Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Substance Use Disorders

The use of pharmaceuticals in conjunction with counseling and other therapeutic approaches to treat substance use problems in a “holistic” manner is known as Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for Substance Use Disorders. Our best Medication-Assisted treatment program is a comprehensive strategy for treating substance use disorders that combines the use of pharmaceuticals with psychosocial therapies and other resources as required. While some of our patients benefit from additional psychosocial treatment and support, others perform well with medicine alone to manage their substance use problem. For everyone with an opioid use disorder, including those who are pregnant or nursing, medication is the first line of treatment.  

Long-term Advantages of MAT Consist of:

  • Reduced risk for HIV and hepatitis C, enhanced treatment retention, improved employment rates, improved delivery outcomes for women with SUDs, decreased criminal activity and illicit opioid usage among persons with SUDs, and improved survival rates.
  • A mix of FDA-approved medications for MAT that encourage long-term rehabilitation by lowering cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as Suboxone and Naltrexone for alcohol and opioid dependence.
  • Medication-assisted treatment for drugs and MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can help: eliminate cravings, MAT for relapse prevention recovery, restore normal brain chemistry, stop the euphoric reaction of substances, ease withdrawal symptoms, aid in therapy, and enable people to concentrate on their responsibilities while in recovery.
  • People can use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in MAT programs to recognize and alter harmful beliefs and behaviors related to their addiction.
  • Using tangible rewards (such as gift cards) for positive adjustments, contingency management (CM) helps people stay motivated.
  • The community reinforcement approach (CRA) can assist in determining the motivations behind a desire to make life changes and in identifying more healthful coping mechanisms for stress and other situations that may lead to substance abuse.
  • Motivational enhancement (ME) is a strategy used to assist patients stay motivated during therapy.
  • Group counseling. This can comprise a range of groups, including support groups, skills development, cognitive-behavioral, psycho-educational, and interpersonal process groups.

“MAT” Admission Criteria/Medical Necessity:

  • For individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), Epic Health Partners has created customized improved medication for addiction therapy (MAT) protocols.
  • In addition to the conventional MAT procedures that use Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder or naltrexone (Vivitrol).
  • A diagnosis of OUD or AUD must be explicitly documented in the Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) using the ASAM criteria to qualify for MAT services.
  • To be accepted for admission, the person must meet the requirements that declare they are now physically dependent, exhibit opioid tolerance, and fit the current DSM criteria for moderate or severe opioid use disorder.
  • The doctor must watch for early withdrawal symptoms in the patient and make sure they are precisely and explicitly recorded in the patient’s file. If an individual’s urine drug screening for MAT program admission shows that they are using opioids, they may be exempt from the requirements.
  • At the time of admission, the patient must undergo a first urine drug test (UDS), and the findings must be recorded in the patient’s file. This outcome could be used as evidence for admission.
  • A declaration confirming that they are not now enrolled in another opioid treatment program must be signed by the individual.
  • People under the age of eighteen are not eligible to receive maintenance treatment services.

Who Can MAT Benefits?

MAT aims to complete recovery, including the capacity to lead an independent life. Such as:

  • Boost patient longevity.
  • Boost treatment retention.
  • Reduce the use of illegal opiates and other criminal activities by those suffering from substance use disorders.
  • Boost patients’ capacity to find and keep a job.
  • MAT can improve the outcomes in pregnant women with opioid use disorders.

Get the Support You Need

One of the top providers of MAT is Epic Health Partners, which has both inpatient and outpatient facilities in Virginia. Along with treating co-occurring disorders, we also provide personalized treatment programs that are tailored to your unique requirements. Both our team of professional addiction counselors and our knowledgeable, caring medical staff are trained to offer you the greatest support possible as you work toward recovery because they understand what you are going through. Contact (434) 835-4601.

FAQs

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the process of treating substance use disorders by using drugs in conjunction with MAT and behavioral therapy for addiction and counseling.

To control cravings and withdrawal symptoms that frequently accompany opioid or alcohol addiction, medication-assisted treatment is utilized.

A mix of FDA-approved drugs that facilitate long-term recovery by lowering cravings and withdrawal symptoms, including naltrexone and Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction.

MAT differs from simply switching from one addictive substance to another. The dosage of medication used when someone receives MAT for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) does not result in the “high” that is linked to opioid abuse.

Generally speaking, a person’s results improve the longer they remain in a MAT program. Longer treatment durations are supported by research, as indicated by the following studies: To get the most out of Methadone treatment for addiction recovery, experts advise a 12-month program.

Epic Health Partners pays for at least some of the MAT treatment through insurance. Substance use disorders must be covered by the insurance plan with the same advantages as medical or surgical care.

MAT stops withdrawal from starting, which can be bad for pregnant mothers and their unborn children.

Suboxone is less addicting than methadone. The side effects of Medication-Assisted treatment of methadone withdrawal can make a person more dependent on the drug. Effects of withdrawal: headache, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, and quick heartbeat. 

There is so much more to MAT than simply medicine. This approach to treating the full person is truly unique and backed by research. In addition to medicine, people will receive counseling, assistance with local resources, and a secure environment to choose their recovery route.

Relapse prevention strategies in MAT programs are successful at lowering rates and MAT programs for long-term opioid and alcohol recovery. By addressing all facets of addiction, MAT’s integration with other therapies optimizes treatment results.