Navigation: Understanding Addiction: Why MAT is Necessary What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?, The Medications Used in MAT, How MAT Works, The Benefits of MAT, Common Misconceptions about MAT
The road to recovery from drug addiction is often long and difficult, given the complex nature of this medical condition. Addiction has physical, psychological, and even societal effects, impacting millions of people around the world and affecting individuals, families, and entire communities.
The good news is that there are now plenty of treatments available that can help addicted individuals regain their sobriety. While this is a chronic condition and there is no cure for it, proper addiction treatment can address the root causes of substance abuse and even teach people how to maintain their sobriety for the long-term.
One of the methods that have been making significant strides in helping people recover is medication-assisted treatment or MAT.
MAT is a comprehensive treatment approach that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol dependence. [1]
Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on detox and abstinence, MAT recognizes the chronic nature of addiction and addresses both its physical and psychological aspects. Here we will take a deep dive into what medication-assisted treatment is, how it works, and how it can benefit those struggling with drug addiction.
Understanding Addiction: Why MAT is Necessary
Medication-assisted treatment is necessary because of the dangerous nature of addiction. It is a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. [2]
While initial drug use may be a matter of choice, over time, the brain’s ability to make decisions becomes compromised, leading to compulsive drug seeking and use. Many people mistakenly believe that addiction is just a lack of willpower or moral failure, but it’s actually a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors—genetic, environmental, and psychological.
In fact, drug addiction is characterized by this compulsive intake of the substance. An addicted person will keep taking the drug even when they are already suffering from its effects.
Substance abuse often starts with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations. For others, it begins with misusing a prescription medication. Some people are exposed to multiple risk factors that make them more likely to develop an addiction. Family history of addiction, early exposure to drugs, peer pressure, poverty, lack of education regarding the dangers of substance abuse—these are some of the factors that contribute to the development of SUDs. [2]
Addiction doesn’t only create a physical dependence on the substance but also changes the way a person thinks and feels. Even after detoxing from the substance, the cravings, triggers, and psychological aspects of addiction often remain. This is why many people relapse after trying to quit using “cold turkey.”
For drugs like opioids, the situation is even more severe. Opioid withdrawal can be extremely painful and can lead to severe physical and emotional distress. Without medical intervention, it’s very difficult for people to resist the urge to use the drug again, even when they genuinely want to stop. That’s where MAT comes into play.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based approach designed to treat substance use disorders. It was originally developed to combat opioid use disorder, but is now used for a wide range of SUDs including alcohol use disorder (AUD).
MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications that, when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, provide a comprehensive, “whole-patient” strategy for recovery. By using these medications, MAT helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, making it easier for patients to maintain abstinence and stabilize their health. [1]
In addition to easing physical symptoms, MAT plays a crucial role in normalizing brain chemistry and restoring body functions that were disrupted by addiction.
Alongside medical interventions, the counseling and therapy components of MAT address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction, offering essential support for long-term recovery and improving the chances of sustained sobriety. [1]
The Medications Used in MAT
The medications used in MAT vary depending on the substance of abuse. Below, we’ll cover the two most common types of substances treated with MAT—opioids and alcohol—and the medications approved for treating these addictions.
Opioid Addiction Treatment
While they are incredibly useful when taken as prescribed, opioids are some of the most common and dangerous substances linked to addiction. Many prescription drugs (oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl) and certain illicit substances (heroin) fall under this class. For treating opioid addiction, there are three FDA-approved medications:
- Methadone: Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist. This means it acts on the same brain receptors as other opioids but does so in a controlled way. Methadone helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the “high” associated with opioid use. [1]
- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it triggers the opioid receptors but to a much lesser degree than full agonists like methadone or heroin. This medication reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while lowering the risk of misuse because it has a “ceiling effect” (its effects level off even with higher doses). [1]
- Naltrexone: Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids, essentially rendering them ineffective. Naltrexone is used to prevent relapse after a person has detoxed. [1]
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol addiction can be equally destructive, affecting a person’s physical health and relationships. There are several medications used in MAT for alcohol addiction:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): This medication works by making alcohol consumption extremely unpleasant. If someone drinks alcohol while taking disulfiram, they’ll experience nausea, vomiting, and other uncomfortable symptoms. The goal is to discourage further drinking. [1]
- Naltrexone: In addition to treating opioid addiction, naltrexone is also used for alcohol addiction. It works by blocking the euphoric and rewarding effects of alcohol, reducing the urge to drink. [1]
- Acamprosate (Campral): Acamprosate helps restore the chemical balance in the brain that’s disrupted by long-term alcohol use. It reduces the craving for alcohol and helps people maintain abstinence. [1]
How MAT Works
MAT is not just about giving someone medication and sending them on their way. It’s a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that also includes:
Counseling and Behavioral Therapies
As we mentioned earlier, counseling is a huge aspect of MAT. In fact, medications are only part of the solution. The other half is using counseling and behavioral therapies to help patients understand and change the behaviors that contribute to their addiction.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one such approach that helps individuals recognize harmful thought patterns and behaviors leading to substance use. Through CBT, they can learn strategies to cope with cravings and triggers, allowing them to develop healthier responses. This way, they can use healthy coping mechanisms instead of going back to their old habits. [1]
Another important therapy is motivational interviewing, which focuses on helping people build their internal motivation to change, emphasizing personal reasons for quitting substance use.
In addition to one-on-one therapy, group therapy and peer support play a vital role in the recovery process. Support groups, often modeled after the 12-step approach, offer social and emotional reinforcement, creating a sense of community among those who are going through similar experiences. It’s much easier to deal with a difficult experience when you know there are others who can understand your struggles. You can learn from them and get inspired as you hold each other accountable.
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders
Many people with substance use disorders also have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MAT takes a dual-diagnosis approach, addressing both the addiction and any underlying mental health issues. [3]
Treating substance use in isolation can overlook the underlying or compounding mental health issues that might contribute to continued substance use. If you treat one problem without dealing with the other, the chances of relapse may be greater. The patient may even struggle with sticking to the treatment program.
For example, a person struggling with both opioid addiction and depression might find it harder to stay motivated or engage in their treatment plan if their depression is left untreated. By integrating mental health care into MAT, clinicians can offer a more holistic approach that addresses the root causes and symptoms of both disorders simultaneously, leading to better overall outcomes.
The Benefits of MAT
Medication-assisted treatment is widely considered an effective approach for treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder. This integrated approach helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the risk of relapse, making it easier for individuals to maintain long-term recovery.
Studies have shown that MAT significantly reduces the risk of overdose, improves treatment retention, and leads to better overall health outcomes.
While MAT is not a cure for addiction, it is an important tool that helps people manage their condition while working toward long-term sobriety. MAT has several advantages over traditional addiction treatment methods, including:
Increased Retention in Treatment
MAT has been shown to significantly improve retention rates in treatment programs for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. The combination of medications and behavioral therapies helps reduce the physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids. This allows patients to focus on their recovery and stay engaged in treatment for a longer period. [1]
Higher retention rates increase the likelihood of long-term success, as prolonged involvement in a structured treatment program improves coping strategies, social support systems, and the ability to avoid relapse.
Reduction in Opioid Use and Overdose Risk
Overdose is one of the most dangerous effects of drug addiction due to the fact that it can often be life-threatening. One of the primary benefits of MAT is reducing the risk of overdose.
Medications like buprenorphine and methadone help stabilize brain chemistry by partially activating opioid receptors, preventing the euphoric effects of illicit drugs without causing the dangerous highs that lead to overdose.
Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, blocks opioid receptors altogether, preventing any opioid from having an effect. By reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, MAT supports individuals in reducing or completely abstaining from opioid use, significantly lowering the risk of fatal overdoses.
Better Social and Occupational Functioning
MAT even contributes to improved social and occupational functioning for those in recovery.
Medications stabilize brain chemistry, reducing the compulsion to use opioids. This enables patients to better manage their daily responsibilities and start rebuilding their relationships. Patients on MAT often report an improved ability to maintain employment, build healthier relationships, and participate in community activities. [1]
This increase in functioning helps foster long-term recovery by creating a sense of stability and normalcy, which is critical for sustaining a drug-free lifestyle.
Common Misconceptions about MAT
Despite its proven effectiveness, there are several misconceptions about MAT that prevent some people from seeking this form of treatment.
“MAT Just Replaces One Addiction with Another”
One of the most widespread misconceptions about MAT is that it simply replaces one addiction (such as heroin or opioids) with another, like methadone or buprenorphine. [4]
In reality, MAT medications like these are highly regulated and prescribed at therapeutic doses to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, not to produce a high. These medications allow individuals to stabilize their lives and focus on recovery. This helps them return to their daily activities and responsibilities.
MAT works by balancing brain chemistry and blocking the euphoric effects of drugs, which is fundamentally different from fostering a new addiction. Studies consistently show that MAT is an evidence-based approach that improves long-term outcomes for those with opioid use disorder.
“People on MAT Aren’t Truly in Recovery”
Some people believe that individuals using MAT aren’t genuinely in recovery unless they are completely drug-free. This stems from a misunderstanding of what recovery means. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and abstinence isn’t the only path to healing.
MAT is often part of a holistic recovery plan that includes counseling, therapy, and support groups. The primary goal of MAT is to help recovering individuals regain control of their lives and manage their disorder. The goal is long-term stability. [4]
For many people, MAT is a vital tool in their recovery journey, and research shows that combining medication with behavioral therapies significantly increases the chances of success.
“MAT Is Only for Long-Term Treatment or Severe Cases”
Another misconception is that MAT is only appropriate for people with long-term or severe opioid use disorder. In reality, MAT can be used at various stages of treatment, including early intervention.
MAT is individualized and flexible; it can be short-term or long-term, depending on the person’s needs. Some people may require long-term medication management, while others may only need it for a transitional period.
MAT is adaptable and can be tapered off when appropriate, making it suitable for a wide range of cases, from mild opioid dependence to more severe disorders. The flexibility of MAT is one of its key strengths in treating opioid use disorder effectively. [4]
Overall, MAT is a lifesaving tool that provides people struggling with addiction the support they need to reclaim their lives. By combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT offers a comprehensive, individualized approach to addiction recovery that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, look for a rehab near you today and learn more about the various treatment programs that are available. The road to recovery begins here.
Sources:
[1]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-medications
[2]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
[3]: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health
[4]: https://medmark.com/resources/blog/10-harmful-myths-about-medication-assisted-treatment
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