According to the National Institute of Health, in the US, 78% of people over the age of 12 say they have drank alcohol in their lifetime. In the last month, approximately 6% off that population met criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (formerly known as Alcohol Dependence or Alcohol Addiction). As with any substance, there are a variety of reasons why people turn to alcohol, and stopping use is not an easy action.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) has been shown to be an incredibly effective way to not just cut down on the amount of alcohol a person uses, but helps them manage the cravings that occur once someone does stop. Humans do not do well with pain, and so the path to recovery can be incredibly difficult due to physical and emotional hurdles. Our MAT program uses a fully integrated approach for both of these struggles, with group and individual therapy to support the medication. If a person is ready to start a process of change, MAT can make it more attainable.
“Along with medication it is very important to have wrap around services. What that looks like is support groups, counseling, housing and food. Helping the person with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is helping the whole person, mentally emotionally and physically…MAT medications WORK … Alcoholism destroys lives, families and communities.” – Cheryl Nixon, HOPES Peer Support Specialist- MAT Program
HOPES’ interdisciplinary Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program is the gold standard for effective treatment in our region. Our harm reduction approach means we meet patients where they are in their recovery journey and develop a holistic treatment plan based on each patient’s specific goals.
To learn more about our MAT Program click here.
