Author: Alex Thompson

A brief introduction to MAT for opioid use disorder

Treating OUD with opioid medications (methadone and buprenorphine, specifically) has long been considered the gold-standard of care.5-6 However, no single medication works well for all. Equal access to all three supports finding the treatment that works best and patient preference remains one of the most important factors. All things being equal, the best medication choice may be the one a person is interested in trying or the one they will continue to take. MAT is generally safe and highly effective in the treatment of substance addictions, both in the detox phase as well as in long term recovery. Methadone induction during medication-assisted treatment is therefore done slowly, starting at a low dose.

1. Methadone and buprenorphine are other medications approved for this purpose.
2. Give us a call or complete our convenient online form to get in touch with one of our addiction treatment specialists.
3. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist2, which means that it occupies the opioid receptors in the brain without activating them; and blocks opioids from attaching to the receptors.
4. It’s also cost-effective, with most insurance plans and Medicaid programs covering some costs.

Many of the men and women who have succeeded in staying alcohol and drug-free for longer than 12 months had sincerely pursued recovery before, but triggers and underlying issues resulted in a relapse. Because methadone is itself an opioid, it must be dispensed in specially licensed clinics. After a period of time during which a patient stabilizes and adheres to the recommended dosage the patient may be allowed to take the daily dose at home between clinic visits. MAT treatment must include a counseling component to give the patient a good chance to achieve life-long recovery.

Because OUD is a chronic condition, some patients may need to continue use of the medication indefinitely. Through the prescription of medications,  a board certified addiction doctor can help curb opioid cravings and reduce withdrawals. If you have a substance use disorder and traditional therapy methods have been ineffective, you may wonder, “Am I a candidate for MAT? ” MAT may be a viable option if you have an opioid use disorder and are medically stable.

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It bends to opioid receptors in the body and reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. By occupying opioid receptors in the brain, methadone also blocks or blunts the effects of illegal opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription opioids such as fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. In this way, methadone helps to manage opioid addiction in a safer, more controlled manner. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it works by blocking the activation of opioid receptors.

This lack of awareness can result in missed opportunities for people to receive effective treatment for their addiction. Naltrexone can help to lower the risk of relapse and improve the quality of life of people in recovery. However, you must be opioid-free for 7–14 days before starting this MAT medication. Methadone is currently considered the gold standard in MAT for opioid dependence. However, titrating the dose to an effective dose is a lengthy process. You can complete the induction phase of medication-assisted treatment at home or at an inpatient facility.

Medication

The drug effects—in addition to patient-specific factors, such as response to pasttreatment—guide therapy selection. Addiction is a chronic disease that can cause long-lasting health problems. Please continue reading to learn more about the role that medication assisted treatment (MAT) plays in overcoming addiction.

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These logistical barriers can prevent people with substance use disorders from attending appointments or obtaining their medication refills on time. Studies have shown that MAT greatly increases a patient’s chance to recover completely from opioid dependency. The evidence shows that the best outcome and greatest chance for ongoing recovery from OUD comes from combining medication and patient-specific therapies in a holistic approach to treatment. Combining therapy and medication together in a plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs produces a better outcome than either medication or therapy-based treatment alone can achieve.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

This treatment approach collectively addresses the various complex aspects of a substance use disorder. It combines medications that reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms with evidence-based counseling and behavioral therapies that help to build resilience. In this way, it addresses the underlying psychological factors that contribute to addiction, while keeping you as comfortable as possible while you overcome your substance use disorder. An integrated MAT and behavioral therapies approach therefore addresses both the physical and psychological factors that play a crucial role in long-term recovery success. It gives you all the support you need to develop coping strategies and build the life skills you need for a sustained recovery. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in addiction recovery refers to the use of medications approved by the U.S.

Psychosocial treatment

Getting medication-assisted treatment should only be done in a proper healthcare facility such as a hospital, patient care center, or an addiction treatment facility. Since MAT involves the use of prescription drugs, it is essential that the recommendations are only given by licensed healthcare professionals. Varenicline is a partial agonist drug that treats nicotine dependency. It produces effects that are similar to nicotine but the effects are weaker, thereby reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings while still allowing an individual to ween off nicotine. Although generally safe, medical professionals need to review an individual’s medical history and risk factors as the drug can infrequently cause serious side effects such as seizures. Disulfiram is a drug approved by the FDA to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is often known by the brand name Antabuse.

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In this way, disulfiram prevents alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant effects. You may see Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) referred to as Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in medical journals and other settings. “MAT” was first used to convey that certain medications could “assist” other forms of therapy in promoting recovery. It is true that many people living with OUD benefit from counseling and other therapies while also being treated with medications. However, favor has shifted to using “MOUD” as research shows that these medications provide effective, tangible benefits to people living with OUD even without other forms of counseling. Medications do not only “assist” treatment; medications are a core component of treatment.