Member-only story
Recognizing Diverse Paths to Recovery: There is More than One Way to Get There
In addiction recovery, the journey to said recovery is profoundly personal and more complicated than most people realize; even professionals in the field can struggle with this concept. Before I worked in behavioral health and addiction, I did not understand medication-assisted treatment. Still, in time between school and working in the field, I realized that it is a critical part of addiction treatment because it can help those who may struggle with abstinence. It is focused on meeting the individual trying to recover at a place where they are willing to start at the moment.
Although MAT has been a longstanding component of addiction treatment, many clinics and programs still refuse to use it or accept clients utilizing it.
Just as some people manage a cold with over-the-counter medicine while others need hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms, addiction treatment should be approached similarly. Each person’s treatment needs vary based on genetics, environment, and overall circumstances. Abstinence might work for some, while MAT may be more effective for others. This diversity in treatment approaches needs to be recognized and respected, enlightening us about the varied…