Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Addiction Treatment Assisted By Medication (MAT)

What is MAT?

Medication-Assisted Treatment uses specific FDA-approved medications in conjunction with behavioral therapies, counseling, or intensive psychiatric treatment. This medically-supported treatment for substance use disorders helps the individual stay substance-free throughout treatment and recovery. Those individuals who struggle with either opioid or alcohol addiction are the primary clients of MAT. Again, Medication-Assisted Treatment is a long-term maintenance therapy that works best with clinical therapies and treatment programs.

How Does the Medication Help?

Medication-Assisted Treatment is not suitable to treat every type of addiction, but it has been seen to help in opioid and alcohol addictions. The benefits of an individualized formula of behavioral therapies and medications are:

Reducing withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings by normalizing brain chemistry

Blocking the euphoric effects associated with the drug

Normalizing body functions and limiting psychophysical effects given by withdrawals

Preventing overdoses

Preventing relapses

Promoting a sustainable recovery

Specific Medications Used in MAT Recovery

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves medications administered with MAT. These programs are designed to provide a safe and controlled level of medications to effectively create a sustainable recovery journey.

Buprenorphine (brand names such as Suboxone, Subutex, Belbuca, Butrans, Buprenex)

Naltrexone (brand names such as Vivitrol, Revia)

Naloxone (brand names such as Evzio, Narcan)

Methadone (brand names such as Diskets, Dolophine, and Methadose)

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) For Opioid Addiction

Opioid use disorders can be very dangerous and have multiple adverse side effects. Opioids change the body’s perception of pain, making it very difficult for an individual’s brain to detect it accurately. It also can have an effect on other body systems, such as causing constipation, slow breathing, and altering moods.

MAT is typically used for these opioid addiction substances:

Heroin
Hydrocodone
Fentanyl
Morphine
Codeine
Oxycodone
Vicodin
Carfentanil

MAT Medications prescribed to treat opioid use disorder:

naltrexone (Vivitrol or Revia)
buprenorphine (Suboxone or Sublocade)

How these medications help:

naltrexone – blocks the effects (the “high”) of opioids at the brain receptors and is used for individuals who have completed detox
buprenorphine – suppresses withdrawal symptoms and relieves cravings

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MAT For Alcohol Addiction

Though MAT is mainly used for opioid use disorders, Medication-Assisted Treatment can also be used for alcohol use disorders.

MAT Medications prescribed to treat alcohol use disorder:

naltrexone (Vivitrol or Revia) works very similarly to opioids and removes the ‘reward’ sensation from the alcohol.
Other medications used are acamprosate and disulfiram.

Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Successful and Safe?

Yes!

MAT has been clinically proven to be highly effective for addiction treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has deemed MAT to have a strong basis in clinical evidence-based treatment. To be even more thorough, currently, the CDC is conducting other studies to prove the efficacy of MAT.

Medication-assisted treatment is deemed to be safe as well. The drugs that can be administered during this treatment are all approved by the FDA following clinical tests that have proven their safety and effectiveness when merged with behavioral therapy, empowering activities and a tailored recovery schedule.

MAT Effectiveness in Recovery

MAT has been seen to:

Increase treatment retention

Decrease the likelihood of relapses

Decrease opiate use and other illegal activity

Increase an individual’s ability to retain jobs and enjoy a social life

Increase the individual’s chances of survival

Reduce the risk of HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis C

Improve birth outcomes in pregnant women struggling with substance addiction

Good Fits For MAT

Individuals who have experienced any of the below might be a good fit for Medication-Assisted Treatment:

Recently completed a higher-level treatment program (such as an inpatient rehab program)

History of multiple relapses

History of overdose

Unstable or unsupportive living environment

Obsessive thinking of past drug use

Significant psychological cravings

Insufficient aftercare guidance

Continued exposure to drugs

MAT Program FAQ’s

Can I receive MAT without therapy?

To receive MAT through Peaks Recovery, an individual must also be enrolled in one of our treatment programs. MAT supports cravings, while therapy helps the underlying conditions that amplify cravings. Individuals utilizing our MAT will be appropriately provided with their prescribed medications. The dosages are reviewed frequently by a doctor/provider to ensure efficacy and effectiveness.

What are our goals for MAT?

Through our integrated approach, MAT allows Peaks Recovery to provide interventions proven to help individuals sustain successful recovery. MAT alleviates the imbalance of the limbic system, lessens cravings, and allows the individual to apply the newly learned rehabilitated skills to everyday life. When coupled with an individualized behavioral therapy plan, individuals can focus on building their life skills, values, connection, community, and genuine commitment to change.

Medical Disclaimer: Peaks Recovery Centers uses fact-based content about recovery treatment, addiction medicine, and behavioral health conditions to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders. This information is not intended to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, care, or treatment. This information should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider and/or your physician.