Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an addiction treatment program that combines counseling, behavioral therapy, and medication.
Often referred to as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), it is one of a suite of treatment options for individuals addicted to specific drugs. For individuals struggling with opioid abuse, encompassing heroin and certain prescription painkillers, our MAT therapy program stands out as the safest and most efficient form of treatment accessible.
A recent post outlined the opioid epidemic has led to over 3 million Americans diagnosed with opioid use disorder, and approximately 130 people in the US die each day from opioid-related overdoses. Despite ongoing efforts to restrict access to prescription opioids, there has been a rise in the usage of heroin and synthetic opioids, leading to an increase in opioid overdose-related deaths. Now, more than ever, the demand for evidence-based opioid treatment programs has reached new heights.
This is where our medication-assisted treatment in Delray Beach for addiction comes into play. Studies point out that in combination with a tailored outpatient or PHP program, there are minimal instances of withdrawal or other adverse reactions.
To learn more about Olympus Recovery’s Medication-Assisted Treatment Program, to understand insurance verifications, or to begin your transformative recovery journey, call (866) 305-7134.
Because no drug addiction treatment is the same, the decision on whether MAT is necessary should be made based on consultation by Olympus Recovery, the addict and their support system. Frequently, MAT is employed for patients with opioid use disorders, though this treatment option may occasionally be applicable to other drug addictions and alcohol dependence.
Some common approved drugs used in treatment for substance use disorders include:
Methadone is a medication that is typically administered in a controlled dosage to help stabilize an individual who is experiencing opioid addiction withdrawal. The dosage is then gradually reduced to manage symptoms and cravings during maintenance. Ultimately, the aim is to gradually decrease the dosage until the patient no longer requires methadone
Buprenorphine works by attaching to the same receptors in the brain as addictive opioid drugs. This prevents the opioids from attaching to the receptors and reduces withdrawal symptoms. However, buprenorphine does not cause a high if it is taken as prescribed. The dose of buprenorphine is gradually reduced over time, and the prescribing physician closely monitors its use.
Naltrexone functions by obstructing the access of opioid drugs to the brain receptors. As naltrexone doesn’t attach to the receptors directly, it doesn’t produce any effects that opioids do, and therefore this medication doesn’t cause any high, and it is not considered addictive.
Suboxone is a medication that combines two active ingredients – buprenorphine and naloxone.
Together, they work to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are addicted to opioids. When taken as prescribed, Suboxone attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the effects of other opioids and preventing withdrawal symptoms from occurring.
Combining an FDA-approved medication with psychotherapy has been proven to be the most effective treatment for opioid abuse, surpassing the effectiveness of medication or behavioral therapy alone.
MAT medication helps by:
The length of MAT depends on the individual. Some people need therapy to get through the intense symptoms of withdrawal and can move into more therapy-based interventions afterward. For others, MAT lasts longer, particularly if the individual has previous issues with relapses.
In most cases, the doctor devises a tapered schedule for weaning the person off the medication over a few months once the intense withdrawal symptoms have subsided.
Centers like Olympus Recovery provide not only a diagnosis but a structured and compassionate path to recovery. Recognizing the problem is the first step.
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Before starting Medication-Assisted treatment, the treatment team consults with the physician to determine if it is appropriate and what medication should be used. The individual starts taking the medication once they have stopped using opioids completely and are experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms.
Our Delray Beach drug treatment center specializes in substance use disorders. We offer both PHP rehab and IOP addiction treatment programs that are tailored for each individual patient. Our staff members are respectful of your privacy and encourage your addiction recovery. We prefer smaller, more intimate groups for the comfort of our patients.
The first step may be the hardest, but we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us here or give us a call at (866) 305-7134 to learn more about our medication-assisted treatment in Delray Beach, FL.
