A number of drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat alcohol and opioid addictions. Chemical imbalances in the body are caused by withdrawal symptoms and psychological urges, which MAT drugs alleviate.
- Medications for treating alcoholism
Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are the 3 most common prescription drugs for alcohol abuse disorders. Patients participating in a MAT program can benefit from them, but they do not treat the underlying condition.
- Opioid abuse medications
Using buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, doctors treat short-acting opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, and semi-synthetic opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. No negative side effects are associated with using these MAT drugs for months, years, or even a lifetime. Speak with your doctor before stopping any medication.
- Opioids Overdose Medication
The drug Naloxone reverses the toxic effects of opioid overdoses in order to prevent them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Naloxone is one of many drugs essential to a well-functioning health care system.
Applicability of MAT
According to reports, 2 million Americans were affected by opioid use disorders in 2018. Opioids include prescription painkillers containing opiates as well as heroin.MAT is therapeutically beneficial for these individuals and can help them avoid the need for inpatient detoxification. MAT provides patients with a more comprehensive, personally tailored regimen of medication and psychotherapy, which addresses the majority of their needs.The ultimate goal of MAT is the ability to live a self-directed life after full healing. Research has shown that MAT can:
- Improve survival rates of patients
- Enhance the retention of patients in treatment
As a result of these medications and therapies, there is also a reduced risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C as recurrences are less likely.
MAT Misconceptions
It’s possible that some people believe MAT entails switching from one drug to another. This is not the case; MAT pharmaceuticals are FDA-approved, evidence-based prescriptions that can regulate physiological functioning, restore balance to previously disordered brain chemistry, and prevent the reward associated with chronic substance misuse in persons in recovery.
If you take MAT medications, you might be concerned that you aren’t sober. FDA-approved drugs when administered at the discretion of a prescribing physician, can help people recover and maintain their sobriety. These drugs aren’t meant to get you high or to lead to long-term, compulsive abuse or addiction. Instead, they’re meant to assist you in maintaining your recovery while you work toward long-term abstinence.
Some folks may be concerned about MAT drugs being misused. While opioid agonist therapy drugs may have some addiction potential on their own, their reinforcing qualities are restricted when used as directed. Furthermore, drugs like Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) are designed to prevent some types of overuse by blocking part of the drug’s rewarding or pleasurable effects. That implies that if you abuse them, you won’t get high or feel euphoric; instead, you’ll be at danger of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Where Can I Get MAT Treatment?
Skyward Treatment Center is a premier provider of MAT. We also specialize in the treatment of co-occurring disorders and provide comprehensive treatment regimens tailored to your individual needs. Our competent, compassionate medical staff and team of professional addiction counselors understand what you’re going through, and they’re ready to help you get back on track.
