Medication Assisted Treatment

Overcoming the symptoms of withdrawal and persistent cravings can interfere with your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. At Lehigh Valley Wellness in Allentown, Pennsylvania, mental health professional and addiction specialist Stephen McCarthy, PA, utilizes every tool to support you throughout your recovery journey. Medication-assisted treatment can help minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms from certain substances to help you achieve lasting recovery and take back control of your life. Call the wellness center today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is medication-assisted treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment involves combining medication with traditional addiction therapy to relieve dependence on addictive substances, such as opioids or alcohol. The mental health professionals at Lehigh Valley Wellness use medication-assisted treatments to help minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can interfere with recovery.

Research shows that relapse is most likely to occur during the first 90 days of the recovery process. Abstinence, combined with persistent cravings and intense withdrawal symptoms, can slow your motivation and progress. Reducing these effects helps make the initial withdrawal period more manageable for people struggling with addiction. 

How does medication-assisted treatment work?

Medication-assisted treatment blocks the receptors in your brain responsible for the euphoric feelings you experience when using addictive substances. 

The opioid receptors are part of the brain’s reward processing system. When stimuli, such as opioids and alcohol, bond to these receptors, they send signals that release pleasure and euphoria. Addiction causes intense cravings that increase your reliance on drugs, alcohol, and other addictive substances. 

Withdrawing from these substances interferes with your brain’s chemical signals, causing uncomfortable physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations

Cravings can feel almost unbearable during the detox period. By minimizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, medication-assisted treatment can help support your recovery. There are many types of medications, and your provider can recommend the appropriate one for your treatment.

What can I expect from medication-assisted treatment?

At Lehigh Valley Wellness, the mental health care professionals tailor medication-assisted treatment plans to your needs and goals. Some individuals use these treatments for weeks, months, or years, depending on their needs.

Medication assistance isn’t a standalone treatment. Your provider combines these medications with therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes to ensure the best possible outcome. They track and monitor your progress and make adjustments to your plan as your needs change.

A reliable support system is essential to end a medication-assisted treatment plan. Before discontinuing medication use, your provider may recommend specific types of therapy, individual and group counseling, and other treatments to make sure you have the necessary support for a successful recovery.

Call Lehigh Valley Wellness today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about medication-assisted treatment.