02 Dec What is Medication Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT, is a type of treatment that uses medication in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MAT is an evidence-based practice that has been shown to be effective in treating these disorders. It is important to note that MAT is not a standalone treatment and should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as counseling and therapy.

MAT is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “MAT decreases opioid use, reduces opioid-related overdoses, deaths, and infectious disease transmission.” If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, medication assisted treatment may be an option worth considering.

How Medication Assisted Treatment Works

MAT works by addressing the three main components of addiction: the physical component, the psychological component, and the social component.

The physical component refers to the changes that happen in the brain when someone becomes addicted to a substance. These changes can lead to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when the person stops using the substance. Medications used in MAT help to normalize brain function and reduce cravings, making it easier for people to abstain from using drugs or alcohol.

The psychological component refers to the thoughts and emotions that contribute to addiction. Addiction can often be driven by negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Counseling and behavioral therapies help people address these underlying issues so that they can better cope with triggers and prevent relapse.

The social component refers to the environmental factors that can contribute to addiction. This could include things like peer pressure or access to drugs or alcohol. It’s important to identify these risk factors so that they can be avoided in recovery. Counseling and behavioral therapies can also help people develop healthy coping mechanisms and social support networks.

How can Medication Assisted Treatment be Used

MAT can be used to treat a variety of substance use disorders including alcohol use disorder, heroin use disorder, and opioid use disorder. The medication approved for use in MAT varies depending on the substance being treated. For example, methadone is commonly used to treat heroin addiction while buprenorphine is used to treat opioid addiction.

MAT works by reducing the craving for the addictive substance as well as the symptoms of withdrawal. This allows patients to focus on their recovery without being distracted by their cravings or withdrawal symptoms. In addition, MAT can help stabilize patients so that they can participate in counseling and therapy.

MAT is evidence-based practice that has been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, please seek professional help. MAT may be an option for you or your loved one and can provide the support needed to begin the journey to recovery.

Find Help with Medication Assisted Treatment

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many resources available to those who are seeking treatment. One option is medication assisted treatment (MAT).

This type of treatment combines medication with counseling and other support services to help people recover from addiction. MAT can be an effective way to overcome substance abuse and achieve long-term sobriety. If you’re interested in exploring this option, there are a few ways to find help. You can start by talking to your doctor or mental health provider. They can give you more information about MAT and refer you to a treatment program.

There are also many online resources that can help you learn more about this type of treatment and find a program in your area. With so many options available, there’s no reason to delay getting the help you need. Get started today on the path to recovery.

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Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Marie Benz MD FAAD