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Individuals facing mental health challenges have various treatment options available to them – one of these is medication-assisted treatment. Understanding all available treatment options and when to seek help is essential for potential patients and their families.
At Montare Phoenix, MAT is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, offering an effective pathway toward recovery and improved mental well-being. Whether used as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies, MAT can significantly enhance patient outcomes, reduce symptoms, and support long-term stability.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for mental health involves combining prescribed medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to support individuals with mental health disorders. This goal is to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Medications can help stabilize a person’s mood and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
MAT services involve the use of FDA-approved medications that help balance brain chemistry and reduce symptoms of whatever disorder the person is facing. The goal is to ultimately improve daily functioning. It is most often used when a patient has tried conventional therapies for addiction or mental health issues, and they haven’t worked. Specifically, it may be used in the following situations:
Antidepressants are a primary way to treat depression. They work by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain – like serotonin and norepinephrine. This adjustment helps improve mood, reduce feelings of sadness, and increase energy levels.
Managing anxiety disorders often involves using prescription drugs. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting and provide quick relief during severe anxiety episodes. However, they are usually for short-term use due to dependency risks.
SSRIs are a standard-term treatment option that gradually increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, hopefully providing a steady reduction in anxiety over time.
Medication-assisted treatment for bipolar disorder involves using medications alongside therapy to help stabilize mood swings and improve overall mental health. Commonly prescribed medications for this disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that can cause hallucinations, delusions, and difficulty thinking clearly. Medication-assisted treatment helps by using specific medications called antipsychotics. These medications work by balancing certain chemicals in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms like confusion or hearing voices.
For individuals with ADHD, medications are often prescribed to improve focus and reduce hyperactive behaviors. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are common and work quickly to enhance attention and control impulses. For individuals who cannot or don’t want to take stimulants, some non-stimulant medications can be used as well.
Managing PTSD often involves a combination of medication and counseling to address symptoms like flashbacks and severe anxiety. SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly prescribed to help with mood and anxiety, making traumatic memories easier to handle.
At the same time, patients engage in other treatments to work on developing healthy coping mechanisms. This holistic approach gives patients relief by modifying brain chemistry and providing supportive care.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a very important role in addressing dual diagnosis, which is when addiction coexists with mental health challenges. Successfully treating both conditions simultaneously is essential to achieving lasting mental health and addiction recovery and better outcomes for the patient.
When you’re working to overcome opioid addiction, three primary medications often play a role in the addiction treatment process. One of the most common is Methadone – it helps reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and can help with cravings as well. You can take Methadone as part of an outpatient program at specialized MAT clinics or during a stay in residential rehab.
Buprenorphine is another common one. Similar to Methadone, Buprenorphine eases withdrawal and curbs cravings for addictive substances because it attaches to the same receptors in your brain that opioids would. The difference is it doesn’t give you that intense high, so many find it helps keep them on track and away from opioid addiction.
Lastly, there’s Naltrexone. When taken, Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors. It stops drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids from having an effect, meaning users won’t feel the euphoric effects of taking these drugs. This means opioid users will be less likely to be pulled back into using.
All three medications can make a significant difference on the road to recovery by helping manage the physical part of drug abuse – withdrawal and cravings – so you can focus more energy on healing mentally and emotionally.
When tackling alcohol use disorder, several medications can support the recovery process. Disulfiram creates a strong discomfort if alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent. Acamprosate helps stabilize the brain after quitting alcohol, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Quitting smoking is tough, but medications can make it more manageable. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches, gum, or lozenges, offers a steady, controlled dose of nicotine to lessen withdrawal symptoms. Bupropion is generally used as an antidepressant, but it also helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
To best assist individuals with substance use and mental health struggles, medication-assisted treatment should be combined with various therapeutic approaches. These therapies are used to address both psychological and behavioral aspects of mental health concerns and substance abuse issues if necessary. At Montare Phoenix, we use the following types of treatment:
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals understand and change unhelpful thought patterns that influence their behaviors and emotions. Patients learn to develop healthier coping strategies and improve their decision-making processes.
DBT is particularly effective for those who experience intense emotions and turbulent relationships. It teaches mindfulness and emotional regulation skills, helping individuals manage distress and improve their interpersonal interactions.
In group counseling, individuals can share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. A trained therapist runs group sessions and provides encouragement and feedback from people who understand what you’re going through. This kind of peer support is essential when dealing with difficult emotions.
Family therapy involves family members in counseling sessions to address relational dynamics and support the recovery journey. The primary goals are to improve communication and resolve any conflict making the recovery process difficult for the patient or their family members. Whenever possible, families should seek support services to respond appropriately to their loved concerns.
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Facing mental health challenges and substance abuse issues is really difficult to deal with. For some, traditional talk therapy and group counseling aren’t enough to get them on the road to long-term recovery. If you need more – like medication-assisted treatment – we’re here to help and will do everything we can to treat your issue and prevent relapse in the future. Contact Montare Phoenix today to learn more about our program and get started with treatment. Call (602) 742 3220 or complete our online contact form to discuss medication-assisted treatment in Phoenix.
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