In the 21st century, America has encountered a widespread crisis of opioid misuse, dependency, and fatalities. In 2000, approximately 8,400 deaths in the U.S. resulted from opioid overdoses. By 2020, this number surged to over 68,000 deaths annually. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) serves as a research-backed strategy to address this issue. Participants in MAT are provided with prescribed drugs that reduce strong urges and uncomfortable withdrawal effects common in opioid cessation. When used correctly, these medications can assist individuals in discontinuing substances such as heroin, painkillers, morphine, fentanyl, and similar drugs. Yet, medications alone do not handle the emotional and community-related factors of addiction and healing. To support lasting lifestyle shifts for sustained recovery from opioid dependency, MAT programs offer counseling. In these sessions, participants gain skills to cope with pressure, settle disagreements, and manage tough situations in positive ways, avoiding return to opioid use.
Advantages of Medication-Assisted Treatment
In the 21st century, America has encountered a widespread crisis of opioid misuse, dependency, and fatalities. In 2000, approximately 8,400 deaths in the U.S. resulted from opioid overdoses. By 2020, this number surged to over 68,000 deaths annually. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) serves as a research-backed strategy to address this issue. Participants in MAT are provided with prescribed drugs that reduce strong urges and uncomfortable withdrawal effects common in opioid cessation. When used correctly, these medications can assist individuals in discontinuing substances such as heroin, painkillers, morphine, fentanyl, and similar drugs. Yet, medications alone do not handle the emotional and community-related factors of addiction and healing. To support lasting lifestyle shifts for sustained recovery from opioid dependency, MAT programs offer counseling. In these sessions, participants gain skills to cope with pressure, settle disagreements, and manage tough situations in positive ways, avoiding return to opioid use.