What Is Medication Assisted Treatment?
Have you ever wondered what steps can be taken to reclaim a life overshadowed by substance use? Many individuals and families struggle with the challenges posed by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD). Among the various treatment options available is medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
But what exactly is MAT, and how can it help individuals on their journey to recovery?
Medication Assisted Treatment: How Does It Work?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that combines the use of FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies and counseling. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) emphasizes that MAT addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, offering a "whole-patient" approach to treatment.
MAT is primarily used for the treatment of substance use like opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorders, and opioid addiction. By utilizing prescribed medications, MAT helps to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, reduce opioid cravings, and block the euphoric effects of substances like opioid drugs and alcohol. The combination of medication and psychotherapies, including counseling and other behavioral therapies, offers a promising tool for long-term maintenance and patient survival.
Who Can Benefit From MAT?
Individuals Struggling With Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) integrates medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder. These medications work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, and decreasing cravings.
This allows individuals to focus on their recovery journey without the continuous battle against physical dependency. The combined approach of medical and psychological support ensures a comprehensive plan for long-term recovery.
Individuals Battling Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
For those with alcohol use disorder, MAT offers medications such as naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate to manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse. These medications help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and decrease the urge to drink. When combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, this approach enables individuals to develop coping skills, repair relationships, and regain control over their lives.
Pregnant Persons With Substance Use Disorders
Pregnancy presents special challenges in the context of substance use disorders. MAT is often the safest option for managing addiction in pregnant women, as it helps stabilize both the mother and the fetus. Proper MAT use can significantly reduce risks like preterm labor, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Specialized healthcare providers closely monitor both pregnancy and addiction, ensuring a safer journey to childbirth.
Adolescents Facing Substance Use Disorders
Adolescents are at a critical stage in their lives, making substance use disorders particularly harmful. MAT can be customized to meet the developmental and emotional needs of younger individuals. Age-appropriate counseling coupled with medication management helps adolescents confront addiction while maintaining focus on their education, relationships, and personal growth. Early intervention through MAT lays the foundation for a stable and healthy adult life.
Individuals With Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
For those dealing with both substance use disorders and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, MAT offers a multifaceted treatment approach. These individuals benefit from a coordinated plan that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Medications help stabilize mood and reduce cravings, while therapies provide coping strategies and emotional support, which are essential for long-term recovery.
Why Choose MAT?
Evidence-Based Treatment. MAT is supported by numerous studies and is recognized by reputable organizations. The use of FDA-approved medications has been proven to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping individuals adhere to their treatment plans.
Comprehensive Approach. MAT combines pharmacologic therapies with behavioral treatment and counseling, addressing both the physiological cravings and psychological aspects of addiction. This combination of medication and psychosocial support provides a more rounded approach to recovery.
Improved Retention in Treatment. Research has shown that individuals undergoing MAT have better adherence to treatment and a higher retention rate compared to those who rely on abstinence-based treatment alone. This increased retention improves overall outcomes and reduces the risk of relapse.
Safer and More Accessible. MAT reduces the risk of opioid overdoses and unintentional overdoses by stabilizing individuals through prescribed medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications safely manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce illicit substance use. In turn, this helps decrease the burden on emergency health services and reduces the incidence of overdose deaths.
What Are the Medications Used in MAT?
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist used in methadone maintenance treatment. It helps reduce opioid cravings and ease the symptoms of withdrawal without causing the euphoric effects associated with opioid misuse. This medication is typically administered in Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and requires regular monitoring.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, offering a more stable and manageable option compared to full agonists like methadone. It is available in various forms, including sublingual tablets, films, and long-release injections.
Common brand names for buprenorphine medications include Subutex, Subclade, and Suboxone. The latter combines buprenorphine with naloxone to prevent misuse. Eligible providers can prescribe this medication in both OTPs and office-based treatment settings.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone functions as an opioid antagonist, blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. It is available in both oral and extended-release injectable forms. This medication is particularly beneficial for individuals who have already completed detoxification and are seeking maintenance support to prevent relapse.
Extended-Release Naltrexone
This version of naltrexone provides a month-long lasting injection that helps maintain adherence to treatment. It is often used in combination with counseling and other behavioral treatments to offer a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Additional Tools and Support
Addiction Counseling. Addiction counseling provides personalized therapy sessions that focus on the psychological aspects of addiction. These sessions help individuals develop coping strategies and behavioral changes essential for sustaining recovery. By addressing the root causes of addiction and offering continuous emotional support, counseling plays an essential role in the overall treatment plan.
Mental Health Services. Mental health services are integral to MAT programs, particularly for individuals with co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. These services include psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and medication management, ensuring that both substance use and mental health issues are treated simultaneously. This comprehensive care maximizes the chances of a successful recovery.
Aftercare Services. Aftercare services provide ongoing support and resources once the initial treatment phase is complete. These services may include support groups, relapse prevention programs, and continuous monitoring to help individuals maintain sobriety. By keeping individuals engaged and supported, aftercare is vital for sustaining long-term recovery and preventing relapse.
Peer Support Groups. Peer support groups facilitate regular meetings where individuals facing similar challenges can share their experiences and offer mutual support. These groups encourage accountability and provide a network of peers who understand the struggles of addiction. This communal support can be a powerful motivator for maintaining sobriety.
Family Counseling. Family counseling, one of the effective treatments for substance abuse, involves family members in the recovery process to rebuild relationships and improve support systems. It addresses family dynamics that may contribute to substance use, fostering a healthier home environment. Engaging the family can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment and provide a robust support network for the individual in recovery.
Regain Control: Start Your Journey With Medication-Assisted Treatment at Harbor Care!
Medication Assisted Treatment offers a balanced, evidence-based approach that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the many challenges of substance use disorders.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Opioid Use Disorder or any other substance use issue, MAT might be a great tool you need to reclaim a healthier, more stable life. At Harbor Care, our dedicated team of treatment providers is here to guide you through every step of your recovery journey.
Call us today to learn more about how our individualized treatment plans can make a difference in your life!