Drug Assisted Treatment vs Sober Home

Kari Schneider

Why Drug-Assisted Treatment is Better Than Sober Living Homes for Opioid Addiction Treatment

Evidence shows drugs like Methadone and Buprenorphine can help people recover from opioid addiction. Drug-assisted treatment helps medically reduce withdrawal symptoms, boosting a person’s chances of recovery.

Is joining a certified opioid treatment program the best option? Or will residing in a sober living home reduce your chances of relapsing?

What’s the Difference Between Drug-Assisted Treatment & Sober Living Homes?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or drug-assisted treatment for opioid addiction can help significantly increase the chances of recovery, especially when combined with psychotherapy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the CDC recommend drug-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

Sober houses are usually government sponsored or run by an NGO. People in recovery can stay in these homes as long as they maintain sobriety. Small groups of people battling addiction usually live in the house together. They often spend time together and attend meetings like Narcotics Anonymous as a group.

Usually, sober living homes employ an abstinence-based recovery, meaning complete abstinence from drug or alcohol use. Most sober living homes or “recovery houses” don’t allow residents to take medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drugs like Methadone and Suboxone. Many addiction treatment specialists believe this “cold turkey” approach is an issue. Medication-assisted treatment is quickly becoming the gold standard for opioid addiction in the US.

There are Logistical Challenges of Being on MAT in a Sober Living Home

Some sober houses are simply not equipped to care for people on drug-assisted treatment and will turn down individuals on MAT therapy.

Some MAT drugs, like liquid Methadone, must be given by a licensed healthcare provider. The sober home may not have the capacity to distribute the drug on-site legally. Other sober living facilities don’t allow residents to keep medications in their rooms. Finally, residents who are entirely abstinent may not want to live with other people on drug-assisted treatment. Having opioids like Methadone in the home could tempt others to steal or misuse the medications.

Drug-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction is More Effective

Recovering from an opioid addiction includes lifestyle changes that improve an individual’s mental and physical health. The path to recovery is different for everyone depending on needs, preferences, and accessibility.

While drug-assisted treatment is just one type of recovery treatment, it’s one of the most effective. Medications like Methadone are especially effective for people with Opioid use disorder (OUD) and can help boost the chances of recovery.

What’s Included with Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Part of the reason why MAT is so effective is that it’s often given in conjunction with other life-saving behavioral therapies. The combination of medicine and therapy packs a powerful punch against addiction. People in recovery can stay on MAT drugs for as long as they need.

During treatment for opioid addiction at a treatment program, you will learn how to:

• Shift your thought patterns
• Develop skills and strategies for coping with cravings, stress, and other relapse triggers
• Find out the cause of your addiction
• Prevent relapse
• Implement healthy lifestyle changes
• Repair damaged relationships
• To feel your best without drugs

MAT Drugs and Sustained Sober Living in Ohio

Most sober living homes will not or cannot provide medication-assisted treatment to their residents, potentially leaving millions of Americans feeling helpless. But what about individuals transitioning from an inpatient facility to the “real world?” If you’re still taking opioid addiction medications, it’s best to remain in some type of formal treatment. This could include ongoing outpatient support. While sober living homes can offer structure and support, medication-free housing isn’t the best option for everyone.

Our outpatient drug rehab program provides the necessary aftercare services, including a sober living environment to help those in opioid recovery transition back into their lives drug-free.

Drug-Assisted Treatment in Columbus, Ohio

The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes treatment programs less than 90 days have limited effectiveness. Sober homes are less effective at managing long-term sobriety.

Complete Healthcare offers safe, proven treatment options for people struggling with opioid addictions. Work with a team of medical professionals who can prescribe and help monitor potentially life-altering medications like Methadone.

Start feeling better today. Call 614.882.4343.