MAT For Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol is a legal and widely available addictive substance. But, WHO declares that no amount of alcohol is safe to consume. Did you know  NIAAA reports there was a 25% increase in alcohol-related deaths in the year 2020? Not only this, alcohol accounted for 1 in 6 drug overdose-related deaths. 

While moderate drinkers can abstain from alcohol at home without medical intervention, alcohol addiction and abuse treatment require professional medical help. Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most recommended treatments for AUD. It utilizes FDA-approved medications to stabilize brain chemistry, breaking the cycle of alcohol cravings and withdrawal and allowing you to focus on healing.

Outcomes Of MAT For Alcohol Abuse

The ultimate goal and outcome of a MAT program is lasting recovery. This treatment approach aims to produce the following results:

1. Improved patient retention in the treatment
2. Improved survival rates
3. Decreased alcohol and illicit substance use.
4. Improve birth outcomes for expecting mothers.
5. Provides holistic care to improve quality of life 

Which Medications Are Approved To Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?

The following medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol addiction:

Other than this, the doctors may also prescribe the following medications:

1. Anti-seizure medications: These may be prescribed if you are at risk of developing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
2. Antidepressants: These may be prescribed to treat the psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal.
3. Medications to improve sleep: You may be prescribed sedatives if you experience insomnia.

Be Aware Of Interactions Of Alcohol With Prescription Medications 

Make sure to learn about the interactions of alcohol with drugs and prescription medications. Drinking or mixing alcohol with opioids or other substances increases the risk of overdose and death. Here are a few examples of medications you should not mix with alcohol.

What If I Am Abusing Alcohol And On Mental Health Medication? 

A question arises: if alcohol has a dangerous interaction with mental disorder medications, then what to do if someone is abusing alcohol and also on mental disorder medications? You may be recommended a dual diagnosis program if you are suffering from polysubstance abuse or have any mental health implications along with alcohol addiction. 

During dual diagnosis, mental health disorders will be treated simultaneously, along with any psychological withdrawal symptoms. For example, if you are suffering from alcohol addiction along with anxiety, you may be recommended Naltrexone through a medical detox, along with behavioral therapy and counseling. Behavioral approaches are beneficial for the treatment of mental health issues and substance abuse. 

Some behavioral therapies you might be recommended include:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
2. Dialectical behavioral therapy
3. Individual therapy
4. Group therapy 
5. Family therapy

Success Rate Of MAT For AUD 

If you are skeptical about the use of medications, please take a look at recent research supporting the positive outcomes of using MAT:

1. 90% of patients on medication-assisted treatment maintain sobriety after 2 years mark.
2. A longitudinal analysis of 5700 participants with AUD revealed that patients on MAT medications were less likely to acquire mental health implications. Furthermore, no serious complications and fewer emergency department visits were associated with medical detox patients.
3. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, NIAAA (National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) have funded various research and concluded that MAT medications offer more benefits than at-home or non-pharmacological approaches to alcohol abuse treatment.

Are You The Right Candidate For MAT?

MAT is not for everyone. It is recommended as a part of a comprehensive care plan if you meet the following criteria:

1. Do not have any medical contradictions with MAT medications
2. The patient is suffering from moderate to severe levels of addiction according to DSM-V criteria.
3. Has abstained from alcohol and is not experiencing withdrawal.
4. Unable to cut back on drinking without the help of medicines.
5. There is a risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding Life-Threatening Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Now the question arises: is MAT necessary? Yes, sudden alcohol abstinence is associated with life-threatening withdrawals. Medical intervention is necessary for a safe detox. Alcohol is a depressant. It slows the messages between your body and the brain. Over time, your body gets used to having alcohol for normal function. When you suddenly withdraw, the brain remains in an alert or hyperactive state, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. 

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS) can range from mild to serious. Some serious withdrawal symptoms include:

Delirium Tremens 

Delirium Tremens, or DTs, is a serious manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. It can last up to 4 days. It is characterized by:

• Rapid heart rate 
• Agitation
• High blood pressure
• Fever 
• Tremors

Deaths have been reported in almost 5% of patients who experienced DTs. 

Seizures

Seizures can occur within 1-2 days of alcohol abstinence. It is characterized by uncontrolled shaking of the body. Sometimes, delayed seizures can occur after 1-2 weeks of abstinence. This is why it is important to withdraw under medical supervision. 

Status Epilepticus 

Status Epilepticus is a serious medical emergency. It is marked by continuous seizures lasting more than half an hour—or back-to-back seizures without full recovery of consciousness between them. 

Hallucinations

Hallucinations usually occur 24 hours after the last drink. Hallucinations negatively impact your mental health and blur the line between reality and imagination. It may lead to unwanted accidents such as injury or accidental death. Research shows that  DT is 15% fatal in cases without treatment and only 1% fatal in those who receive treatment. This is why you should withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision.