For many individuals struggling with alcohol dependence, medication-assisted treatment for alcohol (MAT) offers a transformative path toward recovery. Combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT is designed to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and significantly lower the risk of relapse. At Sana at Stowe, we integrate this approach within a luxurious, holistic environment, providing clients with compassionate, comprehensive care in the heart of New England, just a short trip from the Burlington, Vermont airport.
Understanding what to expect from medication-assisted treatment for alcohol abuse can empower you to make informed decisions and approach recovery with confidence. Whether you or a loved one is exploring MAT for the first time, this guide will walk you through the essentials of this evidence-based approach.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Alcohol?
Simply put, medication-assisted treatment for alcohol involves using specific, FDA-approved medications to help control the physical symptoms of alcohol dependence, while also engaging in therapy to address behavioral patterns and emotional triggers. This dual approach is particularly effective because it tackles both the physical and psychological components of addiction.
At Sana at Stowe, MAT is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it’s thoughtfully integrated into a holistic treatment plan that includes trauma-informed care, evidence-based treatment, and personalized therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). These are supplemented by peer recovery support services, expressive therapies, and integrative treatments like acupuncture, all of which are part of our comprehensive program.
Medications Commonly Used in MAT for Alcohol Recovery
Understanding the medications used in medical assisted treatment for alcohol can help alleviate concerns and clarify how this approach works. Commonly prescribed options include:
- Naltrexone: Helps reduce cravings by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol.
- Acamprosate: Supports brain chemistry balance to decrease the urge to drink, especially in early sobriety.
- Disulfiram: Causes unpleasant physical reactions if alcohol is consumed, creating a deterrent effect.
Our experienced medical team at Sana at Stowe will conduct a thorough evaluation, including tools like an alcohol use screening test, to determine the most suitable medication for your individual needs.
Why MAT Works: Addressing Mental Health and Addiction Together
One of the core benefits of medication-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence is its ability to stabilize physical symptoms, which allows clients to focus on healing the underlying emotional wounds and behavioral patterns linked to addiction. Often, alcohol misuse is rooted in unresolved trauma or co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
At Sana at Stowe, we emphasize the importance of identifying whether mental health challenges or substance use appeared first—this distinction shapes each client’s recovery journey. For individuals navigating both trauma and addiction, MAT provides crucial support, allowing them to engage more fully in therapy and build effective coping skills for addiction.
What to Expect During Medication-Assisted Treatment at Sana at Stowe
From the moment you arrive at our luxury facility in Stowe, Vermont, you’ll experience a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to recovery. Here’s a closer look at what to expect:
- Medically-Supervised Detox: Safe management of withdrawal symptoms, guided by our expert clinical team.
- Customized Medication Plan: Tailored prescriptions based on your unique history and recovery goals.
- Therapeutic Support: Access to residential treatment centers for depression vermont clients trust, offering a wide array of individual and group therapies.
- Holistic Integration: Supplementing MAT with mindfulness, acupuncture, and expressive therapies.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins to adjust medications as needed and track progress along your sobriety timeline.
We also work closely with families, helping them understand the recovery process and supporting clients in adjusting to life after rehab with confidence.
MAT and Life Beyond Rehab: Preparing for Long-Term Recovery
While medically assisted treatment for alcohol addresses immediate physical needs, long-term recovery is about much more than managing cravings. At Sana at Stowe, we prepare clients for sustained success beyond their residential stay by building a robust support network and equipping them with lifelong coping strategies.
For many, understanding life after rehab involves recognizing triggers, maintaining healthy routines, and continuing therapy or support groups. Our rehab retreat environment emphasizes reflection, skill-building, and community, fostering growth that extends well beyond our Vermont campus.
Tools like the ACEs assessment (Adverse Childhood Experiences) help clients understand the root causes of their addiction, while resources like the drug addiction quiz offer insights into personal risk factors. Our addiction treatment guide also provides helpful information for those exploring various paths to recovery.
Insurance and Accessibility: Does Insurance Cover Rehab at Sana at Stowe?
Yes, it does. Sana at Stowe proudly accepts insurance through in-network providers, including TRICARE, ensuring that veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families can access our exceptional care. Our admissions team is available to help you navigate coverage details, so you can focus entirely on healing.
Why Choose Sana at Stowe for MAT and Alcohol Recovery
What sets Sana at Stowe apart is our unwavering commitment to personalized care. Our high staff-to-patient ratio ensures that every client receives the attention they deserve, while our luxury setting offers a peaceful retreat for recovery. With access to medication assisted treatment, trauma-informed therapies, and holistic healing modalities, you’ll receive comprehensive support at every step of your journey.
From expertly managed medically assisted treatment for alcohol to integrative therapies that nurture the mind and body, we are dedicated to helping you reclaim your life. Whether you are local to Vermont, traveling from elsewhere in New England, or arriving from afar, our facility provides a world-class destination for recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Holistic Healing
If you or a loved one is considering medication-assisted treatment for alcohol abuse, reach out to Sana at Stowe today. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step of recovery with personalized care and exceptional support. Call us at (802) 566-5906 to learn more about our programs and begin your journey toward lasting wellness.