A Comprehensive Overview of Medication Assisted Treatment

01/31/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment for individuals with substance use disorders. It combines the use of medications with counseling services to help individuals achieve long-term recovery from their addictions. MAT is a comprehensive approach that can address addiction on multiple levels, including physical, psychological, behavioral, and social. Let’s explore how medication assisted treatment works.

How Does MAT Work?

The main component of MAT is medication. To treat opioid use disorder, three medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications work by binding to specific receptors in the brain that are affected by opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers like oxycodone or hydrocodone. By blocking these receptors, these medications prevent the euphoric effects associated with opioid drugs and also reduce cravings for opioids so that a person can focus on their recovery without being distracted by thoughts about using drugs again.

In addition to medication, MAT also includes counseling and other forms of psychosocial therapy. Counseling helps people identify triggers for substance abuse and develop coping skills to manage cravings or difficult situations without resorting to drug use. Other types of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help a person learn how to identify negative patterns of thought and behavior associated with addiction so they can be better prepared to make healthier choices in the future.

These elements combine together to create an effective treatment plan tailored specifically for each individual’s needs. With the right combination of medication, counseling, peer support groups, lifestyle changes, and other resources such as job training programs or housing assistance services, MAT can help people struggling with addiction achieve long-term recovery success.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

There are many benefits associated with medication-assisted treatment. First, MAT can help reduce cravings, which can be incredibly difficult to manage on your own. Cravings are an intense physiological response that often lead people back into using drugs or alcohol even if they don’t want to. By taking medications, you can reduce these cravings, which makes it easier for you to remain abstinent from drugs or alcohol. Additionally, MAT also helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, anxiety, depression and more. This makes it easier for individuals to maintain their abstinence without having to deal with uncomfortable physical symptoms.

Second, MAT helps individuals stay in treatment longer than they would otherwise be able to without medication support. Studies have shown that individuals who receive medication-assisted treatment are much more likely to complete their treatment programs than those who do not receive any type of medication therapy at all. This means that individuals who receive MAT will be much more likely to get the full benefit from their treatments – something that cannot always be said when only relying on counseling alone. Finally, MAT also helps increase safety during recovery by reducing the risk of relapse or overdose due to decreased tolerance levels when taking medications prescribed by a physician or other healthcare provider.

Medications Used in MAT

Some common medications used during medication assisted treatment include buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), methadone (Methadose), naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse), topiramate (Topamax), and fluoxetine (Prozac). Different medications may be prescribed depending on an individual’s specific needs and goals for recovery. It’s important to talk with your doctor about which medication is right for you before starting any type of medication assisted treatment program.

Overall, medication assisted treatment is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorder that involves both medication management and psychotherapy services to best meet an individual’s needs for long-term recovery from addiction. While this type of treatment may not be right for everyone, it can be incredibly beneficial if used correctly as part of an effective addiction recovery plan. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or is looking into different types of treatments available, consider discussing the option of MAT with your doctor or healthcare provider today.

Life, Lifestyle, Parenting

How To Prepare For Taking Care Of Your Parents One Day

01/31/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Father sitting with adult daughter outside, family, aging, parenting, senior, getting old

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Taking care of aging parents is a responsibility that many people will face in their lifetimes. Preparing for this eventuality is essential, both for your own peace of mind and for the comfort and well-being of your parents. You might’ve already noticed that it can sometimes be difficult to find affordable elder care; private duty caregivers might seem to come at a cost, but they provide a substantial benefit in the long run. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare for your parents’ care. Here are a few steps you can take to get ready.

Start having conversations with your parents.

Discuss their wishes and opinions on what they would like to happen as they age. This includes their preferred living arrangements, any medical conditions, and end-of-life plans. If they want to find a new home, they might appreciate finding a new construction 55 and over community with various activities they can enjoy. Make sure you have a clear understanding of their needs and wishes, and that you are on the same page about how you can support them.

Gather important information and documents.

This includes your parent’s health insurance, Social Security and Medicare information, and any financial or legal documents. It’s also helpful to have a list of their medications, doctors and specialists, and any allergies or medical conditions they have. Having this information on hand can make managing their care much easier.

Make sure their living arrangements are safe and comfortable.

As your parent’s age, it’s important to make sure their living environment is suitable for their needs. This might mean making changes to their home, such as installing handrails or wheelchair ramps or moving them to a senior assisted living community that can provide more support.

Plan for their financial future.

Make sure your parents have enough resources to pay for their care, and that you understand their financial situation. This includes their retirement savings, pensions, and any other sources of income. If necessary, consider hiring a financial advisor who specializes in elder care to help you understand your parent’s financial situation and plan for their future.

Build a support network.

Taking care of aging parents can be emotionally and physically draining, and it’s important to have support from family, friends, and community organizations. Consider reaching out to local resources such as Area Agencies on Aging, which can help connect you with support groups, caregiver programs, and respite care options.

Take care of yourself.

Caring for aging parents can be overwhelming, and it’s important to prioritize your own well-being. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically and emotionally, and don’t be afraid to seek support from others when managing the care of your elderly parents. Look into respite care options to give yourself a break, and don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or support groups for help navigating the challenges of caring for your parents in their old age. Taking the time to care for yourself will ensure you can continue providing the best possible care for your loved ones.

Be proactive.

Plan for the future by making a list of your parent’s needs and making arrangements for their care in advance. This can help reduce stress and uncertainty down the line.

Stay informed and educated.

Keep up with any changes in healthcare and laws that may impact your parents’ care, such as changes to Medicare or Medicaid. Attend workshops, and webinars, or read articles and books about caregiving to stay informed and prepared for any challenges that may arise. Being well-informed about the wound doctor app for example, can also help you make informed decisions and advocate for your parents’ needs.

In Closing

Taking care of aging parents is a challenge, but by preparing in advance and building a support network, you can make the experience easier and less stressful for everyone involved. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and be proactive in planning for your parents’ future. With a little preparation and the right resources, you can ensure that your parents are comfortable, safe, and well-cared for as they age.

Going Strong, Health, Lifestyle, Tips

Boost Your Confidence in 2023 With These Tips

01/30/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

There are moments when keeping your head up might be incredibly difficult. Everyone goes through moments in their lives when they have low self-confidence and self-esteem. A lack of self-confidence can be caused by a number of causes, including being in an unpleasant relationship, having difficulty embracing who you are, or both. If you are suffering, there is good news: help is available for those in your situation.

Remember that pain should not be endured in silence, as a problem shared is a problem halved. Take a look at the information provided below to see how you can handle the problem and restore your confidence.

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Remove the Toxic Waste

If you are constantly in the company of people who do not value you, you may have become accustomed to hearing others speak poorly about you. You do not need to be around this because it is unjust and has no bearing on you. Remove yourself from the situation, both physically and psychologically, and stop your contact with anyone who brings negativity into your life. It is possible that you are not aware that this is what you need to do, but your physical and emotional health will thank you if you do.

Make a call to the experts.

If you believe that something about yourself, such as your teeth, is defective in some way, there are steps you can take to address the problem. If you are experiencing tooth pain, you should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. Visiting a dentist for implants might be a terrifying experience, but remember that they are there to help you. If it is financial constraints keep you from visiting the dentist on a regular basis, you might consider purchasing dental insurance that would cover any necessary dental care. The majority of dentists now offer payment plans, so this is another option for patients like you.

Believe the compliments.
Believe the nice things people say about you when they tell you. Why would somebody say something just to say something? They have no reason to. If you ever find yourself doubting praises, ask yourself why the individual would say that. This should bring you back to reality and remind you of the lovely compliments you are now receiving. Humans thrive on compliments and niceness; it is not in our nature to be harsh in reaction to compliments. You have developed in yourself the attitude that you cannot believe what others say because of how you feel about your body. Put no stock in what you see in the mirror; how other people perceive you is not always how you should perceive yourself.