Medication-Assisted Alcohol Treatment in Spokane Valley, Washington: Options & Support

Medication-Assisted Alcohol Treatment

Willpower and a desire to change cannot always get you out of addiction. Addiction to alcohol or opioids is a challenging one, and attempting to go through the process of opioid withdrawal without medical assistance may leave many with an overwhelming feeling of losing a battle.

Therein lies the difference of medication-assisted alcohol treatment (MAT). The medications for opioid use are used in combination with other safe, evidence-based, and proven medications with therapy and support. This makes mental health care and recovery a more stable and accessible process.

How Medication Assisted Treatment Helps

When you or a loved one becomes addicted to alcohol or opioids, the substances change how the brain works and have long-term impacts. They begin to control the brain’s reward and stress systems, making it hard to stop without facing intense withdrawal symptoms or the risk of relapse.

MAT treatment programs help restore balance in the brain. Carefully prescribed FDA-approved medications ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms, giving people space to focus on healing. These medications don’t create a high or replace the addictive substance. Instead, they support mental clarity and emotional stability.

Counseling and therapy are used to complement medication in modern treatment practices. These can help you manage triggers, develop coping skills, and change the trajectory of your life.

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Medications Used in MAT Treatment

MAT treatment varies depending on the addiction, individual health background, and recovery expectations.

For alcohol use disorder, common medications include:

1. Campral (acamprosate): Helps the brain function more normally after someone stops drinking.
2. Antabuse (disulfiram): Triggers unpleasant symptoms if alcohol is consumed, acting as a strong deterrent.
3. Revia or Vivitrol (naltrexone): Reduces the craving and blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol.

For opioid use disorder, common medications include:

1. Methadone – A long-acting medication that eases cravings and withdrawal under supervised care.
2. Suboxone or Subutex (buprenorphine) – Helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and can be taken at home after a doctor’s approval.
3. Naltrexone – Blocks the effects of opioids, typically used after detox.

Research shows these medications are tools for healing, not replacements for addiction. They help people stabilize, focus on therapy, and return to their lives with greater control and confidence.

What Happens in a MAT Program?

Medically assisted addiction treatment usually begins with a full assessment. This includes a look at their substance use disorder(s), health history, and mental wellness. Based on that, a treatment team builds a recovery plan tailored to the individual.

If someone is still using drugs or alcohol, a medically supervised detox may come first. Detox helps the body clear the substance safely before medication starts.

Once treatment begins, doctors closely monitor medications to determine the optimal dose. At the same time, therapy sessions are scheduled to address both the emotional and behavioral elements of addiction. Therapy often starts right away and may include one-on-one counseling, group sessions, or family involvement.

As recovery progresses, the care plan can change. Some people stay on medication longer for stability. Others may taper off under a doctor’s guidance. The process is personal and always focused on what helps the individual succeed.

Why Choose Medication Assisted Therapy?

There’s a myth that MAT is just trading one drug for another. That isn’t true. The medications used in mat programs are carefully chosen and monitored. They don’t cause a sustained euphoric high or fuel addiction.

Instead, MAT gives people a way to feel normal again, mentally and physically, while they rebuild their lives. It lowers the chance of relapse, prevents withdrawal symptoms, reduces opioid overdose risk, and helps people stay in treatment longer.

Most importantly, it gives people a real chance to heal. MAT helps people support their physical recovery as well as improve their emotional well-being and relationships.

Personalized, Flexible Care

A major benefit of medication-assisted therapy is how flexible it is. There is no universal timeline or treatment plan that suits everyone. MAT allows the care teams to adjust based on progress, needs, and personal goals.

Some people use medications for a few months. Others may stay on them longer. The therapy side can also shift; some may need more one-on-one sessions, while others thrive in group or family therapy.

Every detail is tailored in the care plan. And that personalized support helps people build a recovery that actually fits their life.

FAQs: Medication Assisted Treatment in Washington

Ready to Begin Your Recovery?

Reaching out for help may feel difficult, but you don’t have to face addiction alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or opioids, medication assisted treatment can provide real hope and real change.

Medication-assisted treatment is not a shortcut or instant solution. It is an organized, evidence-based approach to healing, for which one can expect relief from cravings, support through emotional therapy, and assistance from specialized professionals.

At our Spokane Valley center, we walk with you every step of the way. From the first phone call through every stage of healing, our team is here to help you take your life back.

Recovery is possible. Begin your journey toward recovery with trusted support.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.