Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment program that produces highly effective results. MAT contributes to excellent recovery rates when used to treat opioid dependence and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies.
NP Addiction Clinic in Port Saint Lucie, FL, integrates comprehensive MAT in fully bespoke programs to combat addiction and substance abuse.
Medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT, is a treatment that uses medication to treat addiction. Typically employed to treat opioid use disorders and alcohol dependence, MAT is often combined with counseling for the best results.
When completing addiction treatment, withdrawal symptoms arise. While often severe and even life-threatening, MAT significantly reduces the overall impact they have and improves the outcome of detox programs. Furthermore, MAT gives people the tools and abilities required to build a solid foundation for the best chances of recovery.
Though commonly used to treat opioid use disorders (OUD), MAT can also treat alcohol use disorders (AUD). For this reason, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) regard MAT to be a highly effective form of addiction treatment.
Opioid treatment programs will often administer medication to increase the chances of a successful recovery. The Food and Drug Associated (FDA) has approved three types of medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). These are:
When receiving MAT for OUD, there is no maximum amount of time that clients can receive medication. Some people may receive medication for a few months, and others may use them for much longer. Many recovery programs aim to phase these medications out within a year, but this can depend on the individual.
As detoxing from opioids can take weeks, using medication throughout can alleviate severe withdrawal symptoms and increase the chances of a successful recovery.
The effectiveness of these treatments differs from person to person, and several types of medication may need to be tried to find the right type. At NP Addiction Clinic, our bespoke recovery programs mean that you’ll receive the treatment that’s right for you, with medication that works effectively. No two people are the same, which is why we tailor our plans and medications to each individual.
NP Addiction Clinic is fully licensed by SAMHSA to provide opioid detox. We have a proven track record of successful detox and recovery.
It is incredibly dangerous to quit alcohol without the use of medication. As a result, treatment centers will often use one of the following medications to assist detox:
As treatment for AUD depends on what is suitable for the individual, different medications may be tested before being prescribed. Detoxing from alcohol can take more than a week, with some symptoms persisting for a prolonged period. Using MAT alongside other addiction treatments offers a greater chance of a successful recovery.
There is a misconception that MAT doesn’t help with recovery. Instead, many believe that it replaces one drug for another. However, the medications used do not replicate the feeling of being on opioids or drinking alcohol. Instead, they reduce cravings, aid brain and body function after addiction, and help clients focus on recovering mentally.
The symptoms of addiction depend on the substance that a person is using. However, they generally include:
It may be hard to confront signs of substance abuse in yourself or a loved one, but professional help is always available. At NP Addiction Clinic, our thorough assessment process can identify the best treatment option available and provide a completely bespoke treatment plan for each person.
When completing MAT for opioid or alcohol abuse disorders, withdrawal symptoms may be encountered. These can include:
The idea of receiving treatment for prescription opioids or alcohol abuse can seem overwhelming. However, using medications to treat addiction and withdrawal can lessen these symptoms considerably, improve rates, and reduce the risk of relapse.
This term is often used interchangeably with medication-assisted treatment, but there are a couple of subtle differences between MAT and medication-assisted recovery (MAR).
In short, MAT makes MAR possible. Treatment comes before recovery, but both use medication. A MAT program might also offer MAR as part of the process, as using medication to treat OUD or alcohol abuse during recovery can help clients maintain sobriety.
MAR helps people to sustain recovery with the use of medication. Medication may be decreased over time or used over a prolonged period to help sustain a drug-free life.
MAT is an evidence-based treatment with many proven benefits. SAMHSA finds that MAT:
When administered alongside counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT is highly effective and contributes to sustained recovery. NP Addiction Clinic tailors each program to the individual, providing a safe and supportive environment so everyone can heal and recover at their own pace.
Recovery doesn’t just end with detox and medication. All our MAT programs provide comprehensive aftercare and support for our clients. We ensure each person has access to counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication to get to the root cause of addiction. Our alumni services allow clients to access support even after leaving our treatment programs.
Act now to receive bespoke healthcare to treat opioid use disorders and alcohol abuse at NP Addiction Clinic. Our thorough assessment process identifies each individual's unique needs, and our MAT program includes around-the-clock care and support from staff. To find out more, call or email us today.
