How Medication Assisted Treatment Is Transforming Addiction-💜

Key Takeaways

• Medication Assisted Treatment relies on the use of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to treat the symptoms of opioid and alcohol use disorders.
• The NIH and CDC have observed that MAT improves patient retention in substance abuse recovery programs, increases survival rates, and reduces the risk of overdose.
• MAT services are often covered by many insurance plans, including Medicaid in states like Michigan. The MAT Act also makes it easier for primary care providers to prescribe these medications for better treatment of OUD and more.
• For best practices, this medication-assisted treatment program is most successful when combined with evidence-based practices like CBT.
• This combined treatment approach manages both addiction and its effects on a patient’s mental health, reduces drug related criminal activity, and results in cost savings for healthcare systems. It also supports the long-term recovery and treatment of substance use disorders.

What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication Assisted Treatment relies on FDA-approved medications to treat opioid addiction and alcohol use disorder. An effective treatment plan with MAT often combines medication management with CBT based counseling and behavioral therapies for best results.

Organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the Department of Health support this comprehensive approach to outpatient treatment for the treatment process because of its evidence-based foundation.

Methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone, all used in MAT, work to adjust the part of your brain chemistry that is directly linked to cravings and withdrawal. These drugs help restore your brain’s normal function and reduce the risk of relapse during the recovery journey.

MAT also supports integrated medical services since it addresses the whole person through a combination of medical care, mental health care, family involvement, and vocational support, in addition to medication management.

Many healthcare plans in Michigan provide insurance coverage for all or some of MAT services for opioid misuse. Medicaid may also cover this treatment depending on state laws. Recent changes in legislature have improved treatment access and made it easier for healthcare professionals to prescribe these life-changing medications without additional obstacles.

Key Medications Used in MAT

Here's a closer look at some of the medications used in MAT:

1. Methadone is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder by acting as a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist. It reduces the euphoria associated with withdrawal symptoms and cravings and is taken orally.
2. Buprenorphine, also used for opioid dependence, acts as a partial agonist at opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It comes in sublingual forms or injections.
3. Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, also manages withdrawal symptoms.
4. Naltrexone works well for both opioid and alcohol use disorders. It blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, and interrupts the rewarding effects of drinking for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
5. Acamprosate is used for alcoholics working towards recovery and reduces the urge to drink.
6. Disulfiram helps people get sober by causing unpleasant symptoms if they consume alcohol.

All these medications are FDA-approved and can largely impact treatment outcomes for those struggling with addiction by reducing the likelihood of relapse and overdose and improving patient survival rates.

Benefits of MAT in Transforming Addiction

Medication Assisted Treatment drastically improves recovery outcomes for those dealing with opioid use disorder. It lowers overdose rates and supports better health overall.

Improved recovery outcomes

Patients participating in MAT are more likely to stick with addiction treatment programs than those who are not receiving medication. Pregnant women receiving this treatment have shown improved birth outcomes and rates as well.

There is also a decrease in risks related to drug use, like hepatitis C or HIV transmission. Many patients successfully using MAT are able to return to work, avoid criminal activity, and see fewer emergency room visits. 

Reduction in overdose rates

Evidence has proven that when treatment providers prescribe medications like methadone and buprenorphine, it lowers the risk of fatal opioid overdoses.

Opioid overdoses can also be prevented through education and resources. Prevention tools like fentanyl test strips exist to help those undergoing treatment or in an opioid treatment program.

The collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities can also help strengthen access to these life-saving MAT medications, assisting many who are struggling with substance abuse disorders.

CNS Healthcare Can Help

Medication Assisted Treatment is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to transforming addiction recovery. MAT can improve recovery outcomes and reduces the rate of overdose through medications that reduce the intensity of cravings and withdrawals.

MAT provides a practical path for effective change, making this life-saving treatment easily available for those attempting to overcome substance use disorders. If you're a local Detroit resident in need of some help managing your addiction, reach out to CNS Healthcare. Get connected with our health professionals today and get the help you need!

FAQs