Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) (also known as Medication for Addiction Treatment) is an effective form of treatment for substance use disorder, and it’s also one of the most misunderstood. MAT is more than just medication; it’s a holistic approach that combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol addictions. The medications ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it possible for patients to focus on their recovery without the constant distraction of physical discomfort. MAT is both safe and effective, with buprenorphine alone demonstrating a 75% success rate at helping patients stay in treatment.1
Using medications isn’t replacing one substance with another, instead, MAT helps people in recovery manage their addiction so they can learn new coping skills and address the underlying issues contributing to their substance use disorder. As part of our evidence-based approach to treatment, Recovery Centers of America offers MAT as an option for patients who may benefit from it.
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment?
MAT involves the use of medications alongside counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treating substance use disorders. MAT helps normalize brain chemistry and block the euphoric effects of opioids like heroin, painkillers, and even alcohol by alleviating physical cravings, making it easier for individuals to maintain their sobriety. However, it’s crucial to understand that MAT is not a standalone treatment. It is most effective when combined with other therapeutic practices, such as behavioral therapy and peer recovery support groups.
Dispelling Myths About MAT
Despite the proven effectiveness of MAT, there are still common misconceptions surrounding its use in addiction recovery. A common misconception about MAT is that it merely substitutes one addiction for another. However, this is not accurate. MAT medications are carefully dosed to avoid inducing the “high” associated with drug misuse. Instead, these medications help rebalance brain chemistry disrupted by addiction, aiding in the healing process during recovery. In this way, MAT is akin to treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, where medication is part of a broader approach that includes lifestyle changes and behavioral adjustments.
MAT is also used for more than just opioid addiction. While medications like buprenorphine are commonly used for opioid use disorder, naltrexone can be helpful in treating alcohol use disorder as well.
Benefits of MAT
Let’s explore what makes MAT a positive treatment option and why its broader adoption has become a game-changer in addiction recovery and a cornerstone of RCA treatment.
- Decreases opioid-related overdose deaths – One of the most significant benefits is its ability to reduce fatal overdoses.
- Decreases risk of relapse – Individuals who participate in MAT are often better able to avoid relapse.
- Decreases illicit opioid use – MAT helps reduce the dependence on illicit substances.
- Increases social functioning and retention in treatment – Patients are more likely to stay in treatment and engage in social activities.
- Decreases criminal activity – By reducing illicit drug use, MAT indirectly helps decrease related criminal activities.
- Decreases transmission of infectious diseases – The reduction in needle sharing minimizes the risk of HIV and hepatitis C.
- Improves maternal and fetal outcomes for pregnant women – MAT offers a safer alternative for expectant mothers struggling with addiction.
The Importance of Combining Medication with Therapy
At Recovery Centers of America, we believe in treating the individual as a whole. That’s why we combine Medication Assisted Treatment with evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and approaches informed by dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies help patients develop healthy coping mechanisms, address underlying trauma or mental health issues, and build the skills needed for long-term recovery.
MAT can also be used in conjunction with other forms of support, such as 12-step programs or group therapy. While MAT can address many of the physical aspects of addiction, therapy and support groups can help patients work through the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to substance use.
MAT promotes long-term recovery by providing a strong foundation for individuals to build upon. It’s a tool, not a cure.
Is Medication Assisted Treatment Right for You?
If you’re considering seeking help for substance use disorder, it’s important to understand all the options available. Medication Assisted Treatment might be a good fit if:
- You have struggled with relapse in the past.
- Your cravings and withdrawal symptoms make it difficult to focus on recovery.
- You have a co-occurring mental health disorder that contributes to your substance use.
Ultimately, only you and your medical provider can decide if MAT is the right option for you. Your path to long-term recovery might include MAT. Under the guidance of your care team, MAT can provide a stepping stone to lifelong recovery.
Stopping Medication Assisted Treatment
One common misconception about MAT is that it’s a lifelong treatment. While some individuals may benefit from long-term use of medications, others may eventually choose to stop taking them. If you and your care team decide it’s time to discontinue Medication Assisted Treatment, we will work with you to develop a plan for tapering off the medication and addressing any potential withdrawal symptoms.
It’s important to note that abruptly stopping MAT can not only lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms but also increase the risk of relapse. That’s why we closely monitor patients during every step of their recovery journey, including when they are ready to stop using medication.
Get in Touch with Recovery Centers of America Today
At Recovery Centers of America, we consider MAT as an important part of our evidence-based continuum of care for substance use disorders. By combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, we address the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. Across our 11 world-class facilities nationwide, 69.3% of our patients with opioid or alcohol use disorder benefit from MAT, underscoring its critical role in supporting sustained recovery. Each patient collaborates with their clinical team to determine what is best for them based on their individual needs and recovery plan.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, reach out to Recovery Centers of America today. Our team can help determine if Medication Assisted Treatment is a good fit for your needs and guide you on the path to long-term recovery. Recovery is possible, and MAT can be an important tool in achieving it. Call 833.926.5486 or reach out online to get started.
Source:
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse – Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report
