
MAT programs can also help reduce the likelihood of overdose due to opioid use or prescription painkillers containing opiates. Despite evidence-based practices showing MAT’s effectiveness, there are misconceptions about this form of therapy. Here is an overview of a few debunked myths regarding medication-assisted therapy.
MAT Replaces One Addiction for Another
- Acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram for alcohol use disorder
- Buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone for treatment of opioid dependency
- Naloxone for opioid overdose
Myth 1: MAT Increases the Risk of Overdose
Myth 2: MAT and Abstinence Work the Same
Myth 3: MAT Is Only a Short-Term Solution
Medication-assisted therapy is often the best long-term regimen for handling substance use disorders involving illicit opioids and opioid pain relievers.
People that have been in a MAT program for up to two years have a greater success rate at managing their dependence on opioids.
With time, mental health professionals managing the MAT-based plan may begin to taper the medication after careful assessment of your progress. You may be able to completely go off the medication-based therapy prescriptions as long as there aren’t any relapses and you can handle the stressors.
Myth 4: MAT Is Only for Severe Cases
It is a common misconception that MAT is reserved for severe cases of addiction. Different medication-assisted treatment programs are available for various extents of addiction. If you feel drugs or alcohol negatively impact your life, it’s advisable to seek help. Mental health professionals use a wide variety of medications in MAT to help you overcome substance use disorder. These drugs may be opioid agonists, partial agonists, or antagonists and have different effects on receptors.
Based on your individual needs, we offer customized MAT at Core Recovery as part of our IOP and PHP programs. The treatment plan may change over time depending on your response to therapy.