
What Makes MAT Special as a Treatment Option for Addiction?
Studies have shown patients with opioid addiction or alcohol addiction have better outcomes when using medicated-assisted treatment over traditional abstinence-based methods. What makes MAT so special? For starters, patients using MAT have shown a decreased risk of relapse into opioid or alcohol use. Additionally, medicated-assisted treatment has also been effective in preventing infectious diseases like HIV. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with alcohol dependence or opioid use disorder, MAT can make the difference between staying sober or relapsing early in the process. Keep reading to learn more about medicated-assisted treatment and how Core Recovery can help.
What is MAT?
Medicated-assisted therapy (MAT) uses a combination of counseling and behavioral therapies along with medicines such as Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, or Naloxone to successfully treat substance abuse disorders. Studies have shown that MAT can help prevent or reduce the occurrence of opioid overdose, the need for strictly monitored detoxification in a recovery center, and help sustain recovery long-term. As a patient, this means being able to see your family regularly during treatment, getting your life back on track faster, and a greater chance of keeping it there.
How Do the Medications Work?
Medications like Naloxone, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone help lessen the effects of withdrawals, reduce the cravings and the likelihood for relapse and opioid overdose. MAT medications provide the brain the input it’s used to receiving from harmful opioids without side effects like physical and mental impairment. When combined with therapy techniques, the medications help patients rid their body of the opioids and learn how to stand strong in the face of the cravings and urges. While some patients may be on the medication for a short period of time, others may need the doses long-term to help maintain control over their addiction.
What Are the Benefits of Mat?
During treatment, a qualified medical provider will combine the correct dose of treatment with practices such as mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help the patient suffering from substance abuse through both the physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal and build a long-term plan for staying sober.
If qualified, participating in a MAT program under the supervision of a licensed medical provider can help patients take control of their life and live the life they have been wanting to, whether that’s being present for their family and kids, or reaching for their dream career.
Can Anyone Prescribe the Medications?
When seeking treatment for opioid or alcohol abuse, consider looking for MAT certified programs, like the program at Core Recovery. These programs will have both therapists and medical providers involved that are trained in using a combination of medications and traditional therapy methods to combat the effects of opioid and alcohol withdrawal. In addition, the medical provider will know how to determine the best medication and dosage for the situation.
Another reason patients will want to seek a medical provider trained in medicated-assisted therapy is to prevent unintended side effects. Someone who is used to working with Naloxone, Suboxone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone will be aware of which other medications may have adverse side effects when combined with treatment.
Ongoing Research
What If I Relapse?
Ready to take control of your life? Take the next step by finding out more about MAT and if the program is right for you.