Medication-assisted opioid treatment is a scientifically tested and approved approach dedicated to helping patients that are dealing with addiction. The most common dependency medications are buprenorphine and methadone. Looking at methadone as an example, it is a medication that helps to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal.
The truth is, medication-assisted opioid treatment has helped make recovery much easier for many patients. However, there are many myths about this approach that can get in the way of recovery if patients are not sure if medication-assisted opioid treatment is right for them. To clear the confusion, we will now debunk these myths.
As a matter of fact, medication-assisted opioid treatment reduces the risk of overdose in patients. When a patient goes through detoxification, using opioids afterward can be life-threatening because of lower tolerance. However, the medication-assisted opioid treatment ensures that a patients' tolerance remains higher.
Medication-assisted opioid treatment does affect the patient's recovery process, but only in a positive manner. For instance, it has been shown that patients that take methadone have a higher chance of staying in treatment (up to 4.4 times higher) compared to patients who don't get the same treatment.
Medication-assisted opioid treatment is an evidence-based approach and one of the most recommended treatments for opioid addiction. Many reputable organizations, such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse, advocate for this approach and encourage its use as a first-line treatment. The treatment has helped many patients by addressing both the biological and behavioral components of addiction.
The good news is that medication-assisted opioid treatment can be customized to suit each patient's needs regardless of their condition. Overall, it makes the recovery process easier and ensures greater success in the long term, especially if the patient sticks with the treatment.
According to research, undergoing this treatment for longer periods of up to two years offers the best chance for recovery. There is nothing to show that patients benefit by stopping the treatment early.
We hope you now have a better understanding of the benefits of medication-assisted opioid treatment. If you believe this approach will help you or your loved one, please get in touch, and we will assist you.