Medication Assisted Treatment

To overcome addiction, you need effective treatment and strong support. You also need to be safe. This is why you need medication assisted treatment. Living in the Golden State means you can access many top-notch MAT facilities, such as We Level Up California. At our center, we use medications to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms.

With the right medication, you will go through your recovery process without strong cravings. This will give you better chances of achieving long-term sobriety. Reach out to us today. Contact our medication assisted treatment California center and rebuild your life.

What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication assisted treatment is the approach we use to help you overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. Medications are used to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. However, MAT does not only imply relying on medications. Its primary goal is to give you a “whole-patient” approach.

To achieve this, we combine medication assisted treatment with behavioral therapy to help you explore your inner emotions and the reasons that led you to substance abuse, which is necessary for a lasting recovery.

Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Having a drink now and then (although still unhealthy) doesn’t mean you are suffering from an alcohol use disorder. AUD, or alcohol addiction, is a condition that compels you to drink huge amounts of alcohol any chance you get. You know it is bad for you, but you still do it. That is the pinnacle of AUD.

Symptoms and Effects of Alcohol Addiction

Are you a social drinker, or are you addicted to alcohol? How to know? Consider professional help if you:

• Cannot resist your cravings
• Cannot cut down on drinking
• Always need more to get the desired feeling
• Sweat, shake, and get nauseous when you are not drinking
• Neglect important responsibilities
• Ignore the problems alcohol creates and still drink

Do these sound familiar? If so, you need to face the reality. Take action to protect your health because if you don’t, alcohol will damage your liver, cause problems with your heart, and weaken your immune system.

And if you are drinking because you are depressed or have psychological issues, please know that drinking will just make everything worse. You may feel better for those few moments, but alcohol will end up destroying your health, relationships, and professional or academic life.

Dangers of Quitting Alcohol Without Medical Supervision

If you have tried to quit drinking before, you know how hard it is to do it on your own. You should also know that it is dangerous and can even be life-threatening. When you stop using alcohol, your body starts reacting. It has become so accustomed to it that now it needs alcohol just to function. When it doesn’t get it, you will go through withdrawal symptoms. Be aware that some of them are severe and require medical help.

When you quit drinking, you might:

• Have a fast heartbeat, be confused, and hallucinate. This is what we call delirium tremens (DTs). It is a serious condition that demands urgent medical attention.
• Be dehydrated and have imbalances in electrolytes.
• Become anxious and agitated. Feeling like this will disrupt your sleep.
• Have a seizure. With no treatment, it can be fatal.

These risks are the reason you need professional help at our inpatient alcohol rehab facility in California. We will help you go through the withdrawal process and reduce the risk of severe complications.

FDA-Approved Medications for Alcohol Addiction

At our medication assisted treatment California center, we use the following medications:

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Benzodiazepines in Medication Assisted Alcohol Treatment

Long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) are used in acute detoxification as part of the treatment for alcoholism addiction since benzodiazepines act on the same receptors in the brain as alcohol. Benzodiazepines may be administered immediately for risks associated with alcohol withdrawal and can gradually be withdrawn when the individual is out of the dangerous withdrawal phase, which occurs about five days after the last drink. Some people might remain on a slow, long taper of benzodiazepines, while others will often switch to a safer alternative that is FDA-approved for alcohol abuse.

Benefits of Medication Assisted Alcohol Treatment

Medication assisted alcohol treatment helps you modify your behavior. Also, it encourages positive lifestyle changes, which means that you will have a higher chance of long-term success. Benefits of MAT vary and change relative to the substance. However, there are some common ones, including:

• Reduced or eliminated cravings
• Decreased withdrawal symptoms
• Reduced risk of relapse
• Eliminated need for hospitalization

Some people might question whether medication assisted treatment means substituting one drug for another, but that is far from the case. Licensed professionals closely monitor patient use of these medications to ensure their effectiveness. Some medication assisted treatment is used short-term with the minimum effective dose and discontinued when the physician deems it appropriate. Some patients receive medication assisted treatment over an extended period to support their ongoing recovery.

Medication Assisted Treatment for Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic disease that involves using substances compulsively. You are most likely aware of how harmful they are, but you still do it. Drugs affect your brain and change how you behave. You will lose control and won’t be able to stop consuming legal or illegal drugs. Addiction to drugs is not easy to overcome. It requires treatment and support from people who have knowledge and experience. California medication assisted treatment is often a choice for treatment during drug detox in California and after this initial stage.

Symptoms and Effects of Drug Addiction

Common symptoms of drug addiction include:

• Intense cravings for the drug
• Needing larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Continuing to use the drug despite knowing it’s causing problems

The effects of drug addiction are wide-ranging and can impact every aspect of a person’s life.

FDA-Approved Medications for Drug Addiction

To treat drug addiction, we use the following FDA-approved medications:

• Methadone: It is a long-acting opioid agonist we use to treat opioid use disorder. It acts on the same brain receptors as opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers, without producing the same euphoric effects. That is how it reduces cravings.
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex): It is a partial opioid agonist. This means that it activates opioid receptors in the brain to a lesser extent when compared to heroin or methadone. It doesn’t produce strong euphoric feelings, which means it is safe and less likely to be misused.
• Naltrexone: It blocks opioid receptors in the brain. This prevents the opioid from producing their effects, which reduces the person’s desire to use opioids. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have already detoxified from opioids and are committed to maintaining their abstinence. The extended-release injectable form of naltrexone, administered once a month, ensures consistent medication levels and compliance.
• Naloxone (for overdose prevention): It is a life-saving medication. It reverses opioid overdoses. It quickly binds to opioid receptors, displaces the opioids, and blocks their effects. This can restore normal breathing in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an overdose. It is often carried by first responders, healthcare professionals, and even individuals at risk of opioid overdose or their loved ones.

Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment for Drug Addiction

Medication assisted treatment offers many benefits for those struggling with drug addiction, especially opioid use disorder. By combining medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Medication assisted treatment at our inpatient drug rehab in California is very useful because it:

• Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Using medications alleviates intense cravings and severe symptoms which would otherwise likely lead to relapse.
• Decreases the risk of overdose. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, which reduces the incentive to use them.
• Improves retention in treatment programs. People are more stable physically and mentally, which means they are more likely to take part in counseling and other support activities.

The Role of Behavioral Therapy at Medication Assisted Treatment California Centers

Addiction does not come out of nowhere. Very often, there are psychological and mental health issues that lead to it, and we need to explore them. When you understand yourself better, you will understand what made you decide to reach for drugs and alcohol. Our therapists will also show you how you can deal with your problems on your own. You don’t need substances to live a happy life. You need to know how to approach your problems. We will achieve all this during therapy.

Family therapy is helpful as well. It involves family members in the treatment process, which addresses the impact of addiction on relationships and improves family dynamics. It helps build a supportive home environment, which is crucial for sustaining recovery.

Substance Abuse in California

According to data about substance abuse prevalence in California from 2018-2019, 2.9 million people (9%) aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder. 6%, which means more than 2 million people, reported symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependence. 4% of the population, which is more than 1.2 million, reported issues with illicit drugs.

Substance abuse disorders have a huge impact. Drugs and alcohol can ruin your life and affect the whole community. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to We Level Up California and make a change today.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Long-term recovery requires ongoing support in addiction to pharmacotherapy. This includes:

1. Follow-up care – Regular check-ins with healthcare providers to monitor progress and address any issues.
2. Counseling – Professional therapy sessions to address underlying psychological issues and develop coping strategies, as well as to keep you on the right track.
3. Support groups – Peer-led meetings that provide community support and shared experiences for encouragement and accountability.

That is what will help you transition back to everyday life and stay committed to sobriety.

How to Get Started with Medication Assisted Treatment in California

Once you call We Level Up California, we will examine your medical and substance use history. We will discuss:

• Your specific needs
• Your goals
• Anything you are concerned with

This will help us create an individualized treatment plan.

Why is this important? Addiction affects everyone differently, and personalized plans ensure that you receive the most effective care. These plans are continuously evaluated and adjusted as needed to support your progress and recovery goals.

After the initial assessment, we will:

• Check your insurance.
• Explore an alternative payment option if your insurance is not accepted.
• Arrange your admission and set up meetings with the treatment team.
• Take care of transportation if necessary if you are coming out of town.
• Welcome you and start your California medication assisted treatment program.

Contact We Level Up CA Medication Assisted Treatment Center and Start Living a Healthier Life

For more information or to begin your recovery journey, call We Level Up California at (855) 695-1160 and learn everything you need to know. We ensure confidentiality for all inquiries and are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance. Reaching out to us will be a deciding step in your life. With our support and medication assisted treatment in California, you can build a strong foundation for long-term recovery and enjoy the benefits of a sober, fulfilling future.

We at our medication assisted treatment California center are ready to support you and answer any questions you may have. Reach out to us anytime for the help you need.

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Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.