What Does MAT Mean in Medical Terms?


MAT stands for medication-assisted treatment, which refers to using safe medications to help the patient manage the detox and recovery processes when undergoing addiction treatment. It is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. The “assisted” part of MAT is crucial to understand as it is not a lone solution but one component of a holistic treatment program. The treatment recognizes addiction as a disease that requires proper medical management. The combination of medication and therapy during medication-assisted treatment Los Angeles residents can access help them heal both physically and mentally, addressing the complex challenges of withdrawal and craving management while also working through the underlying issues that may have contributed to their substance use disorder. While several medications can be used during addiction treatment, including non-addictive anxiety medication options for those with a co-occurring anxiety disorder, MAT specifically aims to assist addiction treatment and help patients fully treat the disease.

How Does the MAT Program Work?

A MAT program is primarily used to treat the most addictive prescription drugs like opioids and alcohol, though it can be applied to other substance dependencies as well. It works by providing medications like methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone for opioid dependence, and acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone for alcohol dependence. The medications help block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieving cravings and improving body functions. As patients progress through the program, their treatment plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on their progress and changing needs. The length of treatment varies by patient, with some requiring several months or years of support.

Throughout the MAT process, patients are closely monitored through regular check-ups and medication adjustments to ensure safety and effectiveness. This medical component helps stabilize the patient’s brain chemistry and physical symptoms, allowing them to focus on their recovery while lessening cravings and easing withdrawal. During MAT, patients participate in counseling and behavioral therapy sessions, including individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and support group meetings.

How Effective Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

When properly prescribed and monitored, MAT has been shown to significantly help patients overcome drug and alcohol addiction. MAT reduces the risk of fatal overdoses, and patients in MAT programs are more likely to remain in treatment compared to those who don’t receive medication support. MAT has shown success rates by reducing opioid use and mortality rates for patients trying to overcome opioid abuse. With alcohol use disorder, medications like naltrexone and acamprosate have been shown to reduce drinking habits and increase abstinence rates.

Despite the effectiveness of MAT programs in treating substance abuse, there are individual factors that determine a patient’s treatment success. These include patient compliance, treatment length, and the program’s comprehensiveness. The combination of medication with counseling and behavioral therapy has been shown to produce better outcomes than those receiving either component alone. While MAT isn’t a guaranteed solution for overcoming drug addiction, its evidence-based approach is the most effective treatment available for opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Where Is the Best Place for Medication Assisted Treatment in Los Angeles?

When searching for medication-assisted treatment in Los Angeles, patients should find treatment centers that employ board-certified addiction specialists and have physicians specifically certified to prescribe medications like Suboxone®. The facility should offer comprehensive medical services, including thorough initial assessments, regular medical monitoring, and the ability to treat co-occurring mental health conditions. Verifying that the center accepts your insurance or offers manageable payment plans is also important. Quality programs should be transparent about their treatment approaches, success rates, and what to expect during recovery.

The best MAT programs in Los Angeles provide a full spectrum of care, including individual and group counseling, family therapy, case management services, and connections to community resources. Look for centers that offer flexible treatment schedules to accommodate work and family obligations. Visit or contact potential facilities and ask about their specific protocols for medication management to find the best treatment facility in Los Angeles that meets your individual needs.

Find Medication-Assisted Treatment Los Angeles Residents Can Access

Muse’s Medication Assisted Treatment Programs in Los Angeles, California are designed to ease the detox and recovery processes when rehabilitating from addiction. From opioid treatment and anxiety medications to pain management and ADHD, there are a host of effective, medically prescribed pharmaceutical drugs that can be utilized during and beyond recovery to help keep our clients living a life free from substance abuse.

Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction utilizes buprenorphine based medications including:

  • Suboxone
  • Subutex

Buprenorphine is a valuable medication used in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids, such as prescription painkillers and heroin. These symptoms, which can include headaches, nausea, muscle aches, and excessive sweating, can be significantly alleviated through the use of opioid treatment drugs like Suboxone. In our medication-assisted treatment program, which combines the careful administration of buprenorphine with traditional rehabilitation therapy methods, individuals can expect a smoother and more comfortable detox process. The pain and discomfort typically associated with opiate detox can be a significant trigger for relapse. By incorporating drugs like Suboxone into our medication-assisted treatment, we provide individuals with a higher likelihood of achieving long-lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is seeking help with alcohol detox in Los Angeles, we offer comprehensive support and care to facilitate a safe and successful recovery journey.

Medication Assisted Treatment for anxiety utilizes benzodiazepine-based medications, including:

  • Xanax
  • Valium
  • Ativan
  • Klonopin / Clonazepam
  • Dalmane (sedative used to treat insomnia)

Muse Treatment Center provides medication-assisted treatment Los Angeles residents can access to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. As a professional rehab center in Los Angeles, we provide patients with a bevy of addiction treatment options, including MAT. We know that prescribed medications can support focus and overall well-being during treatment. Integrating medications like Suboxone® into our medication-assisted treatment increases the chances of patients achieving lasting addiction recovery. If you or a loved one is looking for assistance with detox in Los Angeles, we offer comprehensive support and care to ensure a safe and successful recovery journey. To answer any questions about the use of specific medications while undergoing addiction treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 800-426-1818 today.

 

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