Medication-Assisted Treatment

This evidence-based treatment can be beneficial for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. In fact, this is what it is primarily used to treat. It is recommended for people who have been diagnosed with OUD and can include individuals with varying levels of severity.

Pregnant women with OUD are often recommended MAT to prevent the risks associated with opioid withdrawal during pregnancy, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

With that said, medication-assisted treatment can also be used for people who are dealing with alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction. While MAT for AUD is less common than for OUD, medications like naltrexone, Acamprosate, and disulfiram may be prescribed to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse in individuals with alcohol addiction.

Research is also ongoing into its effectiveness for stimulant use disorders like cocaine or methamphetamine addiction.

MAT may also be beneficial for those who are using multiple substances simultaneously. Addiction is already complex enough, but polydrug abuse can make it even more complicated. MAT can be considered for those who have a primary diagnosis of opioid or alcohol use disorder but also use other substances.

Similarly, people with co-occurring mental health disorders may also go through MAT to address their substance abuse and mental illness simultaneously. This is called a dual diagnosis. Using medication-assisted treatment during a dual diagnosis treatment program may help improve treatment outcomes.

For those who have experienced multiple relapses while attempting to maintain abstinence from opioids or alcohol, MAT can offer a more stable and sustainable approach to recovery.

It’s important to note that the decision to use MAT should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the person’s unique circumstances, medical history, and preferences. This program should always be accompanied by counseling and behavioral therapies to address the psychological and social aspects of addiction.

A healthcare provider or addiction specialist can assess the suitability of MAT for each person and create a personalized treatment plan.

Now let’s talk about the medications that are most commonly used in MAT.

Medications are typically prescribed to patients who are struggling with substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders. However, the primary medications used in MAT vary depending on the substance of abuse.

There are three FDA-approved medications commonly used in MAT for opioid use disorder. These are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in those with opioid use disorder. It is typically dispensed in specialized clinics.

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. It can help prevent relapse by making it less rewarding to use opioids. Naltrexone is available in oral (Revia) and extended-release injectable (Vivitrol) forms.

Acamprosate helps reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse, discourages alcohol use by causing adverse reactions when alcohol is consumed while taking the medication. Disulfiram will cause nausea and vomiting if the person drinks alcohol under its effects.

MAT is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and its effectiveness may vary from person to person. This means the exact medications and dosage may also depend on the patient’s condition. Healthcare providers will keep an eye on their progress and make adjustments accordingly.

Medication-assisted treatment comes with several benefits. Mainly, it can reduce a person’s cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for them to focus on their recovery. This approach addresses their constant need to seek and use drugs. By reducing their cravings and withdrawal symptoms, they can comfortably learn about their triggers and stressors in therapy without uncomfortable distractions.

In fact, MAT has been shown to improve retention rates in addiction treatment programs. Patients are more likely to stay engaged in treatment when they are receiving medications that help stabilize their condition.

Withdrawal symptoms are a series of physical and mental symptoms that occur after discontinuing or decreasing the intake of a substance the body has become dependent on.

• Include muscle pain
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Yawning
• runny nose
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, and more.

MAT for withdrawal symptoms designed to alleviate these symptoms and make the detoxification process more manageable. Medications used include:

Methadone

Reduces withdrawal symptoms in those addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs without causing the “high” associated with drug addiction.

Buprenorphine 

Can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit opioids.

Clonidine

Primarily used to treat high blood pressure, it can help alleviate some symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

By addressing withdrawal symptoms, MAT can increase the chances of a person staying in treatment and reduce the likelihood of a relapse.

Not only that, but medications also help keep patients safe. MAT can reduce the risk of overdose because the medications used are safer and have a lower potential for abuse than the substances they are intended to replace. This is particularly important in the context of opioid addiction, where overdose is a significant risk. This helps avoid fatal opioid overdoses.

Remember that MAT is not just about medication; it also includes counseling and behavioral therapies. This comprehensive approach helps individuals develop coping skills, address underlying issues, and maintain their recovery over the long term.

Here are some other treatments and therapies commonly used in addiction treatment:

Behavioral Therapies: Behavioral therapy helps patients understand the nature of their addiction and get to the bottom of their condition, stressors, and triggers. There are many different types of behavioral therapies, and rehab centers may vary in terms of what treatments they offer. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management (CM) are all examples of behavioral therapies.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients identify and change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use.

Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT combines CBT with mindfulness techniques to address emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.

Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a client-centered approach that helps addicted individuals explore their ambivalence about change and find motivation to quit using substances.

Contingency Management (CM): CM provides tangible rewards for maintaining sobriety and meeting treatment goals.

Individual Counseling: One-on-one counseling sessions with a therapist or counselor allow patients to delve into the underlying causes of their addiction, while also setting goals, and developing healthy coping strategies.

Group therapy sessions offer peer support and a sense of community. Participants can share their experiences, receive feedback, and learn from others in similar situations. It can be extremely helpful to gain insight and support from people who understand exactly what you are going through.

Family Therapy: Addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy can help address relationship issues, improve communication, and provide education and support for family members.

12-Step Programs: Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a structured, spiritually-oriented approach to recovery through a series of steps and regular meetings.

Some rehab facilities offer alternative treatments such as art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, equine therapy, massage therapy, and other holistic therapies to help patients express themselves and process emotions during treatment. These work best when used alongside more conventional, evidence-based treatments.

For addicted individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, integrated treatment that addresses both addiction and mental health issues is crucial.

A combination of these therapies and services is often used to address the complex nature of addiction and improve the chances of successful recovery. It’s essential for individuals seeking addiction treatment to work with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for their situation.

Addiction treatment may be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, alcoholism, or opioid use disorder, look for a rehab center near you today and learn about the different treatment options that are available to you. The road to recovery begins here.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.