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Individuals who suffer from opioid use disorder may benefit from MAT, which is a new approach to addiction recovery. This type of treatment utilizes one or two of three possible medicines. Learn more about the most common medicine used in MAT, along with the other two approved medications.
What Is MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment)?
Medication Assisted Treatment (or MAT) is the use of medications in combination with therapy to offer a holistic approach to substance abuse disorders, especially opioid use disorders. An individual has an opioid use disorder when they misuse a substance in the opioid category of drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine, or oxycodone.
This type of treatment uses agonist therapies to reduce opioid use and set patients up for success in the future. Medication Assisted Treatment is now a vital part of the long-term substance abuse recovery process.
Methadone: The Gold Standard MAT Medication
The most commonly used drug in Medication Assisted Treatment is methadone. However, medications such as buprenorphine and naloxone are becoming more common in MAT. All three of these medications are considered to be safe and effective in treating substance abuse disorders when combined with support and counseling.
How MAT Can Help Treat Opioid Use Disorder
During MAT, the medication that a patient uses will tightly bind to the same receptors in their brain as other opioids do. Because of this, the medicine will block the effects from other opioids and will help reduce opioid cravings. It can also help with symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Medication-Assisted Treatment gives patients the tools they need to succeed during the early recovery process. Not only will this form of treatment give them time to normalize the body functions they lost, but it will also allow patients to focus on treatment and shut out distractions.
This type of treatment can be administered for as long as needed. Patients may participate in Medication Assisted Treatment for weeks, months, years, or even the rest of their lives.
Is Methadone MAT the Right Choice For You?
If you decide to participate in Medication Assisted Treatment, you must be willing to commit to treatment. This type of treatment will only work if you are determined to beat your disorder. Before starting MAT, talk to your doctor or psychologist about if this option is right for you. If they decide that you could benefit from Medication Assisted Treatment, your doctor may recommend a program or specialist.
After you are approved to enroll in Medication Assisted Treatment, you should be offered access to all three medication options: methadone, buprenorphine, and naloxone. A substance abuse professional will work with you to determine which kind of MAT is best for you. Once you collectively select one or two of the three options, treatment can begin.
Medication Assisted Treatment can be very beneficial for those with opioid use disorders, but it also has the potential to be dangerous. Please use medications carefully and let your doctor know if you experience any uncomfortable or uncommon side effects.
If you have any questions about Medication Assisted Treatment and how it works, our team of substance abuse treatment representatives at Silver Pines Treatment Center can help. Visit us here to learn more about our MAT options or give us a call at 267.209.7313 to talk with a specialist.
