Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in West Caldwell, NJ
973-453-0808

All Calls Are Confidential

West Caldwell
973-453-0808
Why Medicated Assisted Treatment is Important at The Counseling Center at West Caldwell

Why Medicated-Assisted-Treatment is Important For Substance Use Near West Caldwell

May 31, 2024

Substance use disorders are daunting conditions. There is no singular treatment that works for all individuals. Instead, most people require a combination of treatments.

While therapy can address the psychosocial facet of addiction disorders, you might also benefit from medication to address the physical angles and any co-occurring mental health disorders. This is termed medication-assisted treatment (MAT). If you are seeking treatment for a drug or alcohol disorder, here’s what to understand about medication-assisted treatment in West Caldwell.

What Is Medication-assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment is the use of prescription medicines aligned with psychotherapy to help address substance use disorders, chiefly opioid and alcohol abuse. During alcohol or drug use recovery, you’ll participate in therapy with a qualified therapist.

Medication-assisted treatment is when you receive prescribed medication to aid recovery. A doctor prescribes medicines that treat the physiological symptoms, cravings and co-occurring mental disorders that contribute to addiction and relapse.

These medications help you fight the compulsion to use addicting substances and propel you to reach enduring recovery.

How Does Medication-assisted Treatment Work In West Caldwell?

Your healthcare provider may prescribe MAT at any point in your drug or alcohol recovery. MAT is appropriate for addiction treatment if you are:

Your clinician will recommend medications based on the drugs you were consuming. That doctor will tell you how to take your medicine safely, what they do, and any side effects you may experience. They may administer the medications themselves. Call your doctor immediately to consider other strategies if you have adverse side effects.

Doctors most often advise the following medications for MAT: 

Opioids: buprenorphine, naltrexone, methadone

Alcohol: naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram

These medications help your brain chemistry recover from addiction, minimizing compulsions for addicting substances and allowing you to feel healthy again. You might also be prescribed painkillers, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety medicine for withdrawal symptoms during detoxification.

When you commence MAT, you should also initiate therapy if you haven’t attempted already. Therapy for alcohol or drug disorders will help you assess the roots of your substance addiction, how to adjust to stress without harmful alcohol or drugs, and how to improve your mental health. Your therapy and medicines will work collaboratively to make it possible for you to overcome your addiction.

Why Do You Need Medication-assisted Treatment For Addiction Recovery??

When you’re making an effort to conquer an addiction, you deserve all the support you can get. MAT coupled with therapy provides you with the optimum opportunity for a complete recovery. MAT helps weaken withdrawal symptoms and curb compulsions that might otherwise cause you to use again. When you have better control over the struggles of withdrawal and cravings, you’re more likely to:

  • Steer clear of repeat use

  • Prevent overdose

  • Stay committed to recovery

  • Stay drug-free long-term


Like all treatment methods during recovery from substance use disorder, MAT is meant to help you halt the use of detrimental alcohol or drugs and get well. MAT is an approved method that accommodates your hectic life. If you haven’t initiated MAT for addiction yet, speak with your physician about how it may assist you.

Find Medication-assisted Treatment Near West Caldwell Today

If you need help beginning or continuing medication-assisted treatment near West Caldwell, reach out to The Counseling Center at West Caldwell at 973-453-0808 or use easy contact form below. We respond right away no matter the hour or day. We’re at your service to deliver the treatment you require for addressing alcohol or drug use disorders. Connect 973-453-0808 today, and we’ll have a private discussion about how we can support you.