Understanding MAT and the Medications Used in Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorder entails a highly complex diagnosis, with many root causes and many effective forms of treatment. But in the end, it is not the short-term treatment that matters most – it is your ability to stay drug-free for the rest of your life, and that is where medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, comes into play. But what does MAT involve and what are the drugs used in MAT?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is distinct from medical detox in that its goal is not just to cleanse your body of drugs but to keep you from using drugs again. As a longer-term form of treatment, MAT is designed with your overall well-being in place. This unique form of therapy utilizes several prescription pharmaceuticals to enhance its effectiveness and complement the coping skills, personal insights, and other things you learned while in rehab.
What Is MAT?
It is easy to see medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and medical detox as the same thing, but they are pretty different, as are the purposes they both serve. While the goal of medical detox is to wean you off drugs in the safest and most comfortable manner possible, medication-assisted treatment, or MAT is aimed at the long-term success of those suffering from opioid use disorder.
By using specialty pharmaceutical medications, MAT is designed to improve the long-term odds of success for these patients, reducing the chances of a devastating relapse and helping to keep those in recovery clean and sober.
It is important to note that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is not a substitute for other forms of therapy. In fact, MAT works best when used in conjunction with traditional methods like counseling, attendance at 12-step programs, and work on the root causes of addiction. If you are ready to begin, or continue, your journey to a better life, we encourage you to pick up the phone and call Muse today.
What Medications Are Used in Medication Assisted Treatment?
The M in MAT stands for medication, and many drugs are used to treat long-term opioid use disorder. Whether you are considering MAT for yourself or someone you care about, it is essential to know which medications will play a role in supporting your recovery.
Some of the drugs used in MAT protocols include:
- Buprenorphine – This FDA-approved medication acts as an opioid agonist, activating opioid receptors in the brain and thus preventing the intoxication that would otherwise occur.
- Naltrexone – Also approved by the FDA; Naltrexone is part of the standard MAT protocol. Naltrexone is also an opioid agonist, able to head off intoxication and help those in recovery stay clean.
- Methadone – Also an old form of treatment for heroin addicts, these days methadone is more commonly used as part of a MAT protocol. By providing recovering addicts with a carefully controlled dose of opioids, methadone can support recovery and make relapse less likely.
Medication-assisted treatment can be an effective part of your recovery, but it is vital that professionals carefully administer these powerful pharmaceutical medications. If you think MAT can help you in your own recovery, we encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about the protocol, the results, and the effectiveness of this proven form of treatment.
MAT at Muse Treatment in Los Angeles
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has shown to be an exceptionally effective approach in assisting those recovering from opioid use disorder. However, it’s essential to understand that not every MAT program offers the same level of care or results. Selecting the right treatment provider is crucial for ensuring a successful recovery journey. It’s also beneficial to explore financial options, such as anthem insurance for addiction treatment coverage, which can significantly reduce the financial burden and provide access to quality care. By choosing a provider that aligns with your needs and utilizing insurance benefits, you set the stage for a more supported and effective recovery process.
At Muse Treatment Center in Los Angeles, we understand the many factors that make medication-assisted treatment so powerful. We have access to all of the pharmaceutical drugs that help make it possible. But beyond mere access, it is our staff of medical professionals that really makes the difference – our doctors and nurses are all board-certified, with advanced training in the growing field of addiction science.
Whether you are just beginning your journey to recovery or struggling to stay clean, we encourage you to reach out to Muse Treatment Center today at (800) 426-1818. Our experienced and professional staff is waiting to take your call, so you can learn all about MAT, from how it works, drugs used in MAT, and its many benefits to how you can get started on your road to a better and safer life.
