Medically reviewed by: Dr. Peter Scheid, Medical Director
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the evidence-based treatment of substance use disorder using FDA-approved medicines in conjunction with counseling, behavior therapy, and recovery support. Instead of focusing on willpower, the program considers the biological and psychological factors of addiction and allows an individual to strive towards full recovery.
How Does It Work? What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment? It is important to consider these questions if you think about addiction treatment, especially if your dependence on opioids or alcohol has made you unable to quit on your own.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The medications are chosen specifically to reduce cravings, help to manage the withdrawal process, and treat the condition. Three medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD): methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. For the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD), medications include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
However, the treatment is not just substituting one drug with another. Properly prescribed and monitored medications can help to normalize brain chemistry and reduce the physical need to use the substances. This will help the person be better able to engage in therapy, restore relationships, and build healthier coping mechanisms.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?
MAT usually starts with an evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. The provider takes into account several considerations, including the substance, medical history, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, psychological needs, experience with previous treatments, and other personal considerations before formulating a treatment plan.
With opioid use disorders, the medications work differently in the following manner:
| Medication | Common Use | How It Helps |
| Methadone | Opioid use disorder | Reduces withdrawal and cravings and can blunt opioid effects |
| Buprenorphine | Opioid use disorder | Reduces cravings and withdrawal with a partial opioid effect |
| Naltrexone | Opioid & alcohol use disorder | Blocks opioid effects and can reduce alcohol-related cravings |
Methadone is a long-lasting opioid agonist that reduces craving and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that does not have the risk of respiratory suppression like full agonists when taken correctly. Naltrexone works by blocking the effect of opioids and is also approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Medication is usually accompanied by other treatment approaches such as counseling, therapy, relapse prevention, and recovery supports. According to SAMHSA, the process uses a whole-person approach since addiction affects many aspects of life, including physical, emotional, interpersonal, vocational, and functional.
What Are the Benefits of MAT?
Another significant benefit of medication-assisted treatment is the ability to make the recovery process easier. By reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings, medication can help patients continue participating in the treatment process and avoid falling back into drug abuse for the sake of feeling normal.
According to the review of research conducted by SAMHSA, a combination of medication and behavioral therapy increases patients’ treatment retention, improves survival, and reduces illicit opioid use.
MAT can also help patients concentrate on the underlying issues of their addictions. Since withdrawal symptoms and cravings are reduced, the therapy helps address stress, trauma, negative thinking, relationships, and other aspects that lead to substance abuse.
Is MAT Applicable for All Patients?
No. There is no medication and treatment duration that fits all people equally. The doctor may prescribe a certain type of medication depending on the patient’s past drug abuse, medical and treatment needs, potential side effects, and other circumstances.
The duration of medication-assisted treatment is not standard as well. While some patients may need several months of treatment, others may require a longer period of time. Patients should never quit using methadone and buprenorphine on their own.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the concepts of medication-assisted treatment and its mechanism of operation helps to make the process of addiction treatment more predictable. MAT utilizes evidence-based medicine and therapies that help treat addiction in different ways.
Harbor Detox is a service provider for patients who consider addiction treatment options. Get in touch with Harbor Detox to find out more about possible addiction treatments and take the next step toward professional support.
Contact Information
- Company Name: Harbor Detox
- Phone: (888) 793-8002
- Email: info@harbordetox.com
- Address: 24832 La Paz Ave, Suite A, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
FAQs
Is medication-assisted treatment effective?
Yes, MAT can become an effective treatment for OUD and some other substance use disorders. Combining medication with counseling and behavioral therapies can improve engagement with the treatment program.
Is MAT a substitute for addiction therapy?
No. The use of medication is only part of the treatment program. Counseling, behavioral therapy, peer support, and other recovery programs may help to address the psychological and behavioral components of addiction.
What medicines are used for opioid addiction?
Three FDA-approved medicines used for the treatment of OUD are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. They have distinct mechanisms of action and must be prescribed by an experienced doctor.
Can MAT be used to treat alcohol addiction?
Yes. Some drugs are approved to be used to manage the problem of alcohol use disorders. Some of them include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. This treatment is personalized and is often coupled with counseling or behavior therapy.
Is taking buprenorphine or methadone simply substituting one addiction for another?
No. These medicines, when prescribed properly, are clinically proven treatments for the problem of opioid addiction. These drugs can help reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings, thus aiding recovery.
How long does medication-assisted treatment take?
This question does not have a clear answer, as it depends on the individual. The treatment period can be several months, years, or even longer.
Does MAT prevent relapse?
MAT can lower the severity of withdrawals and cravings and can keep the person in the process of treatment, but it does not guarantee the prevention of relapse. Counseling and recovery planning are still necessary.
Is MAT suitable for all people?
Perhaps not. A certified healthcare provider needs to assess whether or not MAT is right for someone, as well as which medication, if needed at all, would be the most suitable.
