The Effectiveness of MAT in Outpatient Mental Healthcare
Our Approach to Wellness
Mind Body Optimization (MBO), located in Southlake and Plano, Texas, is an outpatient mental health and substance use treatment center. Our commitment to comprehensive wellness approach aligns with the principles of medication assisted treatment (MAT).
At MBO, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. This means we don’t just focus on what’s wrong, but also on the deeper reasons why someone might be struggling. This approach fosters lasting change and empowers people to take charge of their well-being.
If you’re seeking a supportive and personalized approach to mental healthcare, Mind Body Optimization may be the right fit for you.
Understanding MAT
Navigating the path to recovery from addiction can feel overwhelming, but help is out there.
Medication assisted treatment is a powerful tool that can be used in outpatient settings to empower people with substance use disorders. This is especially true for those involving opioids and alcohol.
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
MAT is an evidence-based approach that combines medications with therapy and counseling. This combination works together to address the complex challenges associated with addiction, providing a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to healing.1
By combining these aspects, medication assisted treatment (MAT) offers a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. This increases the chances of long-term success.
Key Components of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Comprehensive Evaluation
Medication Management
- Buprenorphine: This is a partial opioid agonist that activates the brain’s opioid receptors. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, it doesn’t cause the intense highs of other opioids.
- Methadone: This is a full opioid agonist, meaning it fully binds to the brain’s opioid receptors. This blocks withdrawal symptoms and cravings for longer. Methadone programs often require more structured supervision due to its potential for dependence.
- Naltrexone: This is an opioid antagonist. It blocks the effects of opioids at the brain’s receptor sites, preventing the feeling of euphoria and reducing the motivation to use.
Counseling and Behavioral Therapies
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
Holistic Integration of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Physical: Managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse through medication.
- Emotional: Addressing underlying emotional issues that may have contributed to addiction through individual and group therapies.
- Social: Rebuilding healthy relationships and support networks through family therapy and support groups.
Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness practices encourage people to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This allows them to understand their triggers better and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Techniques like meditation and yoga can help people:3
- Develop self-awareness
- Manage stress
- Build emotional regulation skills
Trauma Therapy
If past trauma is a contributing factor to addiction, specialized therapy can help. Trauma therapies help people process and heal from those experiences. This can reduce their vulnerability to relapse.
One specific form of trauma therapy often used with MAT is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR stimulates the brain through bilateral eye movements, sounds, or other methods.
This is done while clients revisit traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This process can help people reduce the pain of these memories. It can also help them gain a healthier view of the past.4
Support Groups
Benefits of Support Groups
- Feel heard and understood
- Gain new perspectives
- Find encouragement and support
- Reduce feelings of isolation
Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Reduced Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
Lower Risk of Relapse and Overdose
Improved Retention in Treatment
Enhanced Quality of Life
Experience A Personalized Path to Healing
At Mind Body Optimization, we understand that each person’s journey to mental well-being is unique. Our mission is to empower each client to reach their full potential with treatment plans to address their needs and goals.
MBO’s philosophy emphasizes collaboration and sustainable change. We believe in working alongside clients to develop treatment that feels right for them. This collaboration fosters long-lasting positive changes rather than temporary solutions.
To achieve this, we offer a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotional regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Explore their ambivalence about change
- Identify their reasons for wanting to change
- Develop a plan to achieve their goals
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy is a form of psychotherapy that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. It’s an immersive and hands-on approach that uses expressive tools and activities to help people:
- Explore their emotions
- Process difficult experiences
- Develop new coping mechanisms
Experiential Therapy Techniques
- Role-playing: This technique allows people to re-enact past experiences or practice communication skills in a safe and controlled environment.
- Art therapy: Expressing oneself through art, like painting, drawing, or sculpting, can be a powerful way to access emotions. It can help explore feelings that might be hard to put into words.
- Movement therapy: This therapy uses body movement, dance, or exercise. It helps people connect with their bodies, release emotions, and improve self-awareness.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
MBO understands that treating one condition is not enough for those with co-occurring conditions. Treatment for dual diagnosis is designed to address both mental health conditions and substance use at the same time.11
Clients will work with a team of professionals specializing in mental health and addiction. This ensures a comprehensive treatment plan and addresses all the individual’s needs.
MBO’s dual diagnosis treatment involves combining various therapies to address all aspects of a person. This combined approach helps people develop coping mechanisms and manage their condition effectively.
MBO’s Emphases on Whole-Person Wellness
If you’re looking for a supportive and personalized approach to mental health care, Mind Body Optimization may be a good fit for you. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life.
Taking Charge of Your Journey with MBO
- Evidence-based therapies
- Emotional support
- Healthy lifestyle practices
Your Partner on the Path to Wellness
Contact Mind Body Optimization Today
Reach out to us today to explore our outpatient program and various services offered by our experienced professionals. Contact us at (972) 590-9909 or reach out online for more information.
Remember, you deserve to live a fulfilling and healthy life, and MBO is here to support you on your journey toward achieving it. Sustainable healing starts here.
Resources
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
- https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/
- https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
- https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/fact-sheets/2016/11/medication-assisted-treatment-improves-outcomes-for-patients-with-opioid-use-disorder
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/methadone-buprenorphine-reduce-risk-death-after-opioid-overdose
- https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22838-dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt
- https://motivationalinterviewing.org/understanding-motivational-interviewing
- https://www.verywellmind.com/experiential-therapy-definition-techniques-and-efficacy-5198815
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24426-dual-diagnosis
