For many individuals struggling with substance use disorder, the path to recovery can feel daunting, especially when facing the intense challenge of withdrawal. At the Addiction Treatment Center of New England in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, we believe in utilizing every effective tool available to ensure a safer, more comfortable, and successful start to your recovery journey.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a cornerstone of our treatment approach, providing a scientifically backed method to help residents of Massachusetts reclaim their lives from addiction. Discover how MAT detox works, its key components, and the benefits of preparing for treatment in a safe and professional environment.
Contrary to some misconceptions, MAT is not simply replacing one drug with another; it is a carefully supervised medical strategy that helps stabilize brain function and provide a platform for true healing. The ultimate goal of MAT is full, sustained recovery, enabling individuals to live independent, fulfilling lives.
How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
By managing the debilitating symptoms of withdrawal and cravings, MAT detox creates a window of opportunity for patients to rebuild their lives. This biological stabilization is crucial because it allows the brain to heal while the individual participates in counseling to address the underlying behaviors and triggers of their addiction.
Key Components of Medication-Assisted Treatment
A truly effective MAT detox program is more than just medication; it is an integrated system of care designed for holistic healing. Our program is built on three essential, interconnected pillars that work together to support recovery.
- FDA-Approved Medications: Medications such as Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Methadone are used to manage withdrawal and cravings.
- Counseling and Behavioral Therapies: Our detox program utilizes therapies to address the root causes of addiction and develop healthy coping skills.
- Social Support Services: Case management and peer support help with housing, employment, and other life areas critical for long-term recovery.
What To Expect During MAT Detox
At The Addiction Treatment Center of New England in Brighton, MA, all of our programs start with an assessment to identify our patients’ unique needs. This allows us to create a personalized individual addiction treatment program in Boston that addresses all of their symptoms, needs, and conditions.
The first part of MAT is detoxification, which provides medically supervised, 24/7 care for patients as they go into withdrawal. Withdrawal can last up to several days, and during this time our staff will monitor your symptoms and keep you comfortable, and administer medication as needed.
Medications Used During Detox
At The Addiction Treatment Center of New England, we primarily use two medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. These medications include:
- Subutex: Subutex (buprenorphine) is a medication used to help people recover from opioid addiction. It plays a key role in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies.
- Vivitrol: Vivitrol is a non-addictive, once-monthly injection that helps prevent relapse by blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol in the brain. It reduces cravings and makes it impossible to feel high if someone uses those substances while on the medication.
Detox is just the beginning of addiction treatment. After you complete a detox program, we will help determine which MAT program may be right for you, including whether you enroll in residential care or a level of outpatient treatment, such as a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). During this stage, we will also help plan for aftercare services, such as sober living.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment offers a powerful and proven path toward sustainable recovery. The benefits extend beyond simply managing withdrawal symptoms to support a holistic healing process.
- Increased retention in treatment programs: MAT significantly increases retention in treatment programs. By alleviating the physical distress of cravings and withdrawal, individuals can focus their energy on therapy and personal growth.
- Lowers the risk of relapse: It greatly reduces the risk of overdose and relapse. MAT medications help to stabilize brain function, making individuals less vulnerable to triggers and the dangers of returning to substance use.
- Improves overall well-being: MAT improves a patient’s overall social and psychological well-being. As physical stability is achieved, individuals often see improvements in their ability to secure housing, find employment, and repair relationships.
- Stabilizes Co-occurring disorders: MAT addresses co-occurring disorders, such as mental health conditions, while treating addiction, which can help ensure we recognize and manage mental health symptoms during withdrawal, as some MAT medications have mood stabilization properties.
- Creates a foundation for recovery: This approach provides a comprehensive foundation for long-term recovery. By integrating medication with counseling, MAT treats the whole person, not just the addiction.
Beginning your recovery with a supervised MAT detox program is the safest and most effective way to manage the acute phase of withdrawal and build a strong foundation for your future.
Why Choose Us for Medical Detox?
Our team of licensed medical and clinical professionals specializes in creating highly individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific substance use history, health status, and personal recovery goals. Furthermore, our facility offers a full continuum of care, ensuring that your transition from detox to ongoing therapy is seamless and supported every step of the way.
Medication-Assisted Treatment FAQs
The duration of MAT varies for each individual and is based on their unique clinical needs and recovery progress. For some, it may be a short-term bridge to stability, while for others with chronic opioid use disorder, it may be a long-term maintenance treatment to prevent relapse. Our medical team will work with you to regularly assess your progress and create a personalized timeline for your care, making any adjustments together as your journey evolves.
The withdrawal process is often categorized into four general stages: onset, peak, early recovery, and late recovery. The initial stage begins shortly after the last dose, with symptoms like anxiety and sweating escalating to a peak of intensity, which may include nausea and elevated heart rate, before gradually subsiding over time. It’s crucial to remember that a medically supervised detox can safely manage these symptoms with medication and support, making this challenging process much more manageable and safe.
The length of withdrawal varies significantly depending on the substance, the duration of use, and individual physiology. Acute withdrawal symptoms from opioids often peak within a few days and can last for 7-10 days, while other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines may have different, and sometimes longer, timelines. Our 24/7 medical monitoring during detox is designed to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible throughout this entire process, with medications adjusted in real-time to ease your symptoms.
No, MAT is not the same as detox; rather, it is a comprehensive treatment model that often begins with detox. Detox is the initial short-term process of managing acute withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision, which typically lasts for a matter of days. MAT, however, is a long-term treatment plan that includes ongoing medication, counseling, and support to sustain recovery and prevent relapse for months or years. Think of detox as the first critical step within the broader, continuing journey of Medication-Assisted Treatment.
Yes, most major insurance providers in Massachusetts offer coverage for MAT detox, as it is an evidence-based medical treatment for a recognized health condition. The specifics of coverage, such as copays or the length of stay authorized, can vary depending on your individual insurance plan and policy details. Our admissions team will work directly with your insurance provider to verify your benefits and explain any associated costs, ensuring you have a clear understanding before you begin treatment.
Prepare for Treatment in a Supportive Environment
Our dedicated specialists are ready to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you schedule your first appointment in a confidential and pressure-free environment. Contact us today to speak with a specialist and take the first brave step toward reclaiming your life.
