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Medication-Assisted Treatment
What is medication-assisted treatment?
The combination of medications and counseling to treat substance use disorders.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, addressing both physical and mental aspects of substance use disorders.
It addresses:
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Cravings
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Withdrawal
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Behavior surrounding opioids, alcohol, and tobacco use
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The medication helps manage cravings and withdrawal, while counseling supports lifestyle changes and coping strategies. It can be used for opioids, alcohol, and tobacco addictions, offering both short-term and long-term paths.​
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Source: SAFE Project
MAT combines behavioral therapy with FDA approved medications to treat substance use disorders involving substances such alcohol, opioids and more. The three commonly used medications are:
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Buprenorphine:
This medication reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms but has a ceiling effect, lowering the risk of misuse.
Buprenorphine is more accessible than methadone since it can be prescribed by physicians in an office setting.
Common brand names: Suboxone, Buprenex, Probuphine.
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Methadone:
Used primarily for opioid addiction, it prevents withdrawal without blocking other opioids' effects.
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Methadone is typically recommended for individuals with severe opioid use disorder and is available daily at specialized clinics.
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Common brand names: Dolophine, Methadone HCl Intensol, Methadose.
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Naltrexone:
Effective for both alcohol and opioid addiction, naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids and reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol.
Naltrexone is often recommended for individuals who have already detoxed. Available as a daily pill or a monthly injection.
Common brand names: ReVia, Vivitrol, Depade.
These treatments are proven to support recovery and provide a pathway to a healthier life.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | How Do Medications Treat Opioid Addiction?
When somebody is addicted to something, it can take over their whole life and it hijacks their brain. People will often wonder: "Why don't they just quit? Why can't they get better?" It has changed the neural chemistry of the brain.
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If you have that extra help of Suboxone, and other medication-assisted treatment, to help recovery, it takes one more hurdle out of the way. It's so much better.
-Sonja Bjurstrom
Mind Springs Health