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Why Medicated Assisted Treatment is Important at The Counseling Center At Duluth

Why Medicated-Assisted-Treatment is Important For Addiction Near Duluth

May 31, 2024

Drug and alcohol use disorders are demanding conditions. There is no cure-all treatment that works for all people. Alternatively, most people need a mix of different treatments.

While therapy can address the psychosocial side of substance use disorders, you may also require medicine to address the physical angles and any co-occurring mental health disorders. This is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). If you require treatment for a drug or alcohol disorder, here’s what to appreciate about medication-assisted treatment in Duluth.

What Is Medication-assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment is the delivery of medications aligned with therapy to help treat substance use disorders, primarily opiate and alcohol abuse. During drug or alcohol use recovery, you’ll go to therapy with a qualified practitioner.

Medication-assisted treatment is when you receive recommended medication to assist recovery. A clinician prescribes medications that help with the physiological symptoms, urges and co-occurring behavioral disorders that play a role in addiction and relapse.

These medications help you fight the compulsion to use addicting substances and propel you to reach enduring recovery.

How Does Medication-assisted Treatment Work In Duluth?

Your healthcare provider may prescribe MAT at any stage in your alcohol or drug recovery. MAT is apt for substance use disorder treatment if you are:

Your physician will prescribe medications based on the drugs you were consuming. That doctor will tell you how to take your prescriptions in a safe manner, what they do, and any side effects you may endure. They could administer the medications themselves. Call your clinician swiftly to discuss other plans if you have troubling side effects.

Physicians most often advise the following medications for MAT: 

Opioids: buprenorphine, naltrexone, methadone

Alcohol: naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram

These medicines help your brain chemistry recover from substance use, reducing compulsions for addicting substances and helping you to feel content again. You may also receive painkillers, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety medicine for withdrawal symptoms during detoxification.

When you begin MAT, you should also commence therapy if you haven’t attempted already. Therapy for drug or alcohol disorders will help you understand the genesis of your substance addiction, how to cope stress without harmful alcohol or drugs, and how to improve your mental health. Your therapy and prescriptions will work in unison to make it possible for you to overcome your addiction.

Why Do You Need Medication-assisted Treatment For Substance Use Recovery??

When you’re trying to overcome an addiction, you deserve all the help you can get. MAT coupled with psychotherapy provides you with the greatest chance for a full recovery. MAT helps diminish withdrawal symptoms and rein in compulsions that may otherwise prompt you to relapse. When you have improved discipline over the discomforts of withdrawal and impulses, you’re more likely to:

  • Prevent relapse

  • Avoid overdosing

  • Stay focused on recovery

  • Stay sober long-term


Like all treatments during recovery from addiction, MAT is designed to help you stop using harmful substances and get healthy. MAT is a proven method that fits into your busy life. If you haven’t started MAT for substance use yet, talk to your healthcare provider about how it can help you.

Find Medication-assisted Treatment Near Duluth Today

If you need help starting or continuing medication-assisted treatment near Duluth, call The Counseling Center At Duluth at 470-444-4194 or submit the simple contact form on this page. We reply instantly no matter the time or day. We’re here to provide the services you need for treating substance use disorders. Reach out 470-444-4194 today, and we’ll have a confidential conversation about how we can help you.