Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines therapies and prescription drugs to help individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) avoid severe withdrawal symptoms that may interfere with their recovery. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we offer MAT alongside other evidence-based treatment methods. Prescription drugs can increase the quality of life for individuals attending treatment for disorders related to opioids or alcohol. MAT is a safe way to ensure clients can focus all their energy on healing and recovery during rehabilitation.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT incorporates a range of treatment methodologies including psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, prescription medications, and alternative holistic therapies to help people with SUD establish and maintain sobriety. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used.” MAT provides relief from physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal caused by chemical changes in the brain. The medications help clients to retain the energy, focus, and motivation they need to heal from the effects of SUD. With MAT, some clients can thrive in their recovery.
What MAT Medications Do We Offer at Newport Beach Recovery Center?
Newport Beach Recovery Center tests and assesses every client to determine if they would benefit from MAT. Then, we decide which medication would provide the most significant relief. We use FDA-approved MAT drugs, including:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Vivitrol
- Suboxone
Every treatment plan takes into account personal, religious, and cultural preferences regarding the use of medication drugs to assist with the rehabilitation process. We only use MAT when strictly necessary and never make prescription medications a mandatory part of recovery for clients. MAT can significantly improve the treatment outcome for individuals struggling with substance abuse related to alcohol and opioids. The drugs limit psychological cravings and chemical changes affecting thought patterns during detox and withdrawal.
Who Benefits Most From MAT?
The individuals who will benefit most from MAT abuse high doses of very addictive substances. Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) are especially vulnerable to severe acute withdrawal symptoms and side effects. MAT is not a cure for SUD, and it does not entirely eliminate cravings or other symptoms of withdrawal. According to the previously mentioned research by SAMHSA, individuals with OUD were most likely to benefit from MAT. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that MAT decreases the risk of dangerous side effects related to opioid misuse. In addition, “Some medications may also reduce the risk of subsequent overdose.”
Clients who benefit most from MAT may check the following boxes:
- History of substance misuse involving opioids or alcohol
- Repeated relapses while in recovery for OUD or AUD
- Co-occurring health issues that may make withdrawal from alcohol or opioids dangerous
- AUD that has not responded to psychotherapy
- Pregnant
What Can You Expect From MAT?
MAT requires the care team to closely monitor clients when prescribing and dispensing prescription drugs. Clients must undergo regular testing and check-ins to ensure they remain healthy. In many cases, clients slowly taper off the medication over the course of months or years, and during that time, they experience minimal cravings or physical symptoms. Individuals who abuse alcohol may experience discomfort if they drink during treatment or recovery due to the side effects of MAT drugs. The uncomfortable sensations caused by drinking reinforce abstinence and positive lifestyle changes.
MAT does the following:
- Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Lowers the risk of relapse and overdose
- Improves the effectiveness of therapy
- Provides better treatment outcomes
During MAT, clients attend weekly therapy sessions to help them heal and address underlying issues contributing to the SUD. Medication management may also be part of the treatment process to ensure that clients receive the correct dose of medication, on time, throughout their rehabilitation. Regular testing is necessary to ensure they remain on track in their recovery.
Does MAT Require Residential Treatment?
MAT does not require residential treatment. Clients in residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programs may benefit from MAT. We tailor each treatment plan to meet the client’s needs and ensure they have the resources required to continue healing at every level of care. Clients participating in MAT will be monitored closely and expected to comply with the recommendations of their care team regarding tapering schedules and other details of medication use. The process can take a long time. However, MAT often contributes to long-term positive outcomes for clients recovering from SUD.
Medication-assisted treatment decreases the risk of relapse or overdose by limiting the effect of withdrawal symptoms related to substance use disorder. MAT is a safe and practical choice for many individuals in recovery. Clients with alcohol or opioid-related SUD may benefit from prescription drugs designed to treat the symptoms of those conditions. MAT helps individuals with severe SUD feel comfortable enough to focus all their energy and motivation on recovery from their disorder and treating underlying issues. Medications stabilize brain chemistry and allow clients to focus their thoughts on healing and building new routines. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses MAT to complement other methodologies like psychotherapy and behavioral therapies. We believe these traditional therapies combined with specific MAT can help certain clients achieve and maintain sobriety. Â to learn more about our treatment programs and the services we offer, call us today at (888) 850-0363.Â
