28 Dec 2024

Do You Provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Bridging the Gaps

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a commonly discussed treatment option in addiction recovery. It involves the use of medications to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the physiological aspects of addiction. At Bridging the Gaps (BTG), we recognize the value of medications in the treatment of substance use, but our approach is carefully tailored to provide holistic healing that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

In this blog, we’ll discuss our stance on MAT, why we don’t use certain medications long-term, and how we provide a more comprehensive, natural approach to addiction recovery.

Our Approach to Medication in Addiction Recovery

At BTG, we believe that healing from addiction requires more than just addressing the physical symptoms of withdrawal or cravings. For long-term recovery, it’s essential to take a holistic approach that heals the mind, body, and soul. While we recognize that certain medications can be effective for short-term support, our focus is on creating a recovery experience that does not rely on long-term use of mood-altering substances.

We do not utilize medications like suboxone or methadone as maintenance treatments. These medications, while helpful in some harm reduction strategies, are still addictive substances and come with various side effects that can make long-term, sustainable recovery more difficult to maintain. These substances can help mitigate immediate cravings or withdrawal, but the physical and emotional freedom that comes with lasting recovery is best achieved through a holistic approach that works to heal all aspects of a person’s life.

Why We Avoid Long-Term Use of Suboxone and Methadone

Suboxone and methadone are commonly prescribed for individuals recovering from opioid addiction. They work by attaching to the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While these medications have a place in certain situations, particularly in harm reduction models, they can also create dependency and come with several potential side effects.

At BTG, we believe that for long-term recovery, true healing involves detoxing from all mind-altering substances. Using medications like suboxone or methadone as a maintenance treatment means continuing to rely on substances that alter the brain’s chemistry. This dependency can interfere with the development of natural coping skills and emotional regulation that are key for long-term recovery.

Moreover, these medications can lead to their own set of issues. Some individuals experience side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or constipation, and there’s a potential for misuse or diversion. For these reasons, we do not include them in our long-term treatment plans.

A Holistic Approach to Recovery: Addressing the Whole Person

Instead of relying on long-term medication use, BTG emphasizes a holistic, natural recovery process that treats the whole person—mind, body, and soul. By integrating a variety of evidence-based and alternative therapies, we are able to provide a truly comprehensive healing experience.

Amino Acid Therapy

Addiction can deplete key neurotransmitters in the brain, which play a crucial role in mood, cognition, and overall well-being. Our amino acid therapy helps to restore these important chemicals, supporting emotional balance and reducing cravings. Amino acid therapy can assist in rebuilding the brain's natural ability to regulate itself, providing a foundation for lasting recovery.

AcuDetox

AcuDetox, also known as auricular acupuncture, is a non-invasive therapy that uses acupuncture to stimulate points on the ears. This technique has been shown to help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and promote emotional healing. It’s a powerful tool in addressing the body’s physical and emotional stress while supporting the overall recovery process.

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Addiction doesn’t just affect the body—it affects the mind and spirit as well. At BTG, we offer a variety of therapeutic modalities, including individual therapy, group counseling, and family therapy, to help clients explore the root causes of their addiction. We believe that healing is deeply connected to emotional and psychological growth, and therapy allows clients to develop new coping skills, gain insights into their behaviors, and rebuild relationships.

Community Building and Spiritual Healing

At BTG, recovery is about more than just detoxing from substances—it’s about finding a sense of belonging and connection. We foster a supportive community where clients can connect with others on similar journeys, share experiences, and build new, healthy relationships. Additionally, we offer spiritual healing as a part of our recovery process, helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves and cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

Short-Term Use of Medications for Withdrawal and Cravings

While our approach does not rely on long-term medications, we do use medications in certain situations to support short-term needs during the recovery process.

Suboxone for Comfortable Withdrawal

During the detox phase, suboxone may be used on a very short-term basis to help clients manage withdrawal symptoms and facilitate a more comfortable transition. Suboxone can be effective in reducing the severity of withdrawal from opioids, making the detox process more manageable and less distressing. However, this is only a temporary solution, and once the withdrawal symptoms have passed, we focus on non-medication-based therapies to continue the healing process.

Naltrexone for Managing Cravings

Naltrexone is another medication that we may use to help manage cravings for individuals who are in the later stages of recovery. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol, reducing the likelihood of relapse. Like suboxone, naltrexone is used as part of a broader, comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy, support, and lifestyle changes.

A Comprehensive, Multi-Modality Approach

At BTG, we are committed to providing a comprehensive, multi-modality approach to recovery. This means that we don’t just treat addiction—we treat the whole person. Our team utilizes a variety of tools and therapies to address every aspect of recovery, from physical healing to emotional and spiritual growth.

We believe that the most effective recovery is one that does not rely on long-term medication use. Instead, we support clients in developing their own internal strength and resilience, enabling them to achieve lasting, sustainable recovery free from the dependence on any mind-altering substances.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Natural Recovery

At Bridging the Gaps, we are dedicated to providing a pathway to long-term recovery that is rooted in holistic, natural healing. We recognize that each person’s journey is unique, and our team is here to support you with a personalized, comprehensive plan tailored to your individual needs. Whether you are just beginning your recovery journey or are looking for support after detox, we are here to help you navigate the road ahead.