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How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Work?

a doctor fills a prescription for Medication assisted treatment

MAT, or medication-assisted treatment, is a treatment option for those struggling with alcohol and/or opioid addiction specifically. It involves using a medication, such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy. These methods combined can make it easier for those in treatment to focus on recovery and making lifestyle changes.

That said, it’s natural to have questions about the ins and outs of MAT therapy before committing yourself or a loved one to the program. Let’s explore how MAT works in addiction treatment, criteria to meet, and other FAQs you may want to know.

How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works

MAT therapy gives people stability in the early stages, allowing them to work on building healthy habits and addressing the deeper causes of addiction. By reducing physical struggles, medically assisted addiction treatment lowers the risk of relapse and helps people stay committed to a healthier, substance-free life. Here’s how it does that:

Reduces Cravings and Withdrawal

MAT drugs reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by using medications that work directly on the brain’s chemical balance. When someone stops using addictive substances, their brain goes through intense changes that cause strong urges to use again, along with physical discomfort from withdrawal. It’s a more sustainable way to detox than going cold turkey.

Medications used in this treatment help combat this in several ways:

  • Blocking Receptors: Some MAT drugs attach to brain receptors without creating a “high,” reducing cravings and easing withdrawal.
  • Reducing Withdrawal Symptoms: Certain medications relieve symptoms like nausea, anxiety, or shaking, making withdrawal less uncomfortable.
  • Stabilizing Brain Chemistry: MAT therapy helps restore balance in the brain’s reward system, which weakens cravings over time.

Works with Counseling

While MAT medications manage the physical side by reducing cravings and withdrawal, counseling focuses on the emotional and mental factors that lead to substance use. In therapy, people can explore personal issues, such as trauma or mental health struggles, that medication alone cannot address. 

Counseling teaches coping skills to manage stress and triggers, which becomes easier when MAT reduces the intense cravings that can interfere with progress. It also builds a support system, offering encouragement, accountability, and guidance through recovery. 

Monitored by Medical Professionals

Doctors prescribe medications based on each person’s specific needs, taking into account factors like medical history, type of addiction, and dependency level. Regular check-ins allow doctors to track progress, adjust dosages as needed, and manage any side effects that might arise. 

What Drugs Are Used in MAT?

  • Methadone is used for opioid addiction to reduce cravings and withdrawal without causing a high.
  • Buprenorphine treats opioid addiction by blocking receptors to lessen cravings and prevent misuse.
  • Naltrexone is used for both opioid and alcohol addiction; blocks the effects of these substances to reduce cravings.
  • Vivitrol is given as a monthly injection to reduce cravings and block substance effects; it’s an extended-release form of naltrexone.
  • Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone used for opioid addiction; it reduces cravings and withdrawal while naloxone prevents misuse.
  • Acamprosate helps people with alcohol addiction by stabilizing brain chemistry to reduce cravings. 
  • Disulfiram treats severe alcohol addiction by causing unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed to deter drinking.

The Criteria for Using Medication-Assisted Treatment

Doctors determine who qualifies for medically assisted treatment by looking for substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms. This is the name for a condition that includes addiction and damaging, non-addicted abuse. 

There are 11 possible SUD symptoms:

  • Strong cravings for the substance in question
  • An inability to control your level of substance use
  • Rising tolerance to the effects of a given substance
  • Substance-related problems at work, at home, or in school
  • Maintaining a level of substance use that you know harms your health
  • Continuing a level of use that damages important relationships
  • Using a given substance is clearly dangerous situations
  • Making multiple unsuccessful attempts to halt your substance use
  • Turning substance use into the focus of your daily routine
  • Going into withdrawal when your substance use falls or stops
  • Favoring substance use over previous activities or interests

To be diagnosed with a substance use disorder, you must have at least two of these symptoms. Those symptoms may be addiction-related. They may also be related to non-addicted abuse.

Be aware that MAT is only used in opioid and alcohol treatment. This means you must meet the general criteria for a SUD and also have problems related to opioid or alcohol use.

Is Medically Assisted Treatment Part of Detox?

MAT therapy typically begins during the detox process if you are addicted to opioids or alcohol. Detox is where you:

  • Stop using the substance in question
  • Receive help for the symptoms of substance withdrawal
  • Reach initial sobriety
  • Prepare for further treatment in rehab

Medication is sometimes the focus of MAT in detox. For example, in opioid detox, you may receive medication that serves as a temporary opioid substitute. The goal here is to help you avoid the worst effects of withdrawal as you work toward initial sobriety. 

Alternatively, you may have the option to participate in a holistic detox. This form of detox de-emphasizes medication use. Instead, it focuses on therapy, exercise, and additional treatments.

What Happens After Detox?

Once you complete detox, it’s time to enter a follow-up rehab program. MAT also plays an important role here. For example, you may receive Vivitrol, an extended-release version of the medication naltrexone. This medication is administered by injection once a month. It encourages continued sobriety by stopping opioids from reaching your brain.

An addiction recovery plan that includes Vivitrol must also involve psychotherapy. Potential therapy options include cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy. Your treatment team will help you find MAT options that fit your specific needs.

How Long Does Someone Typically Stay On MAT?

Some people use it short-term to ease withdrawal, while others may continue it for months or even years to maintain stability in recovery. A healthcare provider always determines the timeline.

Why is MAT Only Used for Alcohol or Opioid Addiction? 

MAT is used mainly for alcohol and opioid addiction because these substances cause specific changes in the brain that medications can target. Alcohol and opioids create strong physical dependence, leading to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT medications, like methadone for opioids or naltrexone for alcohol, work on brain chemistry to reduce these cravings and make withdrawal easier.

For addictions like stimulants (cocaine or meth) or cannabis, no medications currently ease cravings or withdrawal as effectively. These substances impact the brain in more complex ways that are harder to treat with medication alone. As a result, treatment for these addictions focuses on behavioral therapy and counseling rather than medication.

Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment FAQs

Does MAT replace one addiction with another?

No, MAT does not create a new addiction. The medications used in MAT are carefully managed to prevent abuse and dependency. For example, medications like methadone and buprenorphine do not produce the same high as opioids, making them safer and effective for recovery support.

Can someone use MAT without going to therapy?

MAT works best when paired with counseling, as therapy addresses the mental and emotional causes of addiction. While it’s technically possible to use MAT alone, therapy provides a more comprehensive treatment, supporting long-term recovery.

What are the possible side effects of MAT medications?

Side effects vary by medication but may include nausea, drowsiness, constipation, or headaches. Doctors monitor patients to manage any side effects and adjust the treatment as needed.

Can MAT be used for adolescents?

Yes, MAT can be used for adolescents with opioid or alcohol addiction, but it’s typically considered only after other options have been explored. A doctor will determine if MAT is safe and appropriate for younger patients.

Will insurance cover the cost of MAT?

Many insurance plans cover MAT as part of addiction treatment, but coverage varies. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand specific costs and coverage options.

What happens if someone relapses while on MAT?

If a person relapses, their treatment plan may be adjusted. This could mean additional counseling, a change in medication, or extra support to strengthen recovery strategies.

Learn More About Medication-Assisted Treatment

If you’re still curious about MAT, we at Northpoint Washington can help. We’ll help you determine if this is the right course of action for you or your loved one and, if not, find the solution that is. To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 855.712.6949 or contact us online.

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