What is Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Life throws multiple curveballs our way. You may feel excited after reaching a milestone; another may feel pain due to an unfortunate incident. It’s a continuous cycle of triumphs and pain. We might assume that we are capable of recovering each time life knocks us down, but that is far from the truth.

Pain is a universal experience, and most people believe that modern medication will help reduce that experience. Most health care providers feel the same way, and often use opioids to treat short term and long term pain.

However, opioid drugs are extremely addictive and can induce dependence even with short-term use. Also, ongoing use can cause what experts know as opioid use disorder or OUD. Behavioral health organizations now use evidence-based practices like Medicated Assisted Treatment, also known as MAT, to help fight this type of addiction.  

So, What Is MAT?

Medication-assisted treatment is an efficient evidence-based treatment for people addicted to substances like opioids and alcohol. It involves the use of some FDA approved drugs, in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling to treat substance abusers. 

In MAT, some FDA-approved drugs are used, and these drugs help to reduce the physiological craving for the abused drugs. They also protect the addict from the drug’s negative effects while minimizing the effects of the substance. 

Types of MAT Medication

There are three FDA approved MAT medications used in treating opioid use disorders. These drugs, according to the FDA, must be administered in a certified opioid treatment program in the case of methadone and by a clinician for buprenorphine and naltrexone. 

• Methadone

Methadone totally occupies the receptor site for opiates in the body. It is very effective in treating OUD because it blocks other opioids from being effective, while also reducing the painful effects of opiate withdrawal. 

• Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opiate agonist, albeit a partial one, which means that it doesn’t bind to the opiate receptor. Buprenorphine is effective in treating OUD as it doesn’t induce euphoria and has a limit on its effects. 

• Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an FDA approved MAT medication that is mostly used to help recovering addicts with abstinence. Naltrexone, unlike methadone and buprenorphine, is a full opiate antagonist. It effectively blocks the receptors and effects of opioids. 

MAT for Substance Abuse

There are many treatment options for people who suffer from substance abuse. What makes MAT for substance abuse so special? Why is it considered a wholesome treatment for people with OUD?

MAT for substance abuse is primarily used on people who suffer from opioid use disorder because it is highly effective. It does not only help clients complete the treatment; it equips them for life after the treatment. Methadone and buprenorphine are used in treating OUD, making it impossible for abusers to get sucked back into the euphoric world of opiate abuse. 

Also, when compared to other addiction treatments, MAT for substance abuse is more successful in treating people with OUD.

MAT for substance abuse has the following benefits;

• Improves the chances of survival for the recovering addicts
• Reduces the illegal use of opiates in people with substance abusers disorders 
• For pregnant women, it improves the chances of their unborn children. 
• It shows longer-lasting results for recovered addicts. 

Are MAT Medications Right for You? 

Many addicts and their family members often ask this question when considering treatment options. There are many fears about MAT medications because of the common misconception that it is a treatment that substitutes one drug for another. 

MAT for substance abuse is a highly effective treatment for people with OUD. It not only uses drugs; it also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling, which is a major part of other therapies. In addition to that, MAT has long-lasting effects that help recovering addicts stick to sobriety and recover without having to struggle too hard with the withdrawal symptoms. 

Contact Grace Recovery About MAT

Grace Recovery addiction treatment program helps our clients overcome addictive behaviors. We provide medical detox, 30, 60, and 90-day residential programs, including options for aftercare services and outpatient treatment. 

Redefine your addiction journey with us and reach out for more information regarding our services, which includes MAT for substance abuse!