Medication Assisted Treatment
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
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.
Compassionate Addiction Treatment
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 for Opioid Dependence
Opioid treatment programs will often administer medication to increase the chances of a successful recovery. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several types of medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). These are:
- Buprenorphine – A synthetic opioid, buprenorphine is used to replace more potent drugs and shorten withdrawal symptoms. Buprhenorphine occupies opioid receptors in the brain without creating the euphoric effects of other opioids. It is sometimes combined with naloxone to prevent dependence and opioid misuse.
- Suboxone – Suboxone is a brand name for a sublingual film which combines buprenorphine and naloxone together. It is a thin orange film that is dissolved under the tongue for rapid absorption.
- Methadone – A synthetic opioid often used as a long-term substitute for opioids of abuse, methadone is a maintenance medication. Practitioners decrease the dosage over time, which helps to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.
- Naltrexone – Working to prevent opioid effects in the brain, naltrexone weakens the desire to use opioid substances. Unlike other medicines, it can’t be used in conjunction with other treatments.
- Naloxone – This is a medication which acts quickly to block opioid receptors in the brain to mitigate the effects of opioids substances. It is sometimes combined with buprenorphine to prevent abuse. Naloxone by itself is the active ingredient in NARCAN, a medicine used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
What You Should Know About MAT for Opioid Addiction
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.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
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:
- Benzodiazepines – Prescribed within the detox phase of treatment, benzodiazepines can reduce and prevent withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, and even seizures.
- Acamprosate – Sold under the brand name Campral, acamprosate helps to reduce alcohol cravings. It additionally minimizes some withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.
- Naltrexone – This treatment blocks the rush of endorphins that are released when alcohol is consumed. Administered after the detox stage, naltrexone is available as a tablet, implant, or injection.
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 euphoric effects 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.
Peer reviewed clinical research has shown that MAT is a safe and effective method for addiction treatment, particularly for Opiate Use Disorder. MAT measurably improves outcomes and increases a person’s chances for staying sober successfully long-term.
Symptoms of Addiction
The symptoms of addiction depend on the substance that a person is using.
However, they generally include:
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Missing school or work regularly
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in mood, including mood swings and irritability
- Financial and legal issues
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:
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- High body temperature
- Diarrhea and cramps
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.
Medication-Assisted Recovery
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.
MAT 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:
- Improves rates of survival
- Enhances treatment retention
- Helps people to maintain and gain employment after treatment
- Improves the outcome of birth among women who use substances while pregnant
- Decreases criminal activities, such as buying illegal opiates.
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.
Get The Treatment You Deserve
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.
Why Choose NP Addiction Clinic?
Why our St. Lucie County rehab and mental health center is right for you and your loved ones.
24-Hour Support
We are dedicated to helping people heal, recover and live better lives, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Count on us to be there when you need us most.
On-Site Detox
Mental Health Treatment Pros
Aftercare and Alumni Support
Our aftercare, alumni support and MAT programs are second to none. We’re invested in your recovery and wellness for the long haul.
Recovery is Within Reach
At NP Addiction Clinic, successful recovery is only a phone call away. We’re always open, and we accept most insurance plans that can cover your cost of treatment. A life in recovery is within reach and we can help you achieve it.
Contact us today:
24/7 Helpline: (888) 574-3506
