Going through addiction treatment is a challenging task for anyone. It takes an awful lot of energy, motivation and strength. Even getting to that stage is a feat in itself and a step you should be proud of making.
It’s where the hard work starts and at alcohol and drug rehab centres there are many decisions that have to be made to aid your recovery and ensure you’re getting the right treatment for you.
One of the decisions you will make is whether you want to use medication assisted treatment (MAT). It’s often a decision that, similarly to using medication when giving birth, can divide opinion. But in reality, there’s no right or wrong and it’s purely down to the individual.
If you’re about to go into rehab, or you know someone who is about to go through the treatment process and are unsure about MAT, here’s a rundown of the pros and cons…
Pros of Medication Assisted Treatment
Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings
One of the biggest reasons people do turn to it is to face one of the biggest challenges – managing withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly painful and distressing and using MAT can help quell the discomfort and reduce things like intense cravings that can ultimately lead to relapse.
For example, methadone is often used to prevent severe opioid withdrawal, basically allowing people to function normally without any of the extreme pain.
Improves Treatment Retention and Success Rates
Studies have actually shown that those using MAT are more likely to stay in treatment and achieve long term success in recovery.
Without using it, people are more susceptible to submitting to cravings and are more likely to drop out of rehab.
Lowers the Risk of Overdose
For those living with opioid addiction especially, medication like methadone and buprenorphine can be life saving. That’s because they help regulate opioid receptors and reduce the chance of a person overdosing.
Meanwhile, naltrexone can blot the effects of opioids totally, preventing people from getting high should relapse happen.
Supports Mental Health and Stability
By MAT helping you take control of your treatment and cravings, it can also help stabilise things like mood and mental health conditions, allowing people to engage much more effectively in their therapy and counselling, thus improving the chance of meaningful progress and maintaining sobriety.
Reduces Criminal Activity and Social Harms
Addiction often leads to financial struggles, job loss, and criminal behaviour to obtain substances. By reducing cravings and stabilising individuals, MAT helps decrease drug-related crimes and improves social reintegration. Many people receiving MAT can return to work, rebuild relationships, and lead productive lives.
Cons of Medication Assisted Treatment
Risk of Dependence on MAT Medications
Unfortunately, there are some problems with MAT and one of the main is that some of the medications used can also be addictive. For example, while methadone and buprenorphine can help patients, they too are also opioids.
You would take them under medical supervision, so the risks are lower, and they also don’t produce the same euphoric effects as street drugs, however it is something to note.
Long-Term Use and Difficult Withdrawal
Some people do end up relying upon MAT for years, which can make it difficult to stop using them. These too can then carry long withdrawal periods which can be difficult to taper off.
This can push people towards drug free recovery, but ultimately there is no right or wrong and long-term usage isn’t inherently bad, it’s more a matter of preference.
Stigma and Misconceptions
While this shouldn’t put you off MAT, there is still a misunderstanding and stigma around it, including some in the recovery community. Some believe “true” recovery to be complete abstinence from all substances, which can put people off, even if it does boost chances of recovery.
Potential for Misuse and Diversion
Although MAT medications are intended to support recovery, there is a risk of misuse. Some individuals may take higher doses than prescribed or sell their medication on the black market. This is particularly a concern with buprenorphine, which can be misused in high doses to achieve a mild opioid effect. However, safeguards such as supervised dosing and medication formulations that include naloxone help reduce this risk.
Limited Access and Cost Barriers
Not everyone has equal access to MAT. In some areas, there are shortages of healthcare providers who can prescribe MAT medications, and the cost of treatment can be prohibitive. Additionally, some rehabilitation programmes do not offer MAT due to ideological opposition, limiting treatment options for individuals in need.