What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment? The Success Of MAT

MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) stands as a groundbreaking solution for alcohol and opioid addiction. MAT utilizes FDA-approved medications along with comprehensive care and therapy to reduce withdrawal symptoms for a comfortable and pain-free addiction recovery journey. 

However, despite its success, MAT is surrounded by negative stigma and misconceptions. This misinformation prevents clients from seeking help, resulting in a tragic rise in overdose-related deaths. Let’s take a look at the latest research to debunk the myth. 

  1. MAT can reduce the risk of overdose-related deaths by 50%.
  2. A study published by NIDA (National Institute On Drug Abuse) concluded that Buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment is 75% more effective than quitting without MAT treatment. 
  3. Another longitudinal study reported better outcomes with MAT for people suffering from comorbid alcohol use disorder after 12 months of follow-up.
  4. 80% of people with OUD who received treatment without MAT experienced a relapse within 2 years

What Are The Objectives Of A MAT Program?

MAT, along with comprehensive care, is a great way to flush alcohol out of your system faster. The objectives of the MAT program are to:

  • A whole-patient approach to address both substance abuse and mental health problems.
  • Use of specific targeted medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
  • It helps people avoid relapse after they have undergone treatment.

MAT alone is not enough to combat substance abuse. It is most effective when combined with counseling and therapy to treat the underlying causes, roots, and consequences of addiction.

Signs You Qualify For MAT Program Under DSM-V Criteria 

According to DSM-V criteria, if you exhibit these signs, you may probably have substance use disorder and qualify for a MAT program:

  1. Developed tolerance to the initial dose 
  2. Experiencing withdrawal when trying to quit
  3. Neglecting social and family relationships because of substance use
  4. Repeated attempts to quit substance use but relapsing.
  5. Experiencing physical and psychological problems due to substance use.

MAT For Opioid Use Disorder

FDA has approved the following medications for opioid use disorder:

Drugs Use
Buprenorphine Reverses the harmful effects of opioid dependency by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Naltrexone Available in injectable and oral form. It blocks opioid receptors to reduce cravings. 
Methadone Used to manage withdrawal symptoms, but due to high abuse potential, suboxone is usually recommended.
Suboxone It contains Naloxone and Buprenorphine to reduce cravings. It has the lowest abuse potential.
Subutex Stabilizes opioid receptors to improve withdrawal symptoms
Sublocade Extended-release buprenorphine injection is usually used for recovery maintenance programs.  

 

MAT For Alcohol Use Disorder 

The following medications are usually prescribed for alcohol addiction treatment:

Drug Use
Naltrexone Naltrexone can reduce alcohol craving and block its euphoric effects.
Acamprosate This medication is usually given after detox. It restores normal brain functioning and helps to avoid alcohol use.
Disulfiram Produces sensitivity to alcohol, which results in unpleasant symptoms if you consume alcohol. This medicine is effective in preventing relapse.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing ChoicePoint’s Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment Program?

Our team at ChoicePoint comprises experienced doctors, licensed counselors, and professional therapists who can start your treatment immediately. For example, our online Naltrexone doctors can prescribe same-day online prescriptions. Through our medication-assisted treatment, you will receive FDA-approved medications to assist with detoxification and recovery from substance use disorders.
We believe in both, a healthy mind and body. Medication-assisted treatment will not only help you to get rid of an addiction but will also ease withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol and opioid addiction. 

Now that you know MAT is FDA-approved and safe, let’s take a look at the unmatched benefits it offers for substance use disorder treatment.

Safe Alcohol and Opioid Withdrawal Management

Addiction is a disease that causes changes in the brain. When a person uses drugs, they bind to opioid and alcohol receptors and change the levels of neurotransmitters GABA and dopamine in the body. These neurotransmitters control how we feel. When a person stops using drugs, these pathways are affected, which leads to a series of uncomfortable symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms.

Common alcohol and opioid withdrawal symptoms include:

  1. Headache
  2. Nausea
  3. Risk of overdose
  4. Recurrent cravings
  5. Vomiting
  6. Respiratory depression
  7. Seizures
  8. Delirium Tremens 
  9. Increased heart rate 
  10. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

MAT medications bind to opioid and alcohol receptors in the body and stabilize them. This helps to restore the normal function of the body. Hence, medicines provide clinical stability and relief from withdrawal symptoms to support patients during recovery.

Better Patient Retention Rates    

MAT medications encourage patients to complete their treatment. Opioid and alcohol withdrawal usually start after 24 hours and peak for 3-5 days. During this time, most people feel demotivated and give in to cravings, thereby resorting to illicit substances. Here is how FDA-approved medications reduce the chances of a relapse:

  1. Reduce drug and alcohol cravings 
  2. Reduces the chances of overdose
  3. Manages psychological symptoms such as anxiety
  4. It allows you to focus on healing instead of suffering from intense withdrawal
  5. Allows your body to restore normal functioning

Better Neonatal Outcomes In Expecting Mothers

Medication-assisted treatment is not only safe for expecting mothers but also poses no harm to your unborn baby. Opioid or alcohol addiction during pregnancy has been linked to:

  1. Low birth weight
  2. Abnormal facial features
  3. Small head size 
  4. Poor memory
  5. Problems with the heart, kidney, or bones
  6. Speech and language delays
  7. Preterm delivery
  8. Risk of miscarriage in extreme cases

MAT medication, such as Buprenorphine, is safe to use during pregnancy. It can help you withdraw from drugs safely to protect both your and your baby’s health.

Furthermore, you can carry out a MAT program alongside our other specialized programs for expecting mothers, LGBT, and student addiction treatment programs. To make treatment even more accessible, we offer telehealth addiction treatment programs. You can schedule a virtual appointment or visit our purpose-built addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, NJ.

Telehealth Addiction Treatment Center in new jersey

What ChoicePoint Offers

ChoicePoint believes in providing sustainable healthcare services for lifelong sobriety. In addition to supervised medication, our comprehensive addiction treatment plan offers medical support, addiction counseling, and addiction therapy services to prevent any relapse.
Our MAT programs can help you to reclaim your life from addiction. If you can not commit to an in-patient treatment program, avail our telehealth addiction treatment program to rebuild your life towards a better future.

By availing our medication-assisted addiction treatment programs, you will find:

Increased Accessibility

Access MAT program from any location

Increased Patient Commitment

Personalized and flexible treatment

Sustainable Recovery

Lesser chances of relapse

Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Counseling, therapy, and medication

Increased Accessibility

Access MAT program from any location

Increased Patient Commitment

Personalized and flexible treatment

Sustainable Recovery

Lesser chances of relapse

Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Counseling, therapy, and medication

Medication-assisted addiction treatment for opioid addiction can be regarded as the gold standard in opioid treatment. One of the main challenges of addiction treatment programs is that many individuals relapse due to discomfort associated with withdrawal symptoms. However, our FDA-approved medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, anxiety, and depression to make your addiction-free journey as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
Our aim is to provide you with a challenge-free addiction treatment program to which you will have no difficulty committing. 

To avail our pain-free addiction treatment program reaches us at 844.445.2565 or simply fill up this form.

Our MAT Program in New Jersey And Montana – ChoicePoint

At ChoicePoint, our personalized medication-assisted addiction treatment program for substance abuse along with counseling and therapy can help you to recover from addiction.
For long-term recovery, our team will connect you with licensed therapists. You can avail group therapy, family therapy, or individual therapy programs according to your needs. Through these programs, you will get all the support and motivation you need to help break free of addiction.

So, if you or your loved ones are searching for a flexible, effective, and pain-free treatment plan, reach out to us at 844.445.2565 or fill up this form. Discover our long term-treatment strategy to help you reclaim your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Find a MAT Program Near Me?

You can use the substance abuse treatment locator of SAMHSA, or you can check our online MAT program through the telehealth service.

What Is MAT And How Does It Work?

MAT, abbreviated as medication-assisted treatment, is a specialized approach that combines the use of prescribed medication with therapy to increase the chances of long-term recovery. The medicines work to reduce cravings and reduce discomfort associated with drug and alcohol abstinence. Therapy addresses the causes, triggers, and coping mechanisms of addiction.

What Is MAT And How Does It Work?

MAT, abbreviated as medication-assisted treatment, is a specialized approach that combines the use of prescribed medication with therapy to increase the chances of long-term recovery. The medicines work to reduce cravings and reduce discomfort associated with drug and alcohol abstinence. Therapy addresses the causes, triggers, and coping mechanisms of addiction.

What Are the Major Components of Medication-assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment includes:

  • Prescription-based medications to treat substance abuse and opioid addiction.
  • Medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms
  • Behavioral therapy for long-term recovery
  • Counseling for a speedy recovery

Is a Virtual Medication-assisted Addiction Treatment Program Effective?

Our virtual MAT program is as effective as an in-patient MAT treatment program. If you can not commit to in-patient treatment, reach out to us online or at 844.445.2563 and we will provide you a comprehensive virtual treatment program to help you recover from alcohol and drug addiction.

Does Medication-assisted Addiction Treatment Work?

MAT can be the best treatment for opioid use disorder and substance dependency. It can be more effective than therapy or medication alone.

Does insurance cover a Medication-addiction Treatment program?

ChoicePoint has a flexible insurance policy. We accept all types of insurance programs in NJ. However, laws are different for every state and insurance company. If you are unsure of our insurance policy, please verify your insurance or contact us at 844.445.2563, and our team will contact you.

What are the Benefits of Medication-assisted Addiction Treatment?

Benefits of our medication-assisted addiction treatment include:

  • Long-term recovery from substance abuse
  • Reduced withdrawal symptoms
  • Reduced recurrent cravings
  • Inpatient or telehealth addiction treatment program
  • Increased patient commitment

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Medications Used During MAT?

Medications used in our MAT program are FDA-approved. Few and mild side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea, are associated with these medications. And these mild side effects outweigh their effectiveness. A personalized medication-assisted program is offered at ChoicePoint, along with therapy and counseling, so you don’t have to worry about side effects.

Is Medication-assisted Treatment Trading of One Drug With Another?

No, drugs used in medication-assisted programs are FDA-approved. These medications act as opioid blockers to reduce substance dependency. The dose of these medications is carefully administered to ease withdrawal symptoms without any side effects. Our counseling and addiction therapy services will also guide you step by step throughout this journey.

Medical Disclaimer:

ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.

5 Comments

  3. Must read the article if you want a clear understanding of MAT and how it helps with treating addiction

  5. I am an expecting mother and I never knew that addiction centers in NJ were offering MAT to expecting mothers.

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