Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Q: What Are The Key Barriers To Using MAT?

As effective as MAT is when treating opioid use disorders, many patients don’t get to take advantage of what they have to offer. Why? Many insurance companies don’t provide coverage for the prescriptions used in a MAT, which makes it difficult to afford the treatment. Nationwide, there’s also a lack of qualified medical personnel available to administer and oversee MAT programs. Luckily at Magnified Health Systems , we are able to provide these services to our patients.

Q: What Is Medically Assisted Detox?

Medically assisted detox is being weaned from your system under medical supervision during medically assisted detox. A brief medication may be given during this closely monitored detox to assist patients to recover in a secure setting and reduce the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. This is particularly true for patients who are detoxing from potent drugs that have negative withdrawal side effects. The objective of a detox program is to lessen the withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting a substance so that the person can go to rehab and eventually outpatient treatment . Nobody goes through drug detox in the same way twice. The detox experience is influenced by the substance's kind and duration of use. Depending on a number of variables, including the severity of the abuse issue and the abuse method, the process may last days, weeks, or even months.

Last Updated December 20, 2021

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, uses prescription medications in addition to behavioral therapy and counseling to treat substance abuse disorders. The medication used in MAT is FDA-approved. MAT programs provide a “whole-patient” approach to treatment since they are personalized to meet each patient’s individual needs.

Research has shown MAT programs are not only effective at helping patients achieve sobriety but can help keep them clean and in recovery. MAT can also be used to reduce and prevent opioid overdose.

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?

Medication-assisted treatment uses prescription medications that may include:

Vivitrol (naltrexone)
methadone,
buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv)
Benzodiazepines
Acamprosate.
Disulfiram
Naltrexone

These medications are used for a period of time to help reduce cravings and withdrawals associated with stopping opiate use. A medical professional prescribes the medication at the dose most appropriate for the patient based on the length and severity of the abuse disorder.

The team at Magnified continues to monitor the patient’s health throughout the process, gradually tapering down the medication until it’s no longer necessary. The program must be followed under medical supervision to ensure the patient doesn’t trade one substance for another. When the body doesn’t experience such intense cravings and withdrawal, the brain has a chance to heal, while the patient focuses on getting back to a regular daily life with friends and family, without relying on opioids or alcohol.

MAT is often used in conjunction with other therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients learn coping skills, support recovery, and prevent relapse in the future.

What Are the Benefits of Using MAT Treatment Programs?

Since the prescribed medications work with the brain’s chemistry to block an opioid’s effects and reduce cravings and withdrawals, patients can reduce, and eventually eliminate their opioid dependence without as much struggle. Benefits include:

Safer withdrawal since symptoms are mitigated
Reduces illicit drug use, which decreases the dangers and legal issues associated with it
Increased recovery program retention
Reduce the risk of death as a result of an overdose

Find Help Through Our Medication-Assisted Treatment Program

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse Magnified is here to help. Our MAT program is designed to treat the core issues with medication as one of the tools in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions like CBT. Many times MAT is a short-term plan during detox but it varies based on each individual. Each treatment plan is personalized to the patient, based on a thorough evaluation. Get in touch today to learn more about how to get started on the road to recovery.

Is MAT Effective?

Using a MAT program is an effective way to reduce the need for inpatient detox programs for opioid users. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) reports that compared to a detoxification program, opioid use disorder patients receive a customized and comprehensive program to address their needs. MAT programs have been shown to:

Improve patient survival rates
Increase ability to secure and maintain employment
Reduce a patient’s risk of contracting hepatitis C or HIV
Improve birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders

What Are The Key Barriers To Using MAT?

Improve patient survival rates
Increase ability to secure and maintain employment
Reduce a patient’s risk of contracting hepatitis C or HIV
Improve birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders

What Is Medically Assisted Detox?

Improve patient survival rates
Increase ability to secure and maintain employment
Reduce a patient’s risk of contracting hepatitis C or HIV
Improve birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders

Questions About Treatment?

Get confidential help 24/7. Call now for:

Access to our licensed treatment centers
Information on treatment plans
Financial assistance options

Medical Detox For Drugs & Alcohol Addiction and Dependency

EMDR Therapy For Substance Use

Inpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) For Drug & Alcohol Disorder

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) For Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Sober Living Homes For Recovery

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs

Family Therapy Programs in Addiction Treatment

Get Help Now

Sources

https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment

Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.