How Long Does MAT Treatment Last?
When they said that health is wealth, they meant it. You only live one life and have one version of your body so it’s your responsibility to take care of it. However, there will always be a point in your life when you’ll need medical assistance one way or another. In a generation where various medical discoveries, cures, and technology exist, treatments are more accessible for everyone.
Speaking of treatments, one of the most widely-used is the Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT Treatment. Apart from traditional medicine prescriptions that a lot of people are familiar with, MAT is a treatment tool that also incorporates therapeutic counseling and monitoring of the patient. While it can seem new to some, it has proven its effectiveness in a number of cases. In this article, we’re going to discuss what MAT is, as well as how long does MAT treatment last.
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
In detail, MAT is an effective treatment tool that incorporates medicine management, therapeutic counseling, and progress monitoring in order to properly gauge the situation of a patient. This is usually administered to patients who are experiencing addiction. Initially, it was intended for those who have an opioid addiction but eventually proved effective even in curing alcoholism and other substance abuse.
Depending on the patient’s needs, the type of program for their treatment will vary. While there is a common notion that MAT has the same timeline regardless of the circumstances, the truth is that it will always depend on the patient’s needs and likeliness of recovery.
How Long is Medication Assisted Treatment?
Once a patient is carefully evaluated and has undergone various tests, the type and length of their MAT program will be determined. Usually, it lasts about 12 months but can last for years. This timeline is recommended by doctors and experts in the field since they abide by the thought that the longer the course of treatment, the better the outcome. In terms of progress, it is measured by indicators of a patient’s health. Vital signs, sugar levels, anxiety and stress levels, and heart rate are a few examples of these indicators.
It is important to note that it won’t always be a 12-month treatment. The needs, severity, and condition of a patient will always be considered. Before, during, and after the medication assisted treatment, close monitoring will always be done. Once doctors have concluded that a patient has recovered and doesn’t need MAT anymore, gradual decrease of treatment and observation for any signs of relapse or withdrawal will be administered.
Closing Thoughts
There is no shame in seeking professional help, especially if it concerns your overall health. The earlier you are self-aware and seek assistance, the better you will be able to handle your situation and needs. Medication Assisted Treatment is a treatment tool that has and continues to prove its effectiveness multiple times, so there’s no need to worry about the program that will be administered to you. Your health always comes first, and there’s nothing to fear because treatment and medical assistance will benefit you long-term. Health is wealth, so make sure you lead a healthy life.
