Are you facing active addiction, or does someone close to you struggle with substance use? Perhaps, you’re not precisely addicted, but considering the massive potential of what if? Many of us recognize that many individuals in active addiction face a chaotic reality with serious consequences. In severe addiction cases, inmates serve prison sentences of various lengths tied to their drug use. Unfortunately, drug habits often become more prominent among communities with limited access to addiction awareness or education about alternatives to drug use.
Perhaps, the idea of prison feels far away for you or very unlikely. Still, many who find themselves behind bars have bigger dreams than facing addiction in prison. We at MAT Care Clinics hope this blog post inspires you to seek help for your struggles with substance use and consider your options for freedom from dependency or an obsession with drugs.
While prison doesn’t happen to everyone in active addiction or those temporarily using substances to cope, incarceration is more likely to occur without suitable treatment. Prison is often a terrifying, limiting, destabilizing experience for many. Worst of all, research shows that addiction in prison does not always lead to sobriety or better outcomes.
In fact, in some cases, inmates become more addicted, develop new habits, and regress into criminal activity because of tarnished records and unlawful grooming.
Thankfully, there’s hope, and much of it starts in science. Research demonstrates some powerful medications can improve life for individuals struggling with addiction and improve recovery odds. Addiction often can be treated with Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT), which combines medicine and, in some cases, individual/group counseling to support ongoing recovery.
While MAT programs may not be the best option for everyone experiencing addiction, it improves outcomes for many, with the medical supervision of knowledgeable clinicians who comprehensively understand addiction and polysubstance use. MAT programs and clinics are changing lives and giving families back those they lost for years due to active addiction.
So, let’s begin on your path to a better life. You deserve freedom and more than addiction behind bars.
For recovery options with MAT Care Clinic, click here.
Introducing the Reality of Addiction in Prison
It is a harsh reality that addiction is rampant in our prison systems. Addiction being rampant informs us of how many incarcerations we can prevent. It’s past time we face addiction head-on and take action to help those suffering before things worsen.
It’s not enough to incarcerate individuals and ignore their underlying issues. We must provide them with reliable resources and support to overcome their addiction to avoid incarceration or, even worse, a fatal overdose.
With an intelligent and informed approach, we can make a difference. And by doing so, we can be optimistic that we are helping to break the cycle of addiction and make our society a safer and healthier place for all. Spreading information about treatment options, like MAT, can help us on this mission.
The Dangers of Active Addiction and Prolonged Incarceration
Active addiction can be a nightmare that consumes individuals and their loved ones. It is easy to understand how one can make a mistake that leads to incarceration. However, the extended time spent in prison can be hazardous to those struggling with addiction. Often, addiction treatment in prison is limited or nonexistent. Users do not always detox properly and can face horrible medical conditions.
Incarceration, particularly for extended periods, has been associated with increased violence and mental health issues. Sadly, the cycle of addiction and prison can create a hopeless and bleak future for many and often feel like a revolving door.
How Medication-Assisted Therapy Can Help Avoid Prison Time
As addiction continues to be a prevalent issue, those struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are consistently at risk of incarceration. Not to mention, the prison industry is a billion-dollar market that continues to expand and profit.
MAT has emerged as a highly effective treatment option for individuals with addiction. By using a combination of drugs and, in some cases, behavioral therapy, MAT programs often lead to decreased rates of relapse and overdose and increase the likelihood of successful recovery. These better outcomes reduce drug-related incarceration rates.
Not only does MAT benefit individuals in their journey toward sobriety, but it also can potentially decrease addiction rates in prison populations. By accessing MAT programs, individuals with SUDs have a greater chance of avoiding incarceration and focusing on their recovery. It’s time to prioritize MAT as a crucial aspect of addiction treatment and prevention within the criminal justice system.
Benefits of MAT Care
As the opioid epidemic continues to affect communities across the United States, medication-assisted treatment is becoming increasingly prevalent. With limited options and people in desperate need, MAT care has become more common and accepted.
Additionally, MAT Medical professionals understand addiction and oversee MAT medication programs. Patients often check in to evaluate progress and ensure they tolerate the drug appropriately. Furthermore, doctors can assess their patient’s states and ensure they maintain the proper course of treatment.
Preparing for a Life Beyond Addiction
Addiction can strip away a person’s sense of purpose and self-worth and destroy even the most significant relationships. When someone is ready to begin the journey toward recovery, it’s crucial to have a robust support system. This need is substantial for individuals who have faced addiction in prison or soon will.
Support groups, community events, individual counseling, and therapy sessions can all be excellent resources besides MAT. Developing healthy routines, maintaining solid relationships, and avoiding triggers is essential for recovery. With patience, persistence, and a stable support system, anyone can prepare for a fulfilling life beyond addiction.
Raising Awareness about MAT and Its Role in Prison Avoidance
The problem of addiction in prison is complex, with no easy solutions. MAT can help individuals manage addiction and significantly reduce their likelihood of experiencing a relapse, which can help them avoid regressing to prison. Raising awareness about MAT and its role in prison avoidance can encourage more providers and patients to adopt this approach to break the cycle of addiction and incarceration. While the road ahead may be challenging, we must remain hopeful about the potential of MAT to change lives for the better.
More About MAT Care Clinics
At Mat Care Clinics, we are committed to providing evidence-based care that helps people suffering from opioid and alcohol use disorders. Our clinically proven medications (Suboxone, Sublocade, Naltrexone, and Vivitrol) provide tangible results. We have repeatedly seen how MAT for opioids reduces overdose deaths, increases long-term recovery rates, curbs illicit drug use, helps pregnant women deliver healthy babies, and strengthens employment prospects.
This safe, trusted medical approach has proven to work for many. As such, our qualified staff of medical professionals is here for you should you need MAT for opioid treatment or alcohol addiction. We urge you to reach out today so we can get started on your path of sobriety and recovery. All it takes is a phone call or a simple click to change everything.
Call us at (833) 622-0628 or contact us here.
