Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) For Substance Abuse Recovery

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the application of pharmaceuticals in conjunction with counseling and behavioral interventions to treat substance use disorders on a holistic basis. Throughout treatment, it’s also crucial to address underlying health issues.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially authorized the medications used in MAT, as such, MAT regimens are medically guided and adapted to each patient’s requirements.

 

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When Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Appropriate?

MAT is primarily used to treat the opiate epidemic, such as heroin and opiates-containing prescription pain medications. The prescription works to restore brain chemistry, inhibit the euphoric aspects of alcohol and opiates, ease physiological urges, and regulate bodily processes while avoiding the negative and ecstatic effects of the substance.

According to research, a combination of medication and treatment can effectively treat these problems, and MAT can aid in the long-term rehabilitation of some persons battling addiction. MAT is also used to prevent or lessen the effects of an opioid overdose.

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Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Effective?

Complete restoration, including the capacity to live a self-directed life, is the endmost goal of MAT. This method of treatment can be effective by:

  • Improving patient survival
  • Reducing illicit opiate usage and other criminal activities among people with substance use disorders by increasing treatment retention
  • Ameliorating the capacity of patients to find and keep jobs
  • Enhancing the birth outcomes of pregnant mothers with substance use problems

Studies show that these drugs and therapies can significantly minimize a person’s chance of developing HIV or hepatitis C by decreasing the risk of recurrence.

 

 

What Kind of Medication is Used During Medically Assisted Treatment?

The three common names of pharmaceuticals used during medically assisted addiction treatment are:

  • Methadone
  • Vivitrol
  • Naltrexone

In the MAT Therapy process, all three of these medicines have a unique purpose and addiction to help overcome. They are FDA-approved and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the demands of each individual. These are not the only medications utilized for medically assisted treatment. New studies are being conducted in order to find new treatments and therapeutics. MAT Therapy is one of the most progressive addiction treatment approaches available.

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Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

The most frequently used pharmaceuticals to treat alcohol use disorder are acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. They do not cure the illness, but they are most successful when used in conjunction with a MAT program.

  • Acamprosate – works to keep individuals from consuming alcohol, but it doesn’t keep people from experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they do. It has not been observed to work in persons who continue to drink, use illegal substances, or misuse and abuse prescription drugs.
  • Naltrexone – inhibits the pleasurable effects and sensations of intoxication, allowing persons with alcohol use disorders to cut back on alcohol consumption while staying motivated to take the drug, maintain treatment, and avert relapses.
  • Disulfiram – is used to treat persistent alcoholism and is especially successful in those who have already completed detox or are in the early stages of sobriety.

Opioid Dependency Medications

Short-acting opioids like heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone, are utilized to treat opioid use disorders with buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.

  • Buprenorphine – inhibits and lessens opioid cravings.
  • Methadone – lowers opioid cravings and withdrawal, as well as blunting or blocking opioid effects.
  • Naltrexone – inhibits euphoria by blocking the exhilarating and sedative effects of opioids.

Opioid Overdose Prevention Medication

By reversing the harmful consequences of an overdose, naloxone saves lives. Naloxone is one of a variety of drugs deemed necessary to a working health care system by the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

 

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Medically-assisted treatment raises awareness, which opens up new possibilities. We are experts in recovery and MAT. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and if MAT is an option.

Our Continuum Of Care

First Step
Individual Assessment
It is helpful to know when you or a loved one should seek treatment for addiction at an addiction treatment center. Of course, you cannot know when it’s time to seek treatment unless you know what signs to look for.
First Step
The Road To Recovery
Medical Detox
Medical detox is a supervised detoxification program. A medical team is present 24/7 to help someone manage their withdrawal symptoms and monitor their physical and emotional health. Many substances lead to a dangerous detox so our medical teams are prepared to handle emergencies. Medications are administered to alleviate symptoms and keep someone from having an emergency.
The Road To Recovery
Continue Recovery
Residential
Upon successful completion of detox, many people move into residential care. This is when people use therapies to get to the root of their problem and help them heal. This includes private psychotherapy and group therapy. We teach them new coping skills and essentially prepare them for life outside of a rehab setting.
Continue Recovery
Flexible Options
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
For some people, the next step is partial hospitalization. This is where they spend the day at our facility and partake in our therapies and groups. We continue helping them with coping skills and healing from past issues. We also work on aftercare planning for when they no longer need to be in a facility. Each night, the person goes home and each morning they are submitted to a substance screening.
Flexible Options
Personalized Support
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Intensive outpatient is for those who have left partial hospitalization and need a strong outpatient program. They come several times a week for group therapies, personal psychotherapy, and other support groups as needed. We also check in with them on how their new life is going and help them overcome issues that sometimes arise.
Personalized Support
Conveniently located
Outpatient
As a participant in our outpatient program at Ethan Crossing Recovery, you will receive care while still living at home. You will be able to meet your daily responsibilities while you are receiving treatment. Ideally, you will report each day for an individual therapy program, counseling, and support. In the evening, you will return home. This helps our patients maintain a good balance of therapy and their own personal lives. It also helps them to incorporate what they are learning in therapy in the real-life situations that they face every day.
Conveniently located
Post Recovery
Alumni
Once people have completed our programs, we have alumni care. Support groups continue to ensure that each person has a supportive network in their lives. This may be special events or a 12-step group.
Post Recovery
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Finding a substance use treatment center is a bit tricky when you don’t know where to start. Contact us and we can walk you through our services and processes.