How Medication-Assisted Treatment Enhances Alcohol Recovery

Alcohol addiction is a chronic and often debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with significant personal, social, and economic consequences. Traditional approaches to recovery, such as therapy and support groups, have proven effective for many. Still, they are often not enough to address the biological and psychological complexities of alcohol dependence, which is where medication assisted treatment for alcohol addiction comes into play.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has emerged as a vital tool in enhancing alcohol recovery by combining pharmacological interventions with counseling and behavioral therapies. Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol addiction offers a holistic approach that not only helps individuals manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms but also supports long-term sobriety by targeting the underlying neurobiological factors of addiction.

Accessing MAT addiction rehab at WhiteSands Treatment provides individuals with professional guidance, a comprehensive treatment plan, and the necessary resources to manage alcohol addiction effectively.

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How Does MAT Help in Alcohol Recovery?

Medication-assisted treatment plays a crucial role in the alcohol recovery process by addressing the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol use disorder. MAT integrates medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a holistic approach to recovery.

Here’s how MAT helps:

• Reducing Cravings: One of the most challenging aspects of alcohol recovery is dealing with intense cravings for alcohol. MAT medications help reduce these cravings by altering brain chemistry. By lessening the urge to drink, MAT makes it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery goals and engage in therapy without the constant pull of alcohol.
• Managing Withdrawal Symptoms: Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and uncomfortable, with symptoms ranging from anxiety and tremors to seizures and Delirium Tremens (DTs). MAT helps ease withdrawal symptoms, making the detoxification process safer and more manageable.
• Blocking the Effects of Alcohol: Medications like disulfiram (Antabuse) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) prevent the pleasurable effects of alcohol. By diminishing the reinforcing effects of alcohol, MAT reduces the likelihood of relapse.
• Supporting Long-Term Sobriety: MAT helps individuals maintain long-term sobriety by stabilizing brain chemistry and providing tools to manage triggers and stressors that could lead to relapse. Acamprosate, for example, helps individuals who are already abstinent from alcohol by balancing brain chemicals and reducing the emotional and physical discomfort that often accompanies early recovery.
• Providing a Comprehensive Treatment Approach: MAT is most effective when combined with counseling, therapy, and support groups. Medications alone are not a cure for alcohol use disorder but serve as a tool to support the individual while they work on addressing the root causes of their addiction through behavioral therapies.
• Increasing Treatment Retention and Success Rates: Research shows that MAT increases the likelihood of individuals staying engaged in treatment and achieving long-term recovery. By alleviating some of the toughest challenges of alcohol addiction, MAT improves the overall success rate of recovery programs.

By supporting both the biological and emotional aspects of addiction, MAT offers a comprehensive and effective approach to recovery.

What Medications Are Used to Treat Alcoholism?

MAT for alcohol use disorder typically involves the use of medications that help individuals reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and sustain long-term recovery.

Some common medications used in medication-assisted treatment for alcohol recovery include:

• Disulfiram (Antabuse) – This medication works by causing unpleasant physical reactions (like nausea, vomiting, and headaches) when alcohol is consumed. This aversive reaction helps deter individuals from drinking alcohol while they are in recovery.
• Naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol) – Naltrexone works by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol in the brain, reducing the desire to drink. It is available in oral and injectable forms, with the injectable version (Vivitrol) being administered once a month, making it a more convenient option for some individuals.
• Acamprosate (Campral) – Acamprosate helps restore the chemical balance in the brain that alcohol disrupts. It is often used to help individuals who have already stopped drinking maintain their sobriety by reducing cravings and anxiety.
• Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label in alcohol recovery to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and manage withdrawal symptoms. It can also help in the reduction of cravings and the prevention of relapse.

These medications, when used in conjunction with counseling, behavioral therapies, and support groups, offer a comprehensive approach to treating alcohol use disorder and enhancing recovery outcomes.

​​Who Is a Good Candidate for Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment can be a highly effective option for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, not everyone may be an ideal candidate for MAT. Typically, those who benefit most from MAT are individuals who have:

• A history of chronic alcohol use: MAT is beneficial for individuals who have struggled with long-term alcohol dependence and have not found success with other forms of treatment.
• Failed to maintain sobriety through behavioral therapy alone: If traditional counseling or support groups haven’t been enough to prevent relapse, MAT can offer additional support to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions: Many individuals with AUD also struggle with mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. MAT for co-occurring mental disorders can address the physical and psychological aspects of recovery, making it a comprehensive approach for those facing dual diagnoses.
• A commitment to recovery: MAT requires an active commitment to treatment, as it works best when combined with behavioral therapy and ongoing support. Candidates must be ready to participate in a holistic recovery plan.
• A desire for a medically supervised recovery process: MAT candidates should be open to working with healthcare professionals to manage medications and adjust treatment.

A personalized evaluation by a healthcare provider is crucial to determine whether MAT is a suitable option.

Is MAT Effective for Long-Term Alcohol Recovery?

Yes, MAT is highly effective for long-term alcohol recovery. By addressing the physical and psychological components of alcohol use disorder, MAT improves treatment outcomes and increases the chances of sustained sobriety.

One of the key benefits of MAT is its ability to enhance treatment retention. Studies show that individuals who use MAT are more likely to stay engaged in treatment programs and follow through with their recovery plans. Medications help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, reducing the likelihood of relapse, particularly during the early and most vulnerable stages of recovery.

Moreover, MAT helps individuals manage triggers, stress, and emotions that might otherwise lead to relapse. By stabilizing brain chemistry and reducing the physical urges to drink, MAT allows individuals to focus on addressing the underlying issues of addiction through therapy, which is crucial for lasting recovery.

Find Out More About Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol by Contacting WhiteSands

To learn more about medication assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder, contact WhiteSands Treatment. We are a leading treatment center that offers MAT programs tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Our team of medical professionals works closely with clients to determine the most appropriate medications while also providing therapy and counseling to support recovery.

WhiteSands provides a safe, supportive environment where clients can access MAT, receive medical detoxification services, and work on building the skills necessary for long-term sobriety. Whether you are in the early stages of recovery or seeking ongoing support, our team of compassionate experts offers the knowledge and resources to guide you through every step of the recovery process.

By reaching out at 877-855-3470, you can gain insight into how MAT can enhance your alcohol recovery journey and take the next steps toward a healthier, alcohol-free life.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.