Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT):
Some people may find it difficult to stop using drugs because they are overcome by the urge to fulfill their cravings or prevent withdrawals. Medication Assisted Treatment can help individuals control their cravings and the symptoms experienced from withdrawal while also avoiding the use of illicit opioids. Medication-assisted therapy, when combined with psychological treatment, offers a unique approach for treating drug addiction that targets the whole-person.
Some people may find it difficult to stop using drugs because they are overcome by the urge to fulfill their cravings or prevent withdrawals. Medication Assisted Treatment can help individuals control their cravings and the symptoms experienced from withdrawal while also avoiding the use of illicit opioids. Medication-assisted therapy, when combined with psychological treatment, offers a unique approach for treating drug addiction that targets the whole-person.
Prescription Medication Options:
There are a variety of prescription medications that can be used to treat addiction, including Buprenorphine (Subutex), Buprenorphine and Naloxone (Suboxone) or Naltrexone (Vivitrol).
There are a variety of prescription medications that can be used to treat addiction, including Buprenorphine (Subutex), Buprenorphine and Naloxone (Suboxone) or Naltrexone (Vivitrol).
- Patients suffering from opiate and alcohol addiction may find an injectable, long-acting version of naltrexone (Vivitrol), to be an effective treatment option. This treatment is non-narcotic and is provided by a health care practitioner once a month.
- Buprenorphine binds to the opioid receptor, only partially activating it. It helps to reduce cravings and is generally tolerated by patients. It can be administered by licensed physicians in an office environment.
- Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) is taken once a day to treat opiate addiction. Buprenorphine is an opioid pain reliever that is also known as a narcotic. Naloxone mitigates the benefits of opioid medications, such as pain alleviation and feelings of well-being, which can lead to addiction.
What to Expect:
Medication Assisted Treatment may be beneficial to some individuals, particularly those who have previously tried and were not successful with other treatment options. At the start of therapy, each patient is evaluated, and an appropriate MAT alternative may be given if needed. For most patients, cravings are eliminated, and they find that they are now able to concentrate on the program’s counseling and education offerings.
Medication Assisted Treatment may be beneficial to some individuals, particularly those who have previously tried and were not successful with other treatment options. At the start of therapy, each patient is evaluated, and an appropriate MAT alternative may be given if needed. For most patients, cravings are eliminated, and they find that they are now able to concentrate on the program’s counseling and education offerings.
