Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) is a broad-spectrum method of treatment of substance use disorders. At Orlando Treatment Solutions, our specialists offer this effective treatment which empowers patients to take back control of their lives from substance use disorder. The primary purpose of MAT is to manage withdrawal symptoms, cope with cravings, and help the patient maintain a sober life, which makes MAT the backbone of the addiction treatment.

What is Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT)?

MAT is an effective treatment approach to substance use disorders that includes pharmacotherapy, which is the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with psychotherapy and behavioral therapies. The aim is to treat the body and mind of an addict to make sure that they get the best shot at adoption and recovery. As a technique refined over more than 30 years of research and practice, MAT has been proven to enhance patient outcomes decrease rates of relapse, and ultimately enable patients to lead happier, more productive lives.

Despite its proven effectiveness, MAT is often misunderstood. Critics view it as a myth to fine-tune it to suggest that medication in the treatment of addictions is merely swapping from one drug to another. Nonetheless, these drugs can be useful when a part of a more thorough treatment regimen, making the brain chemistry more stable, blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, and eradicating the desire to use substances.

How MAT Works

MAT involves taking medication for treating substance addiction while simultaneously participating in behavioral therapy to address the psychological aspects of the illness. This two-pronged approach aids in the process of rebalancing the brain chemistry, in the elimination or at least the decrease of the cravings, and in enabling patients to concentrate on the therapy and forthcoming changes for the better.

Medications used in MAT can be equally administrated to help in managing withdrawal symptoms and minimize cravings. They achieve this by mimicking the substance that is being ingested but do it in a safer and more regulated way.

Psychosocial therapies in MAT enable patients to change the approaches they use in substance use, improve healthful interpersonal skills, and stick to other forms of treatment like medication. This all-encompassing would make it easier for the patients to get support in all the areas hence improving the chances of recovery.

Types of Medicines Used in MAT

1. Methadone 

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist, which alleviates opioid craving and withdrawal syndrome but does not cause the ‘high’ associated with opioid abuse. It is prescribed to be taken in a clinical area under the supervision of a doctor.

1. Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the opioid receptors and exerts its effect on the same receptors in the brain but is much weaker than full opioids like heroin and methadone. This helps to minimize withdrawal signs and desire for the substance in addition to minimizing the likelihood of abusing it.

1. Naltrexone

Naltrexone is considered an opioid antagonist since it opposes the rewarding and depressive effects of drugs including heroin, morphine, as well as codeine. It is used for maintenance treatment in patients who have been detoxified from opioids and is available in tablet and injectable form as a monthly dosing.

Several factors determine the type of medication to be prescribed depending on the specific substance use disorder, the level of addiction, the patient’s preference, as well as any mental health disorders that may be present.

Conditions Treated with MAT

Opioid Use Disorder

MAT is long effective in opioid use disorder and alleviates compulsive craving as well as the withdrawal symptoms related to opioid dependency.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone are other medications considered for the treatment of alcohol dependence which they work to control withdrawal symptoms and protect against relapse.

Other Substance Use Disorders

MAT is mostly applied for opioid and alcohol use disorder, however, there are new studies that are being conducted to apply it to other substance use disorders thus giving hope to people with addiction to other substances.

MAT at Orlando Treatment Solutions

Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

The first process of MAT in Orlando Treatment Solutions involves an evaluation process to determine the nature of substance use disorder and any co-occurring conditions. It involves medical, psychiatric, and social assessments to design an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient makes a regimen that has the right medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy needed for the specific case. This plan is deliberated for individuals and tailored depending on the needs and environment surrounding the patient.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments

Treatments are reviewed frequently and the determined treatment regimen is modified to fit the patient’s condition if necessary. Intake of medication, compliance with the same, and the reaction of the body to treatment is usually closely observed.

Integration with Other Treatment Services

MAT provided at Orlando Treatment Solutions is combined with other treatment methods such as individual as well as group therapy, support groups, as well as other therapeutic applications.