Medication-Assisted Treatment Could Prevent COVID-19 Relapse

In case you haven’t heard, COVID-19 is taking a major toll on American’s mental health. Here at Healthy Life Recovery, we’ve witnessed this problem first-hand.

However, before the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was another global health crisis raging in the undercurrents of the American Population: the opioid epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 130 Americans die from an overdose on prescription on prescription every day. 

In an effort to “flatten the curve” of novel coronavirus cases, a majority of United States citizens have been hunkered down at home in self-quarantine since mid-March. However, this time of isolation and social distancing measures is, unfortunately, a perfect storm for addicts and alcoholics recovering from substance use disorders.

The novel coronavirus outbreak could result in relapse for many addicts, and alcoholics stuck at home. Luckily, addiction is a treatable psychological disease, and relapse is 100% preventable.

The mental health professionals at Healthy Life Recovery are witnessing an influx of mental health conditions in the United States, and we fear relapse statistics may skyrocket in the near future, too. Addiction hasn’t come to a grinding halt simply because many people are on “pause”.

Luckily, addiction treatment isn’t stopping either. Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, could help.

If you or a loved one has relapsed during COVID-19, or you fear you or a loved one might relapse in the future, read on to learn more about Healthy Life Recovery’s Medication-Assisted Treatment program.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment is a strategic therapeutic method of detoxification and relapse prevention. By combining medicinal assistance with effective behavioral therapies clinically proven to treat substance abuse. Mental health centers can help patients prevent relapse and heal from substance use disorders.

In combination with support groups and other therapeutic practices, MAT proves highly useful for several individuals seeking substance abuse treatment for opioid addiction and other dependencies.

MAT can also help clients safely detox from their drug of choice. Just because there is currently a global pandemic on the rise, it doesn’t mean that the disease of addiction should go untreated.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment has plenty of proven benefits. For example, MAT can help clients with:

• Cravings
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Reducing the risk of relapse

In the long term, MAT can make sobriety more attainable- and more maintainable. Involving MAT in your overall alcohol or opioid treatment program plan can increase success rated for recovery.

Types of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Healthy Life Recovery offers multiple types of MAT that can be used after full detoxification, depending on a client’s drug of choice and personal preferences.

Some of our medications include:

• Buprenorphine (Sublocade)

Buprenorphine, also known as Sublocade, is an FDA-approved treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. This medication works as an antagonist to block the opioid receptors in the brain. Therefore, if someone tries to use opioids, they won’t experience the euphoric effects they’re typically associated with.

• Naltrexone

Physicians prescribe Naltrexone for the treatment and prevention of Opioid Use Disorders and alcoholism. FDA-approved Naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings, and presenting the feelings of euphoria associated with opioid drug use and alcohol. Usually, it is distributed to a client in a pill form.

• Vivitrol

Vivitrol is an FDA-approved medication similar to Naltrexone but in injectable form. This extended-release shot is administered by a board-certified nurse or physician once a month. Many addicts and alcoholics choose to use Vivitrol due to its convenience. According to their website, Vivitrol claims to be a “blocking” medication, halting any effects of opioid or alcohol use and can help maintain sobriety.

See Below:

Source: vivitrol.com

• Acamprosate

Acamprosate is solely used for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. People who are chronic alcohol abusers may need to use Acamprosate to achieve long-term recovery. Acamprosate is FDA-approved under federal regulation for the treatment of alcoholism. However, be sure to avoid drinking alcohol at all costs on this medication, as it could cause serious adverse side effects.

Medication-Assisted Treatment During COVID-19

Isolation and anxiety are two common triggers for relapse. They’re also catalysts for many people n the earlier stages of substance abuse. While people in recovery are practicing social distancing, it might be worth it to prevent relapse through Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Or if you’re suffering from addiction currently, detoxing at a reputable detox center, and then continuing onto a regiment that features MAT might be the right choice for you. These medications are non-addictive and highly useful.

Reach out to Healthy Life Recovery’s admission team today to find out more about our treatments for people suffering from the disease of addiction. Just because there is a global pandemic doesn’t mean you can’t quit using drugs or drinking! Mental health care professionals are available 24/7 to answer your questions about addiction and treatment for substance use disorders.