Medication-Assisted Treatment
for Men
Overview of Addiction Coupled With Medication-Assisted Treatment
The Mental Health Services Administration conducted research on addiction that estimated that around 21 million Americans deal with at least one addiction, whether it be substance use disorder such as opioid addiction or alcohol use disorder. However, only around 10% of those people receive treatment at licensed treatment facilities.
Treatment of substance use disorders, such as opioid use disorders, can be treated with the help of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications, in conjunction with counseling and behavior therapies, to provide highly effective addiction treatment. The use of medications has been proven to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with addictions. If you’ve felt alone in your struggle with addiction, it is never too late to receive quality addiction and mental health disorder treatment at Next Step Recovery.
Men struggling with addiction to substances such as opioids, alcohol, or heroin, find it very difficult to stay in recovery when transitioning out of treatment programs. Addiction creates a deep physical dependency that often makes the chances of relapse extremely high, even more so if someone has a long history of dependence. Substance use disorders such as opioid use disorder bring about withdrawal symptoms in the early stages of recovery, making it nearly impossible to quit cold turkey. While the beginning stages of recovery from alcohol abuse and opioid use can be uncomfortable, addiction medicine is generally available to reduce cravings and ease discomfort.
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
When it comes to medication-assisted treatment for men, there are some unique considerations. Men may be less likely than women to seek treatment and therefore need extra outreach when it comes to addressing their substance use disorder. Additionally, the culture of masculinity is often a barrier when it comes to seeking help with addiction or mental health issues. It can take time for men to recognize that they have a problem and be willing to reach out for help.
To provide successful treatment, MAT providers must be familiar with the particular needs of men. This includes understanding the unique social pressures they face when dealing with addiction, as well as having knowledge of their own biases and beliefs that may shape how they view substance use disorder. Providers should have a non-judgmental approach when dealing with men, understanding that the cultural pressures of masculinity can make it difficult for them to seek help.
MAT provides a path toward recovery for those struggling with addiction, regardless of gender or background. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to us today. We specialize in treating male patients, and with our help and support, you or your loved one can take the first steps toward lasting recovery.
The Benefits of MAT for Substance Use Disorders
There are many benefits to receiving sublingual, pill-form, or long-acting injection MAT medications. This treatment approach works to address the whole patient and is often a necessary step in living a sober and self-directed life. Research indicates that treatment options such as MAT are the key first step to reducing cravings and assisting in treatment program transitions.
Benefits to Sublocade & Vivitrol
- Keeps a steady, even flow of medication in your system: Often, these drugs are given as pills, sublingually, or as a long-acting injection, which keeps the medication releasing slowly over an extended period rather than rapidly.
- Operates to normalize brain chemistry: The prescribed medication operates to normalize body functions and restore brain chemistry that may have been disrupted by psychological cravings and chemical imbalances.
- Blocks the euphoric effects: These drugs often work in the brain similar to an opioid antagonist, blocking out the euphoric effects given to users.
- Relieve physiological cravings: These medications can work to relieve the physiological cravings, which often continue the cycle of the abused drug addiction.
- Likelihood of Abuse: Most importantly, common misconceptions are that MAT drugs can be misused and abused. However, neither medication can be misused. Your prescribed medication is closely monitored by healthcare providers and does not create the same cycle of dependency or other associated negative effects.
Benefits for Men
MAT has been proven to help men suffering from substance use disorders, reducing relapse rates and increasing the chances of successful recovery. The medications prescribed during MAT can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings that often lead to addiction relapse. Additionally, when paired with counseling or other evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment can help men successfully manage their addiction and mental health disorders.
The medications prescribed during MAT are approved by the FDA and are generally used to increase a patient’s ability to stay in recovery. MAT helps patients with substance use disorder improve their quality of life and have better chances of long-term sobriety. With proven results, medication-assisted treatment is the best option for men struggling with substance use disorders.
If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment, consider MAT as an effective way to manage both your physical and mental health. With comprehensive, evidence-based treatments and medications available, MAT can help improve your chances of successful long-term recovery. If you’re looking to take the first step in your recovery, contact us today. We’ll help you find a treatment plan that works best for you and provide the support needed to get on the path to long-term sobriety.
MAT Substance Abuse Treatment with Next Step Recovery
While we are not a MAT supplier, provider, or detox facility, we support the use of Sublocade & Vivitrol medication-assisted treatments (MAT). Evidence shows that a combination of MAT with behavioral therapies such as IOP can treat substance use disorders successfully and help sustain recovery. Additionally, MAT is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a safe treatment plan for substance abuse and substance use disorders.
MAT support programs like ours are tailored to meet individual needs; therefore, we recommend medication-assisted treatment programs for men at high risk of relapse when transitioning treatment programs. At Next Step Recovery, we understand that addiction is a complex disease with physical and psychological components. That’s why we outline all treatment options for our clients and offer the resources needed to overcome opioid addiction, treat alcohol addiction, illicit opiate use, methadone treatment, and more. With the use of evidence-based therapies alongside MAT drugs such as Sublocade & Vivitrol, you will receive a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Are You Struggling with Drug and Alcohol Addiction?
Drug and alcohol addiction can be difficult to detect, in both loved ones and ourselves. Oftentimes, a person struggling with addiction will hide their use and behaviors and still perform the daily tasks of everyday life. In fact, sometimes they can function positively in society without anyone knowing they have a problem. However, drug and alcohol abuse is a mental illness. Medical detox and consistent evidence-based therapies, including individual therapy, play a significant role in helping someone fully recover from addiction in order to live a healthy, fulfilling life. At Next Step Recovery, we are here to help you find a treatment plan that meets your needs and recovery goals. If you or a loved one are battling substance abuse and mental health challenges, please reach out to our compassionate and professional team of addiction treatment specialists today by calling (828) 761-0722.
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Medically Reviewed By Susan Stader MS, LCMH, LCAS, CCS
Susan Stader is the founder and director of Next Step Recovery and NSR of Asheville, an Intensive Outpatient Program and a Long-term Extended Care program in Asheville, NC. She received her Master’s in Community Counseling in 2004 at Western Carolina University and went on to get her licensure in addictions and mental health counseling. Susan believes that treatment should be gender-specific and offered in a small setting. Small recovery communities, such as hers, are more intimate and effective in overall client satisfaction and care.
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Recovery is a lifelong journey, but you don’t need to take it alone. At Next Step Recovery, we give you the tools and support you need to get through early sobriety and find lasting healing. It is our goal to empower our patients to be their best selves and live the life they deserve.
If you have any questions about our programs, methods, insurance, or anything else, reach out to us today. We look forward to helping you to get started along the road to recovery!
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