Navigation: What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?, How Does MAT Work on Opioids?, Effectiveness of MAT Programs, Other Treatments Used for Opioid Addiction, Conclusion, Rehab Is Your Best Chance
Opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing medical condition that is a growing problem in the US. Also known as opioid use disorder (OUD), it is characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite its harmful consequences. Unfortunately, over 3 million people in the US are struggling with this condition.
In fact, OUD affects over 16 million people worldwide. More than 500,000 people in the US are dependent on heroin. If you think someone you love is struggling with an opioid addiction, watch out for signs like increasing their dosage, increased tolerance, cravings, loss of interest, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawal symptoms. [1]
But what exactly are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and producing feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
When used as prescribed for short-term pain management, they can be very effective. However, prolonged or improper use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
The danger of opioid addiction lies in its profound impact on a person’s physical and mental health. Physically, opioids can cause respiratory depression, leading to slowed breathing and sometimes even fatal overdoses.
Tolerance builds up over time. This means the person will have to take higher doses to achieve the same effect. This also increases the risk of overdose.
Additionally, opioid withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable. Symptoms like muscle pain, nausea, anxiety, and severe cravings can compel people to keep using opioids. This creates a deadly cycle of abuse and addiction.
Opioid addiction doesn’t just affect a person’s health, however. It can also devastate one’s personal and social life. It can lead to strained relationships, loss of employment, financial instability, and legal issues.
While traditional treatment methods like therapy and support groups have been effective for some people, others may benefit more from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). In this article, we will explore how MAT works on opioids and its role in the opioid addiction treatment process.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an approach used to address substance use disorders. It combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. It’s mainly used in the treatment of opioid use disorders.
MAT involves the prescription of FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. But the keyword here is “medication-assisted”, meaning it’s not just focused on the medications. It is used alongside counseling and support services. [2]
These medications work to normalize brain chemistry, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and reduce cravings. The goal is to allow recovering individuals to focus on their sobriety journey. They no longer have to be distracted by the intense physical and psychological effects of withdrawal.
Done properly, MAT can improve the chances of long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse. It’s often considered an effective harm reduction strategy as well. Medication-assisted treatment helps minimize the health risks associated with continued substance misuse.
Just like other addiction treatment programs, MAT should be tailored to individual needs. It requires a personalized approach because addiction affects everyone differently. It needs to consider factors like the severity of addiction, the patient’s medical history, and their psychological needs.
By combining medication with therapy and support, MAT addresses both the physiological and behavioral aspects of addiction, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery and sustained abstinence.
How Does MAT Work on Opioids?
MAT works by using medications to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for patients to focus on their recovery. The most commonly used medications in MAT programs are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications work by targeting the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, but in a safer and more controlled way.
Methadone
Methadone is a key component in medication-assisted treatment because it’s a long-acting opioid agonist. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers. However, it does so in a way that prevents the euphoric high associated with these drugs. This effectively reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings. [3]
Methadone’s long duration of action helps stabilize patients. With this medication, they can function without experiencing the extreme highs and lows associated with short-acting opioids.
In MAT, methadone is typically dispensed in specialized clinics on a daily basis. As the patient makes progress, the frequency of visits may decrease over time. The dosage is also monitored and adjusted based on the person’s response to the medication.
Methadone helps minimize both cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the recovery process a little bit more manageable for patients. Recovering individuals can focus on counseling, therapy, and rebuilding their lives. This medication has been used successfully for more than 40 years for the treatment of OUD. [3]
It’s worth noting that methadone itself can be addictive. However, when used as prescribed in a structured MAT program, it can help a person regain stability and work towards a life free from the compulsive use of opioids.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it can bind to the same opioid receptors that heroin and morphine bind to, but it activates them with less intensity than full agonists do. [3]
This binding action helps mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same high or dangerous respiratory depression associated with full opioid agonists.
Buprenorphine’s partial agonist activity means that even if someone uses opioids while on it, the effects will be blunted, reducing the risk of overdose. The medication is typically administered in different formulations. This includes sublingual tablets, sublingual films, or long-acting implants.
When used as part of MAT, patients are initially assessed to determine the appropriate dosage and then monitored closely by healthcare professionals. The medication helps stabilize patients, allowing them to function normally without the influence of opioids.
Research has found this medication to be similarly effective for treating OUD as methadone. To achieve this level of effectiveness, healthcare providers need to provide a sufficient dose for a sufficient duration. Buprenorphine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. Thanks to this approval, there is no need to visit specialized treatment clinics for people to receive buprenorphine. [3]
Alongside counseling and behavioral therapies, buprenorphine plays a pivotal role in helping people manage their addiction and work towards recovery.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is another FDA-approved medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder in MAT. Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, naltrexone is not a partial agonist. This medication works as an opioid antagonist.
When taken, naltrexone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the effects of opioids. By doing so, it prevents people from experiencing the euphoria that you typically get from opioid use. This effect makes it useful in preventing relapse in those who have already detoxed from opioids. [3]
Naltrexone is administered in two primary forms: oral and extended-release injectable. The oral form is typically taken daily, while the extended-release injectable (marketed as Vivitrol) is administered once a month.
The extended-release version is particularly advantageous for patients who struggle with medication adherence. However, it’s important that patients have already gone through detox and have abstained from opioids for a significant period before starting naltrexone. If naltrexone is taken while opioids are still in the system, it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. [3]
Overall, naltrexone plays an important role in MAT by reducing the risk of relapse and reinforcing abstinence from opioids. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and behavioral therapies, it can significantly enhance the chances of long-term recovery from opioid addiction.
Effectiveness of MAT Programs
Studies have shown that MAT is an effective treatment for opioid addiction. It has been found to reduce opioid use, decrease criminal activity, and improve the quality of life for individuals in recovery. MAT has also been shown to reduce the risk of relapse and increase retention in treatment programs.
Clinical studies, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews over the past half century have come to the conclusion that certain medications can be used for the treatment of opioid addiction. [4]
By alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing drug cravings, medications used in MAT enable addicted individuals to focus on their recovery. It also allows them to engage more effectively in counseling and therapy sessions.
MAT’s comprehensive approach addresses the physiological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction. This increases the chances of successful long-term recovery. With proper medication-assisted treatment, patients can reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction.
With that in mind, the success of MAT programs relies on various factors. Accessibility, individualized treatment plans, ongoing support, and the person’s commitment are all factors that contribute to the success of any addiction treatment program.
Unfortunately, there are also some barriers to successful treatment. For example, stigma can prevent people from seeking help in the first place. Limited access to healthcare services can also serve as another barrier to the treatment of opioid addiction.
Nevertheless, when properly implemented and supported, MAT can be a pivotal tool in combating addiction.
Other Treatments Used for Opioid Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment isn’t just about administering medications. There are other crucial elements that should be incorporated into the addiction treatment process to facilitate long-term recovery. Here are some of the treatments and therapies used to address opioid addiction:
Counseling and Therapy: The effects of opioid addiction are not purely physical. The psychological, emotional, and social aspects of substance abuse also need to be addressed to help the patient make a full recovery. Therapy and counseling help address the root causes of addictive behavior.
These programs offer crucial emotional support while teaching patients various strategies for recovery. Behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are widely used to modify destructive thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is another effective approach, focusing on enhancing a person’s motivation to change their addictive behaviors. Counseling also encompasses individual or group sessions, providing a safe space to discuss challenges, address underlying issues, and foster a supportive community.
These therapies assist individuals in recognizing triggers, managing stress, and developing coping mechanisms, thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Therapists and counselors can help patients deal with personal or social problems that may be causing or making the addiction worse. They can help patients tackle their own feelings of self-worth, their problems at work or at home, their social circles, etc. [5]
Support Groups: Participating in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery provides a community and peer support system that can be instrumental in recovery. Addiction has a social factor that also needs to be addressed.
Support groups can provide a compassionate and understanding environment for those who are navigating recovery. Narcotics Anonymous is one of the most renowned support groups for people with opioid addiction. It follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Support groups foster a sense of community, enabling individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in a non-judgmental setting.
By offering peer support, encouragement, and guidance, support groups become a cornerstone in the recovery journey, helping patients develop coping mechanisms that they can use once they leave rehab. They can also provide accountability, making sure every member of the group stays on the path to sobriety. [5]
Support groups are a network of peers who have faced or are facing similar struggles. They understand what you are going through, so there is a bit of comfort to be found in knowing you are not alone.
The group setting not only provides emotional support but also offers a platform to learn from others’ experiences. This ultimately aids in the prevention of relapse and promoting sustained recovery from opioid addiction.
Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy can help in understanding and addressing family dynamics that might contribute to addiction. Family therapy recognizes the significant impact addiction has on familial dynamics and aims to involve loved ones in the recovery process. [5]
This therapeutic approach focuses on enhancing communication, rebuilding trust, and fostering a supportive environment within the family unit.
By involving family members in therapy sessions, patients struggling with opioid addiction can address these underlying issues. They can tackle family conflicts, codependency, enabling, and dysfunctional patterns—all of which may contribute to the substance use disorder.
Additionally, family therapy helps in educating loved ones about addiction. This is often necessary because even loved ones can misunderstand the severity of this medical condition. Education allows them to provide crucial support and encouragement throughout the recovery journey.
Residential Treatment Programs: Residential treatment programs for opioid addiction offer a comprehensive and immersive approach to recovery. These programs typically involve living in a facility for a specific duration, where patients receive intensive therapy, counseling, and medical support in a structured and drug-free environment.
Within these settings, patients undergo detoxification under supervised conditions to manage their withdrawal symptoms safely. The focus isn’t solely on addressing the physical dependency but also on the psychological, emotional, and social aspects underlying addiction.
Through individual and group therapy sessions, residents learn coping strategies, develop life skills, and delve into the root causes of their addiction. Residential programs often incorporate a variety of therapeutic modalities like CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and MAT when appropriate.
These programs provide a supportive community and a controlled environment conducive to healing and long-term recovery from opioid addiction.
Outpatient Programs: Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive therapy, counseling, and support while living at home and continuing with daily life. These programs offer flexibility and support for patients seeking recovery while allowing them to maintain their daily routines.
Although it is less intensive compared to inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment still involves counseling, therapy sessions, and medication-assisted treatment. The same treatment approaches are used in outpatient rehab, but patients get to go home every day. This approach is only suitable for those who have mild to moderate cases of addiction.
Outpatient programs are particularly beneficial for those with a stable support system at home and the ability to manage their recovery while attending therapy sessions and doctor appointments.
Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: In combating opioid addiction, mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques have emerged as valuable components of comprehensive treatment strategies. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, offer individuals coping mechanisms to manage cravings and navigate triggers associated with addiction.
By fostering self-awareness and present-moment focus, mindfulness cultivates resilience against relapse. Stress-reduction techniques, including yoga or cognitive-behavioral strategies, equip patients with tools to address the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to addiction.
These approaches not only alleviate immediate stressors but also aid in building healthier responses to triggers, ultimately supporting long-term recovery efforts. Integrating mindfulness and stress-reduction methods into addiction treatment programs provides individuals with empowering tools to navigate the challenges of recovery and foster a more balanced, resilient mindset.
Some individuals also benefit from holistic treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, or herbal remedies as complementary approaches to manage withdrawal symptoms or stress.
Conclusion
MAT is a highly effective treatment for opioid addiction that combines medication with therapy and support services. By targeting the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, MAT can help addicted individuals achieve and maintain long-term recovery.
It’s essential for treatment plans to be tailored to a person’s needs and preferences, considering factors like the severity of addiction, mental health conditions, and personal circumstances. Integrating multiple approaches often provides the most comprehensive support for opioid addiction recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, consider seeking help from a MAT program for a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Look for a rehab near you today.
Sources:
[1]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448203/
[2]: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
[4]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541393/
[5]: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/breaking-an-addiction-to-painkillers-treatment-overvew
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