At Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, California, we understand that the path to recovery is as unique as each individual we serve. That’s why our comprehensive medication-assisted treatment program (MAT) for drugs and alcohol is designed to provide a balanced and evidence-based approach to overcoming addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges.
With studies showing that medication-assisted treatment can reduce opioid use by over 50% and significantly improve treatment retention rates, it has become a crucial lifeline for individuals battling substance use disorders.
Whether you’re entering detox, residential treatment, or seeking dual-diagnosis care, our dedicated team is here to help you thrive. At Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, California, we blend cutting-edge treatment methods with compassionate care to help you reclaim your life and build a healthier, brighter future.
The detox process is designed to manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare individuals for the next phase of recovery. Treatment programs offer various levels of care tailored to individual needs, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the healing journey.
What is a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program?
Unlike traditional detox programs, MAT is a long-term strategy that supports individuals through various stages of recovery. It helps stabilize brain chemistry, blocks the euphoric effects of substances, and prevents relapse, ultimately increasing the likelihood of sustained sobriety.
What Conditions Are Treated With MAT Detox?
- Opioid Addiction: MAT uses medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to ease withdrawal discomfort, reduce cravings, and stabilize individuals during the detox process. This approach not only improves safety but also paves the way for long-term recovery.
- Alcohol Dependence: MAT proves to be very beneficial. Medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate help manage withdrawal effects while reducing the risk of relapse by addressing alcohol cravings and the desire to drink.
- Additional Cases of Substance Use Disorder: For other substance abuse issues involving benzodiazepine or stimulant abuse, MAT may be used to provide symptom relief and stabilization as the body adjusts to the absence of the substance.
By focusing on both the physical and psychological challenges of withdrawal, MAT ensures a safer, more manageable detox experience. This evidence-based approach provides individuals with the stability they need to progress toward a healthier, addiction-free life.
How Does Medication-Assisted Therapy Work?
The medications used in MAT are carefully prescribed to meet each individual’s specific needs, depending on the substance involved. For example, medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are commonly used to treat opioid addiction. Similarly, for alcohol dependence, medications such as disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone work to curb cravings and normalize the brain’s response to alcohol, reducing the risk of relapse.
Beyond addressing the physical impact of addiction, MAT incorporates counseling and behavioral therapy to tackle the underlying emotional and psychological issues that often accompany substance use disorders. Through therapy, individuals gain valuable coping skills, identify and manage triggers, and address mental health conditions that may co-occur with addiction, such as anxiety or depression.
When combined, these components create a balanced, evidence-based treatment plan that not only supports the individual in detox and early recovery but also helps build the foundation for long-term sobriety. MAT empowers individuals to regain control over their lives in a safe, structured, and compassionate environment, offering hope and stability as they work toward a healthier future.
What are the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Easing Withdrawal Symptoms
One of its most notable advantages is its ability to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making the detox process safer and more manageable. This approach improves treatment retention, as individuals are more likely to stay engaged in their recovery program when physical discomfort is minimized.
Regulates Brain Chemistry
MAT also significantly lowers the risk of relapse by helping regulate brain chemistry and reducing triggers that lead to substance use. For those with co-occurring mental health conditions, MAT provides an integrated approach, supporting emotional stability while addressing addiction. Ultimately, this evidence-based treatment approach helps individuals reclaim their lives more confidently and sustainably, empowering them to build a healthier, drug-free future.
Medication Management / Medication Maintenance
One of the primary advantages of MAT is the structured and supervised administration of medication. This ensures that individuals receive the correct dosage to alleviate withdrawal symptoms while reducing the risk of misuse or dependency. Medication maintenance helps individuals focus on recovery by stabilizing their physical and psychological well-being.How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Help Treat Addiction?
Detox Process and Withdrawal Symptoms
The detox process involves eliminating substances from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be an intense experience, with symptoms ranging from nausea and insomnia to severe pain and mental distress. MAT helps mitigate these symptoms, making the detox process more manageable and reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Reducing Cravings and Preparing for Treatment
By addressing physical dependence, MAT provides individuals with a smoother transition into long-term treatment. It ensures that the body is free from drugs and alcohol while preparing the mind for therapeutic interventions. There are various treatment options available, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group counseling, and holistic approaches, all of which complement MAT.What Medications Are Commonly Used During Detox?
- Methadone: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings by binding to opioid receptors, without producing a euphoric effect.
- Buprenorphine: Eases withdrawal symptoms and curbs cravings by partially activating opioid receptors.
- Naltrexone: Blocks opioid effects, preventing misuse and supporting recovery.
- Disulfiram: Creates sensitivity to alcohol, causing unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed, deterring drinking.
- Acamprosate: Stabilizes brain chemistry and reduces symptoms like anxiety or insomnia, decreasing relapse risk.
- Naltrexone: Reduces cravings by disrupting the brain’s reward response to alcohol consumption.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., long-acting options): Used in a tapering strategy to safely minimize withdrawal risks.
- Stimulants (e.g., supportive treatments): Addresses symptoms like fatigue, depression, or agitation during recovery.
Each medication is chosen to meet the unique needs of the individual, making detox safer and more manageable while building a stable foundation for long-term recovery.
Why Can’t I Detox on My Own?
- Severe withdrawal symptoms – The body and brain often react strongly when substance use is abruptly stopped, leading to symptoms that can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
- Health complications – Detox isn’t just physically intense, it can strain vital organs like the heart and liver, particularly if they’ve been weakened by long-term substance use.
- Increased risk of overdose – Unfortunately, relapsing after a period of reduced substance use can be even more dangerous, as the body’s tolerance changes. This puts individuals at a higher risk of overdosing.
- Higher likelihood of relapse – The discomfort and emotional strain of withdrawal often push individuals to return to substance use as a way to quickly relieve their symptoms.
- Missing emotional and psychological support – Professional treatment centers offer counseling and resources to help you address the underlying causes of addiction, manage cravings, and build healthier coping mechanisms.
Medical detox programs provide a safe environment with 24/7 monitoring, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary care to complete detox successfully.
The Importance of Long-Term Maintenance Treatment
- Ongoing medical supervision and medication adjustments.
- Individual and group therapy to address underlying psychological factors.
- Aftercare programs, such as sober living and peer support networks.
Sustained recovery is a gradual process, and long-term maintenance treatment ensures that individuals receive the necessary tools and resources to achieve lasting success.
Begin Your Journey to Recovery at Surf City Detox
Take the first step today! Contact Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, CA, to learn more about our MAT program and start your path to a healthier, addiction-free life.
Surf City Detox Accepts Insurance
We accept many insurance plans to help cover the cost of addiction treatment. Contact your provider to get more information or call our office to reach an intake specialist.
