If you’ve been dealing with a serious addiction to drugs or alcohol, then there are a variety of treatment options that you can use to recover. One of these is pursuing Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT for short.
If you’re not sure what that is, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about MAT to figure out whether one is right for you.
What is MAT?
MAT is an acronym that stands for medication-assisted treatment. The idea behind this style of care is to give someone a medication to take for their addiction while they also receive therapy treatment for it.
The medication is designed to help patients manage the intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with quitting hard substances like heroin. When someone takes medication while receiving treatment, it may increase their chances of achieving their long-term sobriety goals.
Do I Need Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse and addiction. Whether you need MAT depends on the type and severity of your addiction.
MAT is often recommended for individuals struggling with severe withdrawal symptoms or dependencies caused by substances like alcohol and opioids. It’s particularly valuable for those facing the following issues:
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
MAT is proven effective in managing withdrawal symptoms that can arise from substance misuse. For example, opioid withdrawal can cause extreme discomfort and cravings, making it harder to quit without assistance.
Alcohol and Opioid Dependence
According to the World Health Organization, harmful use of alcohol is responsible for 4.7% of the global burden of disease. Substances like alcohol and opioids often lead to physical dependencies. Struggling with alcohol use disorder or opioid dependence often warrants MAT as a treatment approach.
High-Risk Situations
If you’re at risk of opioid overdose or experiencing consequences such as contracting HIV, MAT can provide a pathway toward sustained recovery and better overall health.
Why Medication Assisted Treatment Works
MAT combines FDA approved medications with behavioral therapy to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. It’s not just medication but a whole patient treatment approach designed to support long-term recovery.
MAT focuses on three FDA approved medications to treat substance abuse effectively. These include:
- Methadone – A liquid form medication used in methadone maintenance treatment to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms for those with opioid dependence.
- Buprenorphine – Often prescribed to reduce the euphoric effects of opioid misuse while preventing cravings and withdrawal.
- Naltrexone – Used for both alcohol and opioid dependence, it blocks the effects of certain substances and reduces the risk of a relapse.
The Benefits of MAT for Addiction Treatment
By incorporating MAT into addiction treatment, many patients have successfully reduced their substance misuse and improved their overall health. Here’s how MAT plays a crucial role in recovery:
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
MAT works to combat the changes in brain chemistry caused by substance abuse or alcohol abuse while addressing serious consequences like euphoric effects and opioid cravings.
Preventing Serious Outcomes
MAT treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications of alcohol and drug abuse. It can help prevent opioid overdose and relapses, helping patients sustain recovery over time. Utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches also helps decrease criminal activity tied to addiction.
Building a Supportive Treatment Plan
MAT is most effective when combined with substance abuse treatment services like support groups, therapy sessions, and additional resources from healthcare providers.
Medically- Assisted Opioid Treatment Programs for Opioid Use Disorder
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to treat a substance abuse disorder. MAT offers comparative effectiveness over other methods when it comes to OUD treatment because it integrates both medication and therapy for better outcomes.
Patients can access substance abuse treatment that aligns with their specific needs, whether focusing to treat OUD, treating alcohol, or other dependencies.
Many treatment providers are trained to prescribe buprenorphine, administer methadone maintenance, or guide you through therapies tailored for your unique case. This includes specialists in addiction medicine, human services, and primary care. They can help determine the different treatment pathways and give medical information while addressing any significant barriers to care.
Best MAT for Substance Use Disorders
If you’re unsure whether MAT is right for you, start by consulting with a professional who has expertise in addiction medicine. They will assess your substance use patterns and recommend the appropriate treatment approach to treat opioid or other drug dependencies. For example, substance abuse treatment services can include methadone maintenance, therapy, or coordinated care to help you stay on track.
At Zoe Behavioral Health, we can help you with MAT for severe alcohol or drug use so you can start living a sober and productive life. Whether it’s addiction to one drug or many other substances, we can tailor-make a treatment plan for you.
We even accept many different types of insurance. That way, you can get the help that you’re looking for without having to worry about how you’re going to pay for it entirely out-of-pocket.
So whether you’re ready to get started or you just want to get more information, reaching out to us directly is the next step.
