What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment also known as medication assisted treatment, medically assisted treatment and medicated assisted treatment is an evidence based strategy, a combination of a FDA approved medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. It is safely and effectively used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
When you have ever asked yourself the question, What is medication-assisted treatment? the answer is very straightforward:
MAT assists in decreasing the withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and chances of relapsing besides aiding in long-term recovery. The drugs correct the imbalance of the brain and thus the patient finds it easy to concentrate on the therapy, regain their life and remain sober.
In Florida, Solutions Healthcare, our medication assisted treatment program is tailored to offer personalized caring services in order to be able to overcome addiction safely.
What are the Components of MAT?
A successful MAT plan combines three essential elements:
1. FDA-Approved Medications
These drugs are used to stabilize the nervous system, decrease the desire and minimise hazardous withdrawal symptoms. They are medically demonstrated to enhance adherence to treatment and protracted sobriety.
2. Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
Drug interventions are not sufficient. It is through therapy that people learn the underlying causes of addiction and acquire coping mechanisms and develop a lasting lifestyle change.
3. Ongoing Medical Monitoring
MAT should be checked in regularly to be sure of medication safety, adjust dose, and monitor progress. This healthcare assistance makes medical care safe and effective.
Medications Used to Help You Stop Drinking Alcohol
In patients with alcohol use disorder, recovery can be safely supported with a number of medication assisted treatment medicines:
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
This habit forming drug produces an unpleasant response in case alcohol is taken. It discourages alcoholism and promotes abstinence.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol or ReVia)
Naltrexone decreases the craving and prevents the pleasurable response of alcohol and makes the individual remain sober during early recovery.
Acamprosate (Campral)
Acamprosate is used to normalize the brain brainwork following the prolonged alcohol abuse and decreases the chances of relapse.
These are evidence-based solutions that ensure medication assisted treatment of alcohol forms a very powerful component of recovery planning.
Medications Used to Help You Stop Misusing Opioids
The withdrawal is very painful and hazardous as opioid addiction does not spare the reward system of the brain. Medication assisted treatment of opioid addiction is the application of FDA approved drugs that decreases desires and stabilizes physical dependence.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex)
A semi-opioid receptor which is less addictive and causes fewer withdrawal symptoms. It can be used over the long term and it is very effective in the prevention of relapse.
Methadone
Complete opioid agonist used under controlled clinical trials. It is among the oldest and most effective MAT drugs that help to stabilize severe opioid dependence.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
An antidepressant of opioid, blocking all its effects. It is best suited to those who have already opioid detoxed.
Naloxone
It is often used together with buprenorphine (as Suboxone) to prevent abuse by making it impossible to feel euphoric.
Such drugs enable the body and the brain to recover and minimize chances of overdose and relapse.
Combined With Therapy
Whereas medication balances the body, therapy cures the mind. MAT at Solutions Healthcare is combined with:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy assist people to recognize the unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, substitute them with healthier ones, cope with cravings, and develop coping skills that can help maintain sobriety and emotional stability in the long-term during the recovery process.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an approach, which educates emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthier communication. It assists people to cope with powerful emotions, lessen impulsive actions and remain grounded during the process of addiction recovery and the stressful experiences.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy is sensitive to past trauma, helping individuals to make sense of triggers, decrease emotional distress, and establish safety, trust, and empowerment and assist individuals in mental health recovery as well as addiction healing.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing assistance assists individuals to enhance internal motivation towards change. It decreases resistance, promotes commitment to recovery and long-term behavior change through open and supportive conversation.
Family and Relationship Counseling
Family therapy enhances communication, restores trust, resolves dysfunctional relationships and bolsters support networks. It will assist people who love an addict to know more about addiction and collaborate with him or her to create a healthier environment of recovery.
How to Find MAT Treatment in Florida
To identify the appropriate medication-assisted treatment in my area, the first step would be to find a licensed and experienced provider, with whom I would receive individualized treatment, support of the therapeutic process, and medical guidance.
In Florida, Solutions Healthcare offers:
- Evaluation in the current or succeeding days.
- Customized MAT plans
- Safe detox oversight
- Structured and outpatient treatment programs.
- A non- judgemental, open mind.
MAT will help you gain control of your life whether you have an alcohol or opioid problem.
In order to start the recovery trail, call Solutions Healthcare today (386) 866-3600.
FAQs About Medication-Assisted Treatment
Q. What is a medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a complex of behavioral therapies and FDA-approved drugs that should be used in treating alcohol and opioid dependence.It reduces cravings, normalizes the brain and improves the long-term recovery outcomes.
Q. What is the new name for medication-assisted treatment?
The term is currently known as Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), but MAT remains widely known and is still commonly used.
Q. What drugs are approved for MAT?
MAT drugs that have been approved by FDA are buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, disulfiram, acamprosate, and naloxone. These drugs are used to control cravings, withdrawal and risk of relapse.
Q. What is the treatment for MAT?
MAT involves the use of a mixture of medication, therapy, and medical attention. The clients are given personalized treatment in dealing with physical dependence, mental health concerns and recovery planning over the long term.
Q. What is the success rate of MAT treatment?
Research indicates that MAT has the potential to reduce opioid related rates of death by half and enhance long-term recovery rates substantially. Individuals in MAT remain longer in treatment and they have reduced relapse rates.
