For many people facing the struggles of addiction, it can be challenging to break through the cycle without the right professional help. There’s no shame in needing extra support to overcome a chemical dependency. That’s where medication-assisted treatment comes in. It’s a form of treatment that excels in helping people get past the initial challenges of the journey to sobriety.
However, medication-assisted addiction treatment is not without its critics. Some call it a crutch or simply replacing one addiction with another. But in this article, you’ll discover the benefits of medication-assisted treatment and how it’s led so many people out of the grips of substance addiction.
3 Ways Medication-Assisted Treatment Helps in Addiction Recovery
1. It Can Lower the Risk of Relapses and Overdoses
Relapse is oftentimes just a part of the addiction recovery journey. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that relapse rates are between 40 and 60 percent. Luckily, medication-assisted treatment can help prevent relapse by either blocking the positive effects when using or by breaking the connection that exists between the drug and the high you get from it.
When relapse does occur, there’s a much higher chance of you overdosing. Why? Because your tolerance has decreased without you realizing it and your body can’t handle the same amount of the drug you used to take. So, if you were to relapse and immediately go for the higher dose you were once used to, you’d be putting yourself at a significantly greater risk of overdosing.
During addiction treatment at a rehab center like Silver Maple Recovery, you’re provided an FDA-approved medication that will aid your recovery. Even if a relapse does occur, your body will be more equipped to handle it and less likely to overdose thanks to the medication.
2. It Can Reduce Addiction Cravings
At its core, the goal of any addiction treatment is to minimize the chance of relapse. And oftentimes, it’s the cravings that drive people back into substance abuse. This is where medication-assisted treatment truly shines because it can help lessen the intensity of cravings. How?
As mentioned in the above section, medication-assisted treatment works in two ways: either by blocking the positive effects of the drug or cutting off the connection your brain makes between the drug and the high. Eliminating the high means weakening the cravings you have for it, since you no longer feel the drug’s effects while on medication-assisted treatment.
3. It Can Help Your Mind and Body Start Functioning Normally Again
When you’re in the thick of drug addiction, it’s hard to think about anything else. All your time, energy and money go towards your substance abuse, leaving no room for your family, friends, career or your own personal health.
Medication-assisted treatment is so beneficial because of what happens when you’re no longer controlled by addiction cravings. You can think clearly again and focus on healing your mind and body. You can excel at work again and start repairing your relationships. You can get back to doing things you love and start living normally again. Medication-assisted treatment can truly help you regain your life after addiction.
Recovery is Possible with Medication-Assisted Treatment at Silver Maple Recovery
At Silver Maple Recovery, we focus on delivering compassionate and personalized care. As the only men’s residential treatment center in Lorain, Ohio, we ensure that recovery is not something you have to go through alone. We even offer medication-assisted treatment to support your recovery process.
If you’re ready to break the cycle of addiction, we’re here to help you. Regain hope by contacting one of our caring associates today.
