Benefits of MAT for Treating Alcohol Dependence

Woman discussing alcohol recovery with therapist

This entry was posted in Alcohol and tagged alcohol, alcohol use disorder, medication assisted treatment on September 20, 2024 by Recovery Cove.

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Alcohol dependence, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), affects millions of people in the United States, costing $249 billion in absenteeism, employee turnover, lost productivity, legal costs, healthcare expenses, physical health problems, and accidents, injuries and violence. Sadly, less than 10% of people receive treatment for alcohol use disorder. What many people don’t realize is that treatment exists on a spectrum and can start at any point. You do not have to wait until life is unmanageable to seek help.

In fact, by seeking support today, you can improve your heart and cardiovascular health, decrease the risk of certain cancers, and boost your immune system, among many other benefits. One effective treatment approach that has gained traction in recent years is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to help individuals overcome their dependence on alcohol. Let’s learn more about why MAT is becoming an increasingly popular option for recovery.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT involves the use of specific medications, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram to help manage cravings, reduce alcohol consumption, and support recovery. These medications are most effective when combined with counseling, therapy, and support services to address the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol dependence. MAT is tailored to the individual's needs. It provides a comprehensive approach to treating AUD, promoting long-term recovery by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse.

The Benefits of MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder

Reduce Alcohol Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the most challenging aspects of recovering from alcohol dependence is dealing with intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, especially because alcohol is present in everyday life. It’s hard to resist when it’s involved in most social functions and sold everywhere from grocery stores and gas stations to restaurants and movie theaters. Fortunately, MAT eases cravings and withdrawal symptoms by stabilizing brain chemistry and reducing the urge to drink.

For example, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol, helping to reduce cravings and the desire to drink. Acampostrate helps restore balance in the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, reducing the discomfort associated with withdrawal symptoms. Disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions like nausea and headaches when alcohol is consumed, deterring people from drinking.

Improve Treatment Retention

A major benefit of MAT is that it helps individuals stay committed to their recovery plan. Many people who attempt to stop drinking without support relapse due to overwhelming cravings or the difficulty of dealing with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. MAT helps bridge the gap by making the recovery process more manageable. By keeping people in treatment, MAT enables them to engage more fully in therapy, counseling, and support groups.

Lower the Risk of Relapse

Relapse is common in the early stages of alcohol recovery, and it’s made harder when individuals try to quit without medical support. MAT significantly reduces the risk of relapse by providing medications that address the underlying chemical imbalances in the brain caused by long-term alcohol consumption. Naltrexone, for instance, prevents alcohol use by blocking its pleasurable effects. So, if you do end up reaching for a drink, you won’t feel good.

Support Comprehensive Recovery

MAT is not a standalone treatment. It is most effective when combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and 12-step programs. By incorporating counseling and support groups, MAT addresses both the physical and emotional components of alcohol dependence. This comprehensive approach helps individuals develop healthy coping skills, identify and address triggers for drinking, and build emotional resilience.

Medication-Assisted Treatment in Easton, PA

Medication-assisted treatment offers a highly effective and comprehensive approach to treating alcohol dependence. By combining FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies and counseling, MAT helps individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of relapse. To learn more about the MAT program at Recovery Cove, contact us today at 484-549-COVE.

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