Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
What Is the Goal of Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The goal of MAT is to bring stability to your body and mind during the crucial phases of treatment and early recovery from addiction, allowing you to feel normal and focused on healing.
Understanding Addiction:
Addiction treatment can be challenging if you don’t address the physical dependence of addiction. Your body and mind expect drugs or alcohol to feel good or even just normal. Without substances, your brain might be centered on using rather than healing.
- Gaining Traction: MAT aids in reducing the cravings and discomfort that come with recovery, allowing you to concentrate on healing rather than the overwhelming urge to use substances.
- Easing Withdrawal: Withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable and dangerous without the right support. MAT alleviates these symptoms, enabling you to move past the "survival mode" and begin to grow and thrive.
- Focus on Healing: MAT allows you to engage deeply with your treatment plan without the distractions of cravings and urges, offering a solid foundation for learning new coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies.
The Journey to Sobriety:
Substance abuse treatment is a journey; your body and mind need time to adjust to a life without substances. MAT provides a supportive environment during this transition, preventing potential overdoses and other life-threatening complications during detoxification, especially for those with severe addictions.
With MAT and a personalized treatment plan from Positive Health and Wellness, achieving sobriety is attainable, and learning to maintain it becomes an integral part of your recovery journey.
10 things you need to know about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective approach for substance abuse. The following are a few facts about Medication-Assisted Treatment: Despite evidence of its effectiveness, there are still a number of misconceptions about MAT that could be preventing people from receiving life-saving treatment and recovering from their addiction. Here's what you need to know:
Fact 1: MAT medications save lives
Using FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) reduces the death rate among those living with addiction by 50% or more.
Fact 2: Reduces the chance of relapse & overdose
Not only does MAT reduce the chances of relapse and overdose, but criminal activity and transmission of infectious diseases are also reduced for those receiving treatment.
Fact 3: MAT provides a whole-patient approach
MAT is tailored specifically to each individual. The medication relieves the withdrawal symptoms, while counseling promotes positive behavior and lifestyle change.
Fact 4: Recovery is possible
When the cravings and withdrawal symptoms stop, people struggling with addiction have time to focus on long-term goals, remission, and recovery. Up to 90% of patients who use MAT maintain sobriety at the 2-year mark.
Myths About Medication-Assisted Treatment
Myth 1: “It’s just trading one addiction for another.”
MAT medications do not get a person high—instead, the medications work to:
- Block the euphoric effects of opioids
- Relieve cravings
- Normalize brain chemistry
- Normalize physical functions without withdrawal effects
Taking medication for opioid addiction is the same as taking medication for any other chronic disease like diabetes or asthma. When used according to a doctor's instructions, the medication is safe and effective and will not create a new addiction.
Myth 2: “If you’re still using, you’re not in recovery.”
Some believe medication isn't truly recovery if it is used to achieve sobriety. MAT medications allow patients to focus on building healthy behaviors and support systems to recover fully. The goal is always to get to a point where medication is no longer needed.
Myth 3: “There’s no proof that MAT is more effective than abstinence.”
Nearly all addicted individuals believe they can stop using drugs on their own, and most try to stop without treatment. Although some people are successful, many attempts fail. Research shows that long-term drug use changes brain function, which can result in an inability to control the impulse to use drugs despite the negative consequences.
MAT is an evidence-based, first-line treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) endorsed by many respected organizations that do their homework, review the research, and support a whole-patient approach to addiction treatment, including:
- American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
- American Medical Association
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Myth 4: “There are dangerous side effects to MAT.”
As with any prescription medication, there is a potential risk for side effects. Use of other medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs can increase those risks. Doctors who provide MAT will discuss medical conditions, side effects, and risks before treatment begins.
Myth 5: “MAT is just a new way for doctors to prescribe more opioids.”
In Nebraska, providers undergo an intensive process to prescribe medication-assisted treatment. Once approved, treatment programs must follow strict federal regulations to maintain their license.
Myth 6: “MAT medications are like liquid handcuffs.”
Two of the drugs used to treat OUD—Buprenorphine and Naltrexone—can be taken orally in pill form or monthly by sustained-release injection. Taking these medications does not require a daily visit to an authorized clinic. And, telemedicine appointments are available at some facilities, making it possible for the doctor to come to you.
While Methadone does require a daily visit to a licensed facility, it is known to reduce fatal overdoses by more than half and is often prescribed to those who have a severe dependence on opioids.
