If you’re considering an addiction treatment program, you’ve probably done your research on the different types of treatment options, medications and clinics. Several opioid treatment strategies are available for people who struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD). Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive initiative that combines methadone treatment with addiction counseling services and personalized care. This effective strategy emphasizes the importance of counseling on your road to sobriety.
Learn more about why counseling is an important part of opioid addiction treatment and how it can help you today.
Addiction Recovery and Counseling
When thinking about addiction treatments, many people might focus on medicines like methadone, buprenorphine or other pharmacological interventions. These medications help reduce cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms and treat the physical signs of addiction. They’re an undeniably important part of your recovery process.
However, long-term recovery often requires you to address the underlying causes behind your addiction in addition to the physical symptoms. Psychological and social factors play a significant role in addiction and relapses. Counseling examines these causes and consequences in a way that complements the progress you make with methadone maintenance or other medication treatments. Substance use counseling allows you to face every aspect of your addiction from a healthier and more productive place.
How Counseling Improves Addiction Recovery
Counseling as part of opioid addiction treatment can take several forms. Individual counseling like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, family therapy and other types of counseling all have unique benefits to help people with OUD on their path to recovery. When you participate in a MAT program, your doctor and clinic staff will help you find the right care services to address your needs.
Counseling can help you develop healthy habits and improve your recovery process in many ways.
Recognize Negative Thoughts and Behaviors
Attending individual therapy with a professional clinician can teach you how to identify and cope with negative thinking. When you’re aware of your unhealthy thoughts or behavioral patterns, it becomes easier to change them into better habits. Recognizing potential triggers also allows you to avoid bad situations or sensations that could lead to a relapse.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
You’re bound to face stress while in recovery, whether you’re confronting past hurts or struggles, a current crisis or the typical stressors of daily life. Counseling gives you the tools you need to handle situations reliably without drugs. You’ll learn techniques that enable you to cope with these triggers and difficult emotions. With these skills, you’ll be ready to deal with short- and long-term challenges on your path of recovery.
Establish and Rebuild Relationships
Isolation can be a major issue in opioid addiction. Medication-assisted counseling will help you connect with a community, establish strong relationships and heal old ones. Counseling groups with your peers allow you to receive support from people who understand your struggles. Family therapy enables you to rebuild relationships with loved ones. A steady support system is beneficial for anyone in opioid recovery.
Seek Medication-Assisted Counseling From MedMark Treatment Centers
If you’re interested in learning more about addiction recovery and counseling, reach out to MedMark Treatment Centers. We provide medication- assisted treatment with counseling for individuals with opioid addiction, also referred to as opioid use disorder (OUD). Contact us online to start the process today.
