured routines 
• Personalized transition plans
• Gradually increased independence 

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers tailored MAT services to clients participating in detox programs. Clients gain essential skills and tools for making healthy lifestyle changes and preparing for lasting sobriety. 

MAT services help people manage symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD) during detox and withdrawal. Some substances require careful tapering off to safely detox. MAT allows clinicians to control how quickly clients detox from alcohol or drugs. Prescription medications also limit the impact of symptoms or side effects of withdrawal. People are less likely to experience severe or persistent complications during early recovery if they take advantage of MAT and other personalized support services. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses MAT to prepare clients for the following stages of rehabilitation. Managing symptoms of SUD with prescription medications smooths the transition from detox to inpatient or outpatient programs. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (808) 775-0200.