Medications for Addiction Treatment
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment?
As would be expected given the name, medications are an indispensable element of MAT methods—but they aren’t the only component of such treatment. Instead, MAT entails a combined approach to treat substance use disorders. MAT combines pharmacological treatment (medications) with behavioral treatment (e.g., evidence-based therapies) that is tailored to a patient’s unique needs. Many people have been helped in recovery through this whole-patient-focused approach.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a multifaceted approach to treating substance use disorders that has been shown to significantly reduce cravings, mitigate the rewarding effects of certain drugs, and ultimately lead to a decrease in both alcohol consumption and the continued use of other substances. The primary objective of MAT is to facilitate comprehensive recovery for individuals struggling with addiction.
Research has demonstrated several key benefits of MAT, including:
- Improved Survival Rates: Individuals engaged in MAT programs exhibit higher survival rates compared to those who do not receive such treatment. This can be attributed to the stabilization of their condition and reduced risk of overdose.
- Enhanced Treatment Retention: MAT has been associated with increased retention in treatment programs, meaning that patients are more likely to continue participating in the prescribed interventions over time. This sustained engagement is critical for long-term recovery.
- Reduction in Criminal Activity: Participation in MAT has been linked to a decrease in criminal behavior related to opioid and other drug use. By addressing the underlying substance use issues, MAT helps to diminish the need for individuals to resort to illegal activities to support their addiction.
- Improved Employment Outcomes: Individuals receiving MAT have shown greater success in gaining and maintaining employment. As treatment addresses addictive behaviors and helps stabilize lifestyles, many patients find it easier to reintegrate into the workforce.
MAT is not merely a pharmacological solution; it encompasses a holistic approach to recovery. The treatment integrates various strategies aimed at addressing numerous aspects of a patient’s life. This may include vocational training and support, comprehensive medical and mental health services, family counseling to improve interpersonal relationships, and assistance with any legal issues that may arise as a result of substance use.
MAT includes ongoing monitoring and support, coupled with screenings, referrals, and individualized counseling. This approach ensures that all facets of an individual’s life are considered, laying a foundation for long-term recovery and enhancing overall well-being. By treating the whole person, MAT fosters a more robust framework for recovery that supports sustainable change.
There is no formula for how long MAT should be continued. This needs to be determined by the patient in collaboration with the treatment team.
What Are the Components of MAT?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with various behavioral therapies for addiction treatment. This combination has proven effective for the comprehensive treatment of certain substance use disorders. It allows for the simultaneous pharmacological management of some of the physical symptoms associated with substance use (or substance withdrawal), as well as behavioral therapeutic interventions for related psychological, mental, and emotional issues.1
Before entering a MAT program, individuals undergo a thorough assessment by a physician, which helps the physician determine the appropriate course and level of MAT, including the best medications for an individual’s particular needs.3
Patients often start with a period of medical detox to help them become stable as they withdraw from the substance.4 They may then progress through a more rehabilitative phase of a treatment program that strives to empower them to better cope with major life issues. All the while, a combination of medication and therapy will continue to be utilized. At the completion of the more rehabilitative and supportive phases of MAT, a patient will transition to medical maintenance treatment that mainly involves medication to help manage their SUD in the longer term.2,6
MAT drugs that you may receive vary depending on the type of substance use disorder being treated. In cases of opioid use disorder management, treatment medications may, at some point, be gradually tapered off (though long-term maintenance may last for several years, if not indefinitely).2 MAT can be used to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
Medications Used to Help You Stop Drinking Alcohol
To treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), individuals may receive: 1,3,4
- Acamprosate. This helps people who are already in recovery avoid alcohol use. Typically started on the 5th day of abstinence, acamprosate does not prevent withdrawal symptoms but helps individuals avoid alcohol use.
- Disulfiram. This is designed to decrease drinking behavior in people who have already detoxed or have begun a period of abstinence. It causes unpleasant symptoms if you drink, so it can help decrease relapse risks when taken daily.
- Naltrexone. This helps block some of the rewarding or reinforcing effects of alcohol, to decrease the likelihood of continued drinking.
Medications Used to Help You Stop Misusing Opioids
To treat opioid use disorder (OUD), individuals may receive: 1,3,4
- Buprenorphine. This partial opioid agonist has a very high affinity for opioid receptors. It can reduce cravings and minimize some of the uncomfortable symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
- Methadone. A longer-acting, full opioid agonist, methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings and through the development of cross-tolerance, may diminish the euphoric high of other opioids, should they be used during methadone treatment.
- Naltrexone. This opioid receptor antagonist blocks the euphoric and sedating effects of opioids. When utilized for OUD treatment, it may help to suppress opioid cravings and discourage continued opioid misuse.
Combined With Therapy
MAT may also consist of or occur alongside different behavioral interventions, such as:2
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals identify and change unhelpful behaviors and thoughts about themselves and their addiction.
- Contingency management (CM) to help individuals stay motivated by providing tangible rewards (like vouchers for goods) for positive changes.
- Community reinforcement approach (CRA) to help identify the reasons for wanting to make changes in one’s life and find healthier ways of coping with stress and other triggers to misuse substances.
- Motivational enhancement (ME) to help individuals engage and stay motivated in treatment.
- Group therapy. This can include a variety of groups, such as psycho-educational, skills development, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal process, or support groups.
Take Our Substance Misuse Self-Assessment
Take our free, 5-minute substance misuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance misuse. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.
Does Insurance Cover MAT Treatments?
Most health insurance plans provide coverage for at least a portion of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and in some cases, they may cover the entire cost associated with such treatment. This is significant, especially considering the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which mandates that group health insurance plans offer benefits for substance use disorders that are on par with the benefits provided for medical or surgical care. This law was designed to eliminate discrepancies in coverage and ensure that individuals seeking treatment for addiction can access the care they need without facing higher out-of-pocket expenses than those seeking treatment for other medical conditions.
Given these nuances in coverage, it is highly advisable for individuals seeking MAT to reach out to their insurance provider or plan administrator. Doing so can help clarify specific benefits, coverage limits, and any prerequisite steps necessary to access treatment. This proactive approach can help ensure that individuals receive the maximum benefits afforded to them, ultimately supporting their recovery journey.
To find out more about whether your insurance may cover rehabilitation or MAT at AAC, use the form below.
How Long Does MAT Last?
Medication-assisted treatment durations vary from one individual to the next, depending on factors such as addiction severity, clinician recommendations, patient wishes, overall health, and the rate of recovery progress. Some individuals may remain on a MAT regimen for years. If, at any point, a decision is reached between you and your doctor to discontinue treatment, you’ll receive assistance with tapering off the medication when the time is right for you.9
How to Find MAT Treatment Near Me
AAC is a leading provider of MAT at our inpatient and outpatient facilities located across the nation. We also specialize in co-occurring disorder treatment and offer individualized treatment plans that are customized to your specific needs. Our expert, compassionate medical staff and team of professional addiction counselors know what you are going through, and they are qualified to provide the best assistance to support you on your path to recovery.
Call to begin your recovery journey and start living the life you deserve!
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT
