Addiction is a complex disease that requires a multi-pronged treatment strategy to address all its facets simultaneously. One of the most successful approaches has proven to be medication-assisted treatment, which involves the use of specific, FDA-approved medications to relieve the withdrawal symptoms and cravings caused by the chemical imbalances related to prolonged substance abuse.
One prevalent misconception surrounding MAT is that it is merely replacing one substance with another. However, at Pillars Recovery, we administer medications such as naltrexone and buprenorphine in a medically monitored environment as part of our comfortable detoxification process. We also combine MAT with psychotherapy to provide a holistic approach.
What Happens During Detox?
Detoxification is the initial phase of addiction treatment, in which your body and brain will rid themselves of all harmful chemicals to set the stage for a successful recovery journey.
We’ve learned from experience that it’s ineffective to begin psychotherapy for substance abuse or a dual diagnosis while years of accumulated toxins are still coursing through a client’s system. Professionally managed withdrawal from one or more addictive drugs will help you get clean before you move into your next treatment phase.
Why Do We Use Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The withdrawal process can be highly uncomfortable for people. Anxiety, insomnia and depression are typical withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, withdrawing from drugs can also cause flu-like body aches, in addition to nausea, chills and tremors.
When you start your detox process, you’ll have access to 24/7 supervision and monitoring from medical professionals with specific training in how to handle the unpleasant physical and mental symptoms associated with withdrawal. They will carefully administer medications, as necessary, to help curb your cravings and ease the worst of your symptoms. In this way, MAT represents a more humane, compassionate departure from the cold-turkey approaches used in the past.
Drug withdrawal can leave you feeling drained and lacking the energy and motivation necessary to address the root causes of your addiction. Undergoing a more comfortable detox will allow you to begin participating in psychotherapy sooner and with fewer distractions. We use medication-assisted treatment as an evidence-based treatment option that can give you the energy necessary to get on the road to recovery earlier.
Discover the Benefits of Pillars Recovery
Despite its proven effectiveness, many addiction treatment facilities do not provide MAT for their clients. At Pillars Recovery, we incorporate medication-assisted treatment into our residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs because we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it can make in overall treatment outcomes. Our goal is to provide hope, health and healing for young men and women who are struggling to overcome addictions.
We intentionally created our comfortable, well-appointed rehab facility in sunny Southern California because we believe your environment plays a crucial role in your recovery. Our separate men’s and women’s residences offer breathtaking beachfront vistas everywhere you look. To learn more about medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy in Orange County, CA, please contact us today.
