How Does Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Work?

How Does MAT Work?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines therapies and prescription drugs to help individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) avoid severe withdrawal symptoms that may interfere with their recovery. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we offer MAT alongside other evidence-based treatment methods. Prescription drugs can increase the quality of life for individuals attending treatment for disorders related to opioids or alcohol. MAT is a safe way to ensure clients can focus all their energy on healing and recovery during rehabilitation.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT incorporates a range of treatment methodologies including psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, prescription medications, and alternative holistic therapies to help people with SUD establish and maintain sobriety. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used.” MAT provides relief from physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal caused by chemical changes in the brain. The medications help clients to retain the energy, focus, and motivation they need to heal from the effects of SUD. With MAT, some clients can thrive in their recovery.

What MAT Medications Do We Offer at Newport Beach Recovery Center?

Newport Beach Recovery Center tests and assesses every client to determine if they would benefit from MAT. Then, we decide which medication would provide the most significant relief. We use FDA-approved MAT drugs, including:

  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone
  • Vivitrol
  • Suboxone

Every treatment plan takes into account personal, religious, and cultural preferences regarding the use of medication drugs to assist with the rehabilitation process. We only use MAT when strictly necessary and never make prescription medications a mandatory part of recovery for clients. MAT can significantly improve the treatment outcome for individuals struggling with substance abuse related to alcohol and opioids. The drugs limit psychological cravings and chemical changes affecting thought patterns during detox and withdrawal.

Who Benefits Most From MAT?

The individuals who will benefit most from MAT abuse high doses of very addictive substances. Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) are especially vulnerable to severe acute withdrawal symptoms and side effects. MAT is not a cure for SUD, and it does not entirely eliminate cravings or other symptoms of withdrawal. According to the previously mentioned research by SAMHSA, individuals with OUD were most likely to benefit from MAT. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that MAT decreases the risk of dangerous side effects related to opioid misuse. In addition, “Some medications may also reduce the risk of subsequent overdose.”

Clients who benefit most from MAT may check the following boxes:

  • History of substance misuse involving opioids or alcohol
  • Repeated relapses while in recovery for OUD or AUD
  • Co-occurring health issues that may make withdrawal from alcohol or opioids dangerous
  • AUD that has not responded to psychotherapy
  • Pregnant

What Can You Expect From MAT?

MAT requires the care team to closely monitor clients when prescribing and dispensing prescription drugs. Clients must undergo regular testing and check-ins to ensure they remain healthy. In many cases, clients slowly taper off the medication over the course of months or years, and during that time, they experience minimal cravings or physical symptoms. Individuals who abuse alcohol may experience discomfort if they drink during treatment or recovery due to the side effects of MAT drugs. The uncomfortable sensations caused by drinking reinforce abstinence and positive lifestyle changes.

MAT does the following:

  • Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Lowers the risk of relapse and overdose
  • Improves the effectiveness of therapy
  • Provides better treatment outcomes

During MAT, clients attend weekly therapy sessions to help them heal and address underlying issues contributing to the SUD. Medication management may also be part of the treatment process to ensure that clients receive the correct dose of medication, on time, throughout their rehabilitation. Regular testing is necessary to ensure they remain on track in their recovery.

Does MAT Require Residential Treatment?

MAT does not require residential treatment. Clients in residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programs may benefit from MAT. We tailor each treatment plan to meet the client’s needs and ensure they have the resources required to continue healing at every level of care. Clients participating in MAT will be monitored closely and expected to comply with the recommendations of their care team regarding tapering schedules and other details of medication use. The process can take a long time. However, MAT often contributes to long-term positive outcomes for clients recovering from SUD.

Medication-assisted treatment decreases the risk of relapse or overdose by limiting the effect of withdrawal symptoms related to substance use disorder. MAT is a safe and practical choice for many individuals in recovery. Clients with alcohol or opioid-related SUD may benefit from prescription drugs designed to treat the symptoms of those conditions. MAT helps individuals with severe SUD feel comfortable enough to focus all their energy and motivation on recovery from their disorder and treating underlying issues. Medications stabilize brain chemistry and allow clients to focus their thoughts on healing and building new routines. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses MAT to complement other methodologies like psychotherapy and behavioral therapies. We believe these traditional therapies combined with specific MAT can help certain clients achieve and maintain sobriety.  to learn more about our treatment programs and the services we offer, call us today at (888) 850-0363. 

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?

Many people who withdraw from substances find themselves struggling with post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Most commonly, this occurs in complex scenarios where a person has used substances for a long period at a high frequency. Otherwise, it could occur when multiple substances are used at once.

What Is PAWS?

PAWS, also called protracted withdrawal, affects some people with substance use disorder (SUD). Undoubtedly, the condition can impact their ability to function during and after treatment. The lingering effect of certain substances on the brain can significantly influence behavior, thoughts, and cognition.

According to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, “Unlike acute withdrawal, which has mostly physical symptoms, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) has mostly psychological and emotional symptoms.” The effects can lead to complications during rehabilitation that may require an extended period of treatment. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods to help clients address and manage symptoms related to SUD, including PAWS.

How Does PAWS Affect Recovery?

PAWS causes extended symptoms of withdrawal that can last for weeks or months. According to the online article “Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)” by the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, “It is estimated that 90 percent of recovering opioid users experience the syndrome to some degree as do 75 percent of recovering alcohol and psychotropic abusers.”

Symptoms of PAWS

Some substances have a more profound effect on the brain and body, causing extended symptoms that can leave affected individuals feeling on edge, emotionally overwhelmed, or disconnected from their recovery. PAWS manifests differently for everyone, and clients may experience mild, severe, or intermittent symptoms. Sometimes, PAWS can entirely disappear and reappear many months later.

A few of the most common side effects of PAWS include:

  • Unusual irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Memory issues
  • Difficulty learning new tasks, concentrating, or problem-solving
  • Anxiety or panic
  • Depression or apathy
  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
  • Sleep disturbances

PAWS directly affects mental health, and clients often benefit from a combination of individual therapy, peer support, and prescription medication. Clients with PAWS have a lower stress threshold, and symptoms may reappear or worsen during moments of high stress. We offer treatments that provide stress relief, relapse prevention strategies, and essential coping skills. Individuals with PAWS can use those resources to continue healing during symptom flare-ups during ongoing recovery.

What Are Common Risk Factors for PAWS?

Post-acute withdrawal can happen to anyone. The severity of symptoms can differ depending on multiple factors. Most people experience issues with emotional regulation and mood swings. Some individuals may have an increased risk of PAWS if they have a history of mental health disorders, current co-occurring mental health issues, or have very little emotional support. Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a higher risk of experiencing PAWS.

The Impact of PAWS on Physical and Mental Health

PAWS causes physiological changes in the brain. Neurotransmitters affected by substance abuse may have difficulty communicating, which leads to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. The syndrome affects everyone differently depending on various factors, including age, genetics, family history, and co-occurring issues. Anyone can be diagnosed with PAWS. However, some individuals may be predisposed to developing the syndrome due to the substances they abused or certain environmental and biological factors. Medical and mental health professionals cannot predict who will experience protracted withdrawal symptoms.

How Is PAWS Treated?

Treatment programs usually address the symptoms of PAWS using a combination of therapy and medication. The condition is unique to each individual, which makes it essential to have a personalized treatment plan.

Common treatments for PAWS include:

  • Psychotherapy and counseling
  • Peer support
  • Prescription medication

At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use various assessments to determine how best to approach the treatment of PAWS and other conditions.

How Can You Cope With PAWS During Ongoing Recovery?

Recovery is not a linear process. Many people find themselves falling back into old behaviors or experiencing symptoms of SUD during moments of high stress. Treatment is not a cure for SUD. Instead, it provides a stabilizing influence and prepares clients to overcome challenges related to recovery.

Clients can reduce the impact of PAWS on their recovery by doing the following:

  • Using their support system and not being afraid to ask for help
  • Practicing self-care and improving overall health by making lifestyle changes
  • Being mindful of emotional health and prioritizing mental health
  • Using coping skills to decrease the negative effect of everyday stressors
  • Strengthening the mind-body connection and paying attention to physical cues that indicate stress

Clients diagnosed with PAWS can benefit from having realistic recovery goals. Therapy, peer support, and other resources can provide motivation and inspiration for continued healing and recovery. Living with PAWS requires determination and a desire to make lasting positive changes. The treatment programs at Newport Beach Recovery Center can help clients achieve their goals by learning essential coping skills.

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome results from changes to the brain caused by prolonged substance abuse or other factors. In many cases, individuals with PAWS have co-occurring mental health issues that increase their risk of developing the condition. Some side effects can include more severe withdrawal symptoms and symptoms that reappear after weeks or months. Clients may experience prolonged issues with mood swings, depression, anxiety, difficulty focusing, and other mental health complications that can interfere with the effectiveness of traditional rehabilitation treatment. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use personalized care plans and evidence-based methods to help clients recover from substance use disorder and cope with related issues, including PAWS. Our care team has decades of combined experience assisting individuals in overcoming challenges related to treatment and ongoing recovery. To learn more about our programs, call our office today at (888) 850-0363.

What Happens During the First 24 Hours of Detox Treatment?

What Happens During the First 24 hrs of Detox Treatment?

Going through detox for the first time can be disorienting and uncomfortable, especially if you do not know what to expect. Treatment will vary significantly depending on the severity of your symptoms and the type of substance you abuse. Detoxing after being diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) is safer with a professional care team that can monitor your mental and physical health. Newport Beach Recovery Center prioritizes client safety and comfort to ensure a positive detox experience. 

What to Expect During the First 24 Hours? 

Detox is short for detoxification. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Detoxification, the process by which the body clears itself of drugs, is designed to manage the acute and potentially dangerous physiological effects of stopping drug use.” The detox period generally lasts from a few days to a week, depending on multiple factors, and often starts within hours of abstinence. Our team provides essential detox care to individuals with SUD. In the first 24 hours, you can expect to meet our team, get an introduction to the program, and start your treatment. 

The initial side effects of detox are often body aches and anxiety followed by rapidly worsening symptoms that often peak within three to five days. Each substance has unique withdrawal symptoms and a different timeline for the detox process. We will guide you through what to expect from each stage based on your individual circumstances. Medication and therapy support will be available to help you cope with mood changes and other potentially destabilizing side effects as your body purges the last of the toxins from your system. 

What Are Some Detox Symptoms of Common Substances? 

The symptoms of detox and withdrawal will differ significantly depending on many factors, including: 

  • Dose and type of substance 
  • Frequency of intake
  • Length of time abused
  • Overall physical health 

Using medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for certain substances can significantly decrease risks associated with detox and withdrawal. We offer MAT when it benefits the client. Below are brief descriptions of what to expect from detox and withdrawal based on the type of substance abused. 

Alcohol 

Unfortunately, alcohol is the most common substance misused among all age groups. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “More than 14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD).” 

Detox and withdrawal from alcohol without MAT can include: 

  • Flu-like symptoms like sweating, tremors, fatigue, muscle aches, and stomach discomfort
  • Anxiety 
  • Irritability 
  • Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
  • Headache or migraine 
  • Unusual mood changes 
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Hyperthermia 
  • Heart palpitations
  • Fast or shallow breathing 
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations 

Marijuana 

Many people believe that marijuana is not addictive. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 10 people will develop a marijuana addiction and detox involves multiple symptoms, including: 

  • Mood swings and irritability 
  • Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
  • Reduced appetite 
  • Cravings and intrusive thoughts 
  • Stomach discomfort or nausea 
  • Muscle aches 
  • Restlessness

Some people only have a handful of mild symptoms, while others experience more severe detox and withdrawal. 

Prescription and Illicit Pain Relievers 

The opioid epidemic has made people realize how serious pain relievers can be. Prescription and illicit opioids are incredibly addictive. The most common side effects during detox include: 

  • Mood swings
  • Heightened levels of anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability 
  • Flu-like symptoms like tremors, sweating, nausea and vomiting, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea
  • Sleep disturbances and insomnia 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme cravings 

Benzodiazepines

Individuals who have a high level of benzodiazepines in their system before starting detox may have severe symptoms that can include: 

  • Hallucinations 
  • Psychosis 
  • Seizures
  • Suicidal ideation 

However, the most common mental and physical reactions include: 

  • Extreme cravings
  • Sleep disturbances 
  • Muscle aches, stiffness, and tension 
  • Anxiety 
  • Panic attacks 
  • Difficulty thinking clearly or focusing 
  • Perception issues 
  • An unusual amount of sweating 
  • Tremors in extremities 
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Headache or migraine 

Other Substances 

Symptoms can vary significantly. If you want to know what to expect during detox for other substances, you can contact our care team to learn more. We treat SUDs involving the following: 

  • Crystal meth
  • Amphetamines
  • Party drugs
  • Ecstasy (MDMA)
  • Ketamine
  • Synthetic or designer drugs

Why Is It Dangerous to Go ‘Cold Turkey’? 

Quitting “cold turkey” involves abstaining from substances without mental health or medical support. Although popular media shows people successfully quitting tobacco products and other substances “cold turkey,” it rarely works because this form of abstinence does not address the circumstances that caused you to abuse substances in the first place. In addition, unsupervised sudden detox can lead to serious illness, injury, overdose, or death.  

Withdrawal management is essential to ensure that you remain safe and healthy while your body rids itself of the substance. During detox, the chemicals in your brain and body will fluctuate, causing perception, emotional, and physical changes that can affect mood and behavior. The detox treatment offered at Newport Beach Recovery Center can stabilize your condition until your body acclimates to being without the substance. 

If you are new to treatment, you might feel uncertain about what to expect from detox and withdrawal. The first 24 hours can feel disorienting if you do not have any prior experience attending rehabilitation. The care team at Newport Beach Recovery Center will briefly introduce the treatment program, our facility, the staff, and what to expect from each stage of the treatment. You may have difficulty focusing during the initial stages of detox. We provide immediate support, including medication-assisted treatment (if necessary) and psychotherapy to manage symptoms. Your first 24 hours of detox will also involve various assessments, the development of your treatment plan, and strict monitoring to ensure your health and safety. To learn more about our services and the programs we have to offer, contact our office today by calling us at (888) 850-0363. We can help you recover from SUD.