At Grasonville Health Services, we understand that the road to recovery isn’t just about overcoming physical dependence—it’s about healing your mind, too. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) plays an important role in treating opioid use disorder, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Many people who are struggling with addiction also often face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, & that’s why integrating mental health care with MAT is so important. This is called “Dual Diagnosis,” & it’s extremely common.
Why MAT Alone Isn’t Enough?
When someone is recovering from opioid addiction, their body goes through a lot of physical changes. MAT helps to stabilize those changes by reducing cravings, managing withdrawal symptoms, & keeping the body balanced. But what about the emotional side of recovery?
For many people, addiction is often linked to deeper emotional pain. You might have turned to substances to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma. While MAT addresses the physical symptoms of addiction, it doesn’t fully treat these underlying emotional struggles. That’s why it’s so important to have a holistic approach to recovery, one that includes both MAT & mental health support.
The Connection Between Addiction & Mental Health
It’s no secret that addiction often goes hand-in-hand with mental health issues. According to research, about half of people with a substance use disorder also experience a mental health disorder, which is often referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. For example, someone with addiction might also struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD. These mental health challenges can make recovery feel even more overwhelming & can even increase the risk of relapse if not properly addressed.
MAT can help manage the physical symptoms of addiction, but mental health care provides the tools you need to address the root causes of your addiction. Working through emotions, developing healthy coping strategies, & healing from past trauma are all important aspects of a successful recovery process.
How MAT & Therapy Work Together
At Grasonville Health Services, we take a team-based approach to recovery that integrates both MAT & mental health counseling. When you’re on MAT, you may be feeling more stable physically, but there’s still work to be done emotionally. Therapy, counseling, & other forms of mental health support can help you work through anxiety, depression, trauma, & other issues that may be affecting your recovery.
Some people in MAT programs also benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address emotional struggles. These therapies can help you:
• Recognize & challenge negative thought patterns that may be contributing to substance use.
• Develop coping skills for managing stress, anxiety, or triggers.
• Process past trauma & learn how to heal.
The combination of MAT & mental health support provides a comprehensive approach to recovery, so you don’t just stop using substances—you learn to heal, grow, & thrive in every area of your life.
We’re Here to Support You
If you’re struggling with both addiction & mental health challenges, know that you’re not alone. Grasonville Health Services is here to support you on every step of your journey. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate space for both your physical & emotional recovery.
Whether you need help managing your medication, counseling to address underlying emotional struggles, or just someone to talk to, we’re here for you. Remember, healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right support & tools, recovery is possible.
If you’re ready to take the next step or need more information on how MAT & mental health care can work together, reach out today. We’re here to help, & we believe in you
