The Truth About Medication-Assisted Treatment
Many people that struggle with opioid addiction have countless misconceptions associated with medication-assisted treatment. As a result, the belief in these myths can turn them away from pursuing certain avenues to help them overcome their addiction. At Muse Treatment in Los Angeles, we assist our clients and their family members in learning more about these different treatment options so you can overcome your opioid addiction once and for all.
What Is MAT?
MAT is short for medication-assisted treatment. Over the years, it has been shown to have tremendous benefits, particularly in clients with an addiction to opioids. Unfortunately, there are many misunderstandings regarding using MAT as a treatment option which has led many people away from taking advantage of this option.
Myths About MAT
Our team has heard numerous rumors associated with medication addiction treatment with years of experience as addiction experts. Here are some examples of myths that we help to debunk:
1. Utilizing MAT is the easy way out
Sadly, many people suffering from addiction believe they need to continue to struggle with the ramifications of their addiction long after they take their last drug or drink of choice. While it’s true that certain aspects of your addiction may be more painful than others to deal with, MAT can help make them easier to manage. It does not mean that you are making a bad moral decision or taking a shortcut. Instead, you are tapping into tools that can help you develop a better understanding of your addiction and physical and emotional health.
2. This treatment replaces one drug with another
While it’s true that MAT uses medications to combat the impact of addiction, the medications that are used in this type of treatment are long-acting and safe. There are also more options when it comes to the medicines that can be used. For example, if you don’t feel comfortable using maintenance medication, you can opt to develop a plan that includes naltrexone which is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids on your brain for up to one month.
3. MAT is only for people that can’t manage to overcome their addiction by themselves
Addiction is something that can bring so much strife and suffering to a person’s life. While it’s true that some people can overcome their addiction without the additional assistance that MAT provides, many people tend not to take advantage of this option because of the negative stigma that is put on it.
4. Insurance companies won’t cover a plan that includes MAT
In recent years, insurance companies have come to a better understanding that addiction is not simply something that a person chooses to have. Instead, it is a disease that requires professional help to overcome. As a result, more insurance companies allow coverage not only for inpatient and outpatient treatment programs but also for covering all if not most of the costs associated with MAT. Remember, if you need any assistance in determining the coverage related to your plan, just let us know. We will do everything that we can to help you.
MAT at Muse
At Muse Treatment in Los Angeles, we understand the tremendous benefits of a recovery plan that incorporates medication-assisted treatment. Our team is available to speak with you more about the advantages of MAT or a treatment plan. When you are ready to leave the chaos of addiction in your past, we encourage you to reach out to us at (800) 426-1818.
