Medication-Assisted Treatment

If you haven’t been able to break an addiction to opioids or other substances, New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC in Sioux City, Iowa, is here for you. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Dorcas Kamau, PMHNP-DNP, offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help you overcome substance use disorder. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by phone or request one online today to get help overcoming an addiction.

What is medication-assisted treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, also called MAT, is a substance misuse treatment in which you take medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids or alcohol. 

Taking medications combined with therapy is a highly effective way to break substance use disorder. New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC also prescribes medication management for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions (if necessary).

How does medication-assisted treatment work?

Taking medications for substance misuse can reduce vomiting, muscle aches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, tremors, diarrhea, and other withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism or opioid use disorder. Medications can reduce drug cravings caused by imbalances in the brain or block the effects of opioids in your body. 

What are the benefits of MAT for addiction?

When combined with therapy, MAT is an exceptional way to break opioid or alcohol addictions. It can restore your physical and mental well-being to help you thrive at work or in school. MAT boosts your chance of overcoming an addiction without debilitating side effects.

Am I a candidate for medication-assisted treatment?

You might be a candidate for medication-assisted treatment if you have moderate to severe opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Dorcas reviews your medical history, lifestyle habits, medications, and symptoms. She also completes a psychiatric evaluation and may order drug or alcohol testing. 

Signs of an addiction include:

• Not being able to stop using harmful substances
• Needing more and more of a substance
• Being drunk or high 
• Diminished self-care
• Mood swings
• Using a substance in secret
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Frequent accidents
• Changes in sleep habits
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Withdrawal symptoms when quitting

You might also have problems with work, school, relationships, your finances, or even with the law.

What should I expect during medication-assisted treatment?

During MAT, you typically receive your medication at the New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC office. You might eventually be able to take it as instructed at home. Medications used for substance use disorder are generally available as a liquid, film, injection, or pill.

You may undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy to break addictive habits and alter your behaviors, thoughts, and lifestyle.

Schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation at New Horizon Mental Health and Wellness LLC by phone or request one online today to learn more about medication-assisted treatment.