Making the challenging decision to seek treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) can open the door to a new life in recovery. However, the journey begins with a professional detox program that will start clearing the body of toxins. To make this transition into treatment more manageable and to prevent the chance of relapse, enrolling in a MAT clinic offers the best chance of success.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) allows the treatment team to manage withdrawal efficiently and support the client throughout detox. Prevention of relapse is a viable concern to address with the assistance of medication-assisted treatment.
What is A MAT Clinic?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) utilizes FDA-approved medications, counseling, and positive coping techniques to meet the challenges of treatment. Using medications increases the client’s chances for a complete recovery.
Using innovative therapy options combined with evidence-based therapies and MAT allows the treatment team to design an individual or personal approach to the treatment plan. Finally, not all treatment centers or facilities utilize medications throughout treatment, which may increase the chance of relapse.
Exploring Medication-Assisted Treatment Benefits
The most essential benefit of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is how it helps to prevent relapse. Understanding that substance use and mental health conditions may disrupt the chemical foundation in the brain. Medication can be the tool that helps to restore the neuro pathways in the brain to a normal state.
It can aid in the whole-person treatment approach to substance use treatment. It is essential to understand how the use of medications during treatment can benefit recovery.
The following benefits of the MAT clinic promote recovery in addiction treatment:
- Effectiveness of medication as a tool in overcoming addiction
- Affordability because insurance plans now cover part or all of medications
- Freedom as a supportive tool for managing recovery and maintaining sobriety
- Integrates well with other components of treatment
- Going home with medication makes that transition easier
Can A MAT Clinic Be Outpatient?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and outpatient programs (OP) often integrate medication-assisted treatment into their treatment plans. An outpatient MAT clinic gives individuals the opportunity to address their mental health needs and other symptoms affecting their sense of well-being after detox.
Therapists and medical professionals can monitor individual progress throughout the treatment plan and reevaluate medication needs. Addressing distracting symptoms through medication allows an individual to focus on recovery and their therapeutic progress.
MAT Clinic Success Rates
The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare reveals the statistics they found on the success rates for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The study states that medication relieves withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery. Without MAT, relapse rates are high, 65% to 80% after 1 month and over 90% after 6 months. Research proves that medications typically used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person.
Pregnant women dependent on opioids need to participate in a MAT program with supervision from a physician. Recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) state the standard of care for pregnant women with an OUD is methadone or buprenorphine because this is the safest treatment for the woman and fetus. The abrupt ending of opioid or alcohol use is dangerous to both the mother and child. Healthcare providers can inform their patients on how to find a MAT Clinic near them.
MAT for Alcoholism
The FDA-approved medication of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is naltrexone, which reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Vivitrol, approved by the FDA in 2006, is a once-a-month drug. Disulfiram (Antabuse) interferes with the metabolizing of alcohol and causes unpleasant side effects.
Side effects include nausea, chest pain, headache, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Continual monitoring of progress, side effects, and dosages is standard practice.
MAT for Opioids
Medication-assisted treatment opportunities (MAT Clinic) are only one component of treatment for an opioid use disorder. Therapy combined with medication offers a higher percentage of success with longevity in sobriety. The 3 drugs that are FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder are Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Methadone. These are typical prescriptions that block opioid receptors at some level.
Side effects of Naltrexone can be vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia, and joint or muscle pain. Dosages may change to address these side effects, and doctors and therapists have consultations to achieve the treatment goals.
How to Find a MAT Clinic Near You
If you are wondering how to find a MAT Clinic near you, contact your healthcare provider, mental health professional, or treatment center you trust for a referral. MAT is only one component of treatment and works well with intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP).
When researching the best options for a personal program, be sure the center offers MAT options. Transitioning through recovery is much easier with the use of a MAT Clinic. Recovery can be possible with a whole-person approach to treatment.
Be In Control of Your Addiction Treatment Plan
Understanding the essential components of addiction treatment can help you feel more confident in your recovery. Tennessee Valley Recovery provides many options, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a valuable tool that enables more focus on therapy and self-awareness during recovery.
Contact Tennessee Valley Recovery for advice on considering your addiction treatment needs.