Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an integrated treatment approach that combines behavioral therapy and counseling with pharmacotherapy, or the use of FDA-approved medications like Suboxone, Vivitrol, and methadone. MAT is most widely used for people struggling with opioid use disorder, but MAT is also available to help people who are struggling with alcoholism.

MAT is considered the gold standard for treating addiction, but choosing the right medication-assisted treatment program is just as important as deciding to get help. So how do you know which medication-assisted treatment center near you is the best? Follow these tips and tricks to make a wise decision.

What to Look for in a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Clinic in California

Medication-assisted treatment involves the use of medications to limit withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing you to fully focus on other aspects of addiction treatment, like therapy, group counseling, and learning how to prevent relapse. Medication-assisted treatment programs in California can provide you with exactly what you need to gain and maintain long-term sobriety.

While MAT is highly effective in treating substance use disorders, you must choose a high-quality and trustworthy program. If you are not familiar with MAT, it can be difficult to determine what makes one of these programs credible.

When choosing a medication-assisted treatment program near you in California, you should look for the following characteristics:

Licensed Physicians & Certified Staff

The first and most important thing you should consider is whether the program hires licensed physicians and certified staff members. Medication-assisted treatment involves a thorough understanding of pharmacological treatments, addiction as a disease, and much more. The medications used in MAT also cannot be dispensed unless a licensed and certified physician is practicing at the facility. In addition to having an on-site doctor, all of the staff members must have experience and qualifications in their respective fields.

You can usually find information about the staff members on the program’s website. If they do not have a staff page, you can contact the facility to ask them what their program’s requirements are for hiring medical staff and what kinds of clinical professionals work there.

Individualized Approach

Another quality you should consider is whether the MAT facility uses an individualized approach. No one is the same, which means everyone will require varying levels of support and treatments to recover from their addiction. Reputable MAT programs in California will use an individualized approach that involves varying medication options, changes in dosages as needed, a wide array of therapy techniques, and more.

An individualized approach is the opposite of a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. It doesn’t promise a cure but rather aims to help you overcome the struggles that are most pressing for you. Individualized care is extremely important as your treatment plan should be fitted and catered to address your specific needs. Tailored treatment plans tend to have better treatment outcomes than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Comprehensive Care

Medications alone cannot cure addiction, so medication-assisted treatment programs near you should include comprehensive care that involves behavioral therapy, counseling, and peer support. A huge misconception about MAT programs is that it only involves replacing an addiction with medication. But medications treat the physical aspects of addiction while therapy and counseling prepare individuals to embrace a sober lifestyle.

Medication Management

Some people take MAT medications during detox only, while others remain on them for several weeks or months. If you continue taking medications beyond your treatment program, a good MAT clinic near you will provide continued medication management.

Medication management involves regular doctor’s visits to discuss your dose, symptoms, cravings, and progress in recovery. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose based on your symptoms. Medication management also aims to reduce medication abuse and diversion by only allowing you to take home small amounts of take-home doses at a time. Your doctor will closely monitor your medication adherence to make sure you are staying on the right track.

Then, when it is time to stop taking medication, your doctor will help you slowly taper off the medication so you don’t go into withdrawal.

Verify Your Insurance Coverage

Addiction treatment can become extremely pricey if you are paying out of pocket. Thankfully, MAT programs in California tend to accept a wide range of insurance plans to ensure everyone can obtain the treatment they need.

Before choosing a medication-assisted treatment center near you, you should verify that they accept your insurance. You can do this by calling the facility directly or obtaining a list of MAT programs near you from your insurance provider.

Find a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program Near You Today

If you or a loved one suffer from a substance use disorder, you are familiar with how difficult it can be to overcome withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When you choose to attend a MAT program in California, you do not need to worry about experiencing severe symptoms of withdrawal or difficult-to-manage cravings. Instead of asking you to quit cold turkey, these programs provide you with medications to make the process comfortable, safe, and painless.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a powerful tool that can be used to combat the opioid epidemic, reduce heavy drinking in people with alcohol use disorder, and help people who are struggling with addiction achieve a higher quality of life. While medications treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings, therapy and support groups can help you establish a foundation for your recovery.

To learn more about a medication-assisted treatment program near you or to find help for yourself or a loved one, contact Arise Treatment Center today.